Steve Bryant is a founding partner of RunSwitch PR with more than fifteen years of experience managing public relations, crisis communications and issue advocacy campaigns for a wide variety of clients. He specializes in corporate communications and public affairs support for government regulated industries.

Steve has vast experience working with media, state government, the business community and the health care industry in Kentucky. He has been at the forefront of numerous state and federal PR campaigns, including efforts to defeat prescription requirements for cold medicines, promoting legal liability reform, advancing telecommunications infrastructure and promoting life science innovation.

He has put his skills to work for numerous Fortune 500 companies and national organizations such as Allstate, Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Boeing, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, Honeywell, the US Chamber of Commerce and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) among others.

In 2010, Steve built his own public relations firm which he successfully grew and operated for several years before merging with his current partners to form RunSwitch PR. Prior to that, he helped another Kentucky PR firm grow from one office to a regional presence with offices in five states in just three short years.

Prior to moving to Kentucky, Steve worked with PR-giant Hill & Knowlton in Florida where he consulted on some of the state’s most high-profile issues including property insurance, nuclear power, affordable housing and real estate development. He advised one of the nation’s largest insurers after hurricanes ravaged the southeast from 2003 to 2005, coordinated a statewide advocacy campaign in support of nuclear power and provided crisis communications counsel to a major New Orleans-based university after Hurricane Katrina.

Education

Steve is a graduate of Florida State University.

Civic Involvement

Steve is a graduate of the 2017 Bingham Fellows class, 2015 graduate of the Leadership Louisville Program and a member of the 2015 Business First of Louisville 40 Under 40 class. He serves as Communications chair for the American Diabetes Association in Kentucky.

Experience

Founding Partner, RunSwitch PR (2012-Present)

Founding Partner, BK Public Affairs (2010-2012)

Senior Director, Peritus Public Relations (2007-2010)

Account Executive, Hill & Knowlton, Inc. (2004-2007)

Account Coordinator, Geiger & Associates Public Relations (2000-2004)

Media & Scheduling Inquiries: contact Kaylee at kaylee@runswitchpr.com.

“Scott Jennings is charming, he’s fun, he’s dressed prosperous-dad-casual in…polo shirt and khakis. He’s also lethal.” – New York Magazine

Scott Jennings is RunSwitch co-founder and partner, providing senior level communications, public affairs, political and crisis communications counsel for national and international clients. When it comes to blending grassroots campaigns, communications tactics, and political strategy, Scott is one of the most experienced and successful operatives in the country. His expertise on political strategy, polling and public policy often lands him on Fox News, MSNBC, and other national media outlets who value his experienced insights. In June 2017, Scott signed a contract with CNN to become a Political Commentator. Scott was named a Resident Fellow to the Harvard Institute of Politics in Spring 2018, where he will teach eight seminars in the Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge.

Scott’s career has taken him across the country as part of four presidential campaigns and numerous U.S. Senate, congressional, state, and local races. He served in key roles in both of President Bush’s campaigns in 2000 and 2004, before becoming Special Assistant to the President and Deputy White House Political Director in 2005. At the White House, Scott served as a liaison to members of Congress, state and local officials, and key business, political and community leaders nationwide, and his office advised the president on numerous issues.

Scott has served in senior positions on several highly targeted races, helping U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (’02, ’08, ’14), Congressman Brett Guthrie (’08-present), and numerous local Kentucky candidates.

In 2014, Scott served as Senior Advisor to Kentuckians for Strong Leadership, a Super PAC that spent millions helping reelect Senator McConnell. He also served in a similar role for the Kentucky Opportunity Coalition, a 501(c)4 non-profit dedicated to educating Kentuckians about critical issues. That group has spent millions of dollars on issue advertising in Kentucky since 2013.

After leaving the White House in 2007, Scott joined a Louisville PR firm as Director of Strategic Development, growing the business by 300% during his tenure. Before politics, Scott was an award-winning broadcast journalist for WHAS Radio from 1996-2000.

Scott was born on October 26, 1977, in Princeton, Kentucky. He grew up in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Louisville. Scott is married to the former Autumn Stiff of Whitesville, Kentucky, and they have three sons, Everett, Winston, and Thatcher, and one basset hound, Rufus, who was rescued by the family in January of 2010.

Scott writes a regular column for the Louisville Courier-Journal which appears every third Wednesday. You can regularly find him quoted by CNN, The New York Times, the Associated Press, Politico, The Hill, Roll Call, National Journal, National Public Radio, U.S. News & World Report, and other news outlets.

Education

Scott is a graduate of the University of Louisville, and the U of L McConnell Center for Political Leadership

Civic Involvement

Board Member, Louisville Forum
Cub Scout Pack 308 Den Leader
Bingham Fellows Class of 2015
Leadership Kentucky Class of 2014
Board Member, Alice Lloyd College
Volunteer, McConnell Center for Political Leadership
Volunteer, Aubrey’s Song Foundation
Volunteer, Prospect City Parks
Business First of Louisville “Top 40 Under 40”

Experience

Founding Partner, RunSwitch Public Relations (2012-present)
Resident Fellow, Harvard Institute of Politics (2018)
Political Commentator, CNN (2017-present)
Senior Advisor, Jeb Bush for President (2015-2016)
Columnist, Louisville Courier-Journal, (2013-present)
Kentuckians for Strong Leadership Super PAC, Senior Advisor and Spokesman (2013-2014)
Kentucky Opportunity Coalition 501(c)4, Senior Advisor and Spokesman (2013-2014)
Senior Advisor and Ohio State Director, Mitt Romney for President (2012)
General Consultant, Kentucky Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer re-election (2012)
Media Consultant to Kentucky state Senate campaigns of Joe Bowen and Mike Wilson (2010)
Senior Communications Advisor, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s Re-Election (2008)
Senior Advisor and General Campaign Consultant, Congressman Brett Guthrie, (2008-present)
Director of Strategic Development, Peritus Public Relations (2007-2012)
Special Assistant to the President and Deputy White House Political Director (2005-2007)
Executive Director, Bush-Cheney for President New Mexico (2004)
Political Director, Ernie Fletcher for Governor of Kentucky (2003)
Political and Communications Director, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s re-election (2002)
Communications Director, Republican Party of Kentucky (2001)
Press Secretary, Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus (2001)
Staff Member, Presidential Inaugural Committee (2001)
Political and Communications Director, Bush-Cheney for President Kentucky (2000)
Broadcast Journalist, WHAS Radio (1996-2000)

Gary Gerdemann is a founding partner of RunSwitch and has more than 30 years experience leading communications and communications teams in large organizations and startups. Mr. Gerdemann is an award-winning strategist, spokesman, entrepreneur, writer and public speaker. A former newspaper reporter, Gerdemann is a media and crisis expert having conducted thousands of interviews with print, broadcast and online reporters. Mr. Gerdemann’s work has supported the launch and growth of several major national brands including Boston Market, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Lipton ready to drink teas, Gamefly and eToys. Gerdemann’s experience includes investor and financial relations including debt and equity offerings, annual reports and quarterly releases; employee and internal communications; food contamination issues and recalls; environmental issues; activist and stakeholder engagement; and corporate social responsibility. Mr. Gerdemann is active on several professional and community boards and is a community volunteer involved in several youth organizations.

Prior to RunSwitch, Mr. Gerdemann was Senior Vice President of Peritus leading the firm’s public relations teams in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio and Alabama. Under his leadership, the agency grew from a single office in Kentucky to six offices in five states while revenue quadrupled. His teams won more than four dozen industry awards and attracted a range of national and international clients.

Prior to Peritus, Mr. Gerdemann was Senior Director of Corporate Communications for Gap, Inc., the largest specialty retail apparel company. Based in San Francisco, Gerdemann led a seven person business and financial communications team responsible for all external corporate communications including the company’s first ever corporate social responsibility report. Before Gap, Mr. Gerdemann was Vice President of Corporate Communications for Los Angeles-based Homestore.com, Inc. and prior to that he led business and investor communications for eToys.com, Inc.

Before moving to California, Mr. Gerdemann was Director of Strategic Communication Development for Atlanta-based Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest energy companies. Mr. Gerdemann led development of a company-wide communication strategy that included financial, investor, media and internal communications as well as governmental relations. Prior to Atlanta, Mr. Gerdemann joined Denver-based Boston Chicken, Inc., and (later renamed Boston Market) to create and develop the company’s internal and external communications functions. He was later tapped to join the 24-member startup team that created the Einstein Bros. Bagel brand. While there, Mr. Gerdemann led all aspects of corporate communications for Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp., a $350 million subsidiary of Boston Chicken. He designed and executed a communications strategy to support the company’s Initial Public Offering, subsequent add-on offering and senior subordinated debenture raising more than $291 million to fund growth. He hired and directed regional PR agencies to support the opening of more than 200 retail stores in more than a dozen markets.

Before Boston Market and Einstein Bros, Mr. Gerdemann was Director of Worldwide Public Affairs for KFC Corp. in Louisville and led all internal and external communications for 9,000 KFC restaurants worldwide. Before KFC, Mr. Gerdemann was Manager of Public Relations for Pepsi-Cola in New York where he led consumer public relations efforts for Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer and the Pepsi/Lipton joint venture. He also supported many consumer initiatives including the launch of Crystal Pepsi, SuperBowl XXV and the NCAA Collegiate Basketball Championship. He was a primary media spokesman handling more than 1,200 media calls per year.

Education

Mr. Gerdemann is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, a former licensed Emergency Medical Technician by the state of New York and the owner of a federally-registered trademark (Registration #3133611).

Civic Involvement

Mr. Gerdemann serves on the Board of Directors of the American Advertising Federation, Louisville and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Public Relations Society of America, Bluegrass Chapter.

Experience

Founding Partner, RunSwitch PR (Present)
Vice President, Peritus Public Relations
Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Gap, Inc.
Director of Strategic Communication Development, Southern Company

Ben is a Senior Vice President for RunSwitch and has almost two decades of experience in healthcare, public affairs, public relations, and issue advocacy campaigns. He has created numerous health-related trade associations and is experienced in building communities around issues impacting businesses and organizations. Ben has also built two monthly newspapers focused on healthcare issues in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Ben is an expert at raising awareness around issues through community and relationship building. He has strong contacts in the biotechnology and healthcare industries as well as in state government. He is experienced in breaking down complex issues and developing grassroots efforts to influence policy makers.

Before joining RunSwitch, Ben created IGE Media, parent company of Medical News, Medical News for You and the MediStar Awards. He served as the founder for the Kentucky BioAlliance, a trade association focused on supporting the biotech industry in Kentucky. He also founded the Association for Corporate Growth – Kentucky and the Louisville Angel Investor Network.

Ben is experienced in public affairs, issue advocacy, media and communications, marketing, advertising, and relationship building.

Education

Ben is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Kentucky.

Civic Involvement

Ben serves on the board for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Kentucky Life Science Council and the Sailing for a Cure Foundation.  He volunteers with numerous issue advocacy organizations as a writer, connector and fundraiser.  Previously, he served on the boards of the Health Enterprises Network Alumni Association, Venture Club of Louisville and Association for Corporate Growth.

Experience

Senior Vice President, RunSwitch PR (Present)
Founder, IGI Media
Founder, Kentucky BioAlliance
Founder, Association for Corporate Growth

Kaylee Carnahan Price serves as Senior Vice President of RunSwitch PR. Her success in political arenas and public relations campaigns make her a sought after consultant. Kaylee offers clients expertise in strategic communications counsel, project management, grassroots programming, media relations, and media buying. Internally, Kaylee is a respected mentor and leads staff development and training practices.

After working for Congressman Brett Guthrie, Kaylee worked on several campaigns full time in battleground states including Texas, Ohio, and Iowa. Kaylee first worked on a statewide campaign in Texas – Roland Sledge for Railroad Commissioner where she was in charge of running a grassroots program in a region which included Houston. In 2012, Kaylee joined the Romney for President Campaign in Ohio as Special Assistant to the State Director. In the most targeted state in America, Kaylee helped manage more than 150 staffers statewide. She assisted with coalition building, media relations, event planning, and carrying out the most robust grassroots program ever seen in a Republican campaign to date.

In 2014, Kaylee spent eight months on Governor Terry Branstad’s campaign in Iowa. The campaign team was in charge of building the largest and most innovative grassroots team ever seen in Iowa, finding supporters at the precinct level across the state. Kaylee’s region included Des Moines and Polk County, the capitol and largest county in Iowa respectively. The Governor’s field team was an integral part of turning out Republicans to the off-year caucuses in January 2014 and building a grassroots team to support the entire 2014 Republican ticket in Iowa.

When RunSwitch opened in 2012, Kaylee was a member of the initial team serving as Chief of Staff and handling media relations, media buys, coalition building, and office management. Since that time, Kaylee has quickly risen to join the senior leadership team, putting her fast-paced experience and knowledge to work for public affairs clients and traditional public relations clients. Bringing a campaign-style approach to her work, Kaylee is appreciated by clients for her strategic, quick work that produces immediate and long-term results.

Numerous Kentucky companies and interest groups rely on Kaylee for their public relations needs. Her brass tacks approach to grassroots, public affairs projects means that clients in many industries trust Kaylee to help them influence government outcomes, both in Frankfort and in Washington D.C. Kaylee’s solution-oriented approach has led clients like GenCanna, North American Stainless, and Kentucky Farm Bureau to trust RunSwitch for their full strategic communications needs.

In 2017, Kaylee was named PR News’ Rising Star Under 30. She is a graduate of Leadership Kentucky’s Elevate program, Ignite Louisville, Focus Louisville, and YPAL’s Emerging Leaders. She currently serves as a WKU Political Science Alumni Ambassador and volunteers with her church, Our Saviors Lutheran, and Volunteers of America. In addition to outstanding client work, the RunSwitch staff looks to Kaylee as a leader. From mentoring and teaching new staff to developing and running internal professional development initiatives, Kaylee is helping RunSwitch grow into the future.

Originally from Illinois, Kaylee moved to Kentucky in 2005 to attend Western Kentucky University. Kaylee and her dog Governor have traveled the country, but now call Kentucky home with her husband Adam.

Education

BA in Political Science – Campaign Management
BA in Communication Studies, Western Kentucky University

Experience

Senior Vice President, RunSwitch PR (2019-present)
Vice President, RunSwitch PR (2017-2019)
Senior Account Director, RunSwitch PR (2016-2017)
Account Director/Chief of Staff, RunSwitch PR (2014-2016)
3rd Congressional District Field Director,
The Branstad Committee (2013-2014)
Chief of Staff, RunSwitchPR (2013)
Special Assistant to Romney for President
State Director, Ohio (2012)
Southeast Texas Field Director,
Roland Sledge for Railroad Commissioner (2012)
Staff Assistant/Constituent Services Representative,
Congressman Brett Guthrie (2009-2012)
Intern, Congressman Ray LaHood (2007)

Chris Nation is a Vice President at RunSwitch PR with more than ten years of experience implementing advertising, brand development, public relations and digital campaigns for clients. Nation leads the digital division at RunSwitch which focuses on using digital strategy and emerging technologies to amplify public affairs and public relations efforts for clients.

Recognized for his work in the digital space, he was invited to join the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA), Interactive Media Council, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Since 2012, he has judged some of the most impressive digital work both nationally and internationally as a judge for The Webby Awards, Horizon Interactive Awards, The Communicator Awards, W3 Awards, and Davey Awards.

He has put his skills to work for high-profile clients such as: Tampico Beverages, General Motors, Conagra Foods, First Watch Restaurants, Mellow Mushroom, General Electric, Rafferty’s, Western Kentucky University, Junior Achievement, Louisville Metro Government and The Melting Pot.

Nation has held academic posts at Western Kentucky University and Lindsey Wilson College as an instructor teaching Communication and Public Speaking courses. He regularly gives presentations and workshops on social media and digital strategy.

He is an active community volunteer currently serving as the Chairman of the Board for the American Advertising Federation of Louisville (AAF-Louisville) and a board member for Volunteers of America Mid-States. He had the honor of serving as the 2018-2019 President of the American Advertising Federation of Louisville, 2016-2017 President of the Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) and previously served as an Ambassador to U.S. Representative John Yarmuth for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Nation is a graduate of the Leadership Louisville Class of 2019, Ignite Louisville Class of 2016, Focus Louisville Class of 2013 and Leadership Bowling Green Class of 2012. He was awarded the “Hot 10” Award in 2015 and the Five Star Member Service Award in 2018 by the American Advertising Federation of Louisville, recognized in 2017 by Insider Louisville as one of the “Top 100 Marketing & Advertising Influencers in Louisville,” and is a 2017 recipient of Louisville Business First’s Forty Under 40.

Education

Chris holds a Master of Arts in Corporate & Organizational Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Western Kentucky University.

Civic Involvement

Current:

• Board of Directors, Volunteers of America Mid-States
• Board of Directors, American Advertising Federation of Louisville

Previous:

• Ambassador to U.S. Representative John Yarmuth, Alzheimer’s Association
• Board of Directors, Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana
• Community Impact Cabinet, Metro United Way
• President, Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL)
• Board of Directors, Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI)
• Board of Directors, Leadership Louisville Center
• Board of Directors, Louisville Downtown Development Corporation (LDDC)
• Board of Directors, Community Winterhelp, Inc.

Experience

Vice President, RunSwitch PR (2018 – present)
Director of Client Services, Quantum Communications (2013 – 2017)
Account Director, Hitcents (2011 – 2013)
Account Manager, Hitcents (2010 – 2011)
Adjunct Instructor, Lindsey Wilson College (2010)
Instructor, Western Kentucky University (2009 – 2011)
Account Executive, Imagewest (2009 – 2010)
Account, Media & PR Intern, Doe-Anderson (2009)

Kathryn Parrish is a public relations professional with valuable experience in media relations, public affairs, crisis communication, brand development, social media and digital marketing.

Kathryn served as Press Secretary for Iraq War veteran David Bellavia’s 2012 congressional campaign in western New York. After, she began working for Steuben Foods in Elma, New York, where she oversaw day-to-day operations and communications for a nonprofit focused on community preparedness. Upon graduating from the University at Buffalo in 2013, Kathryn relocated to Arlington, Virginia and joined the Institute for Humane Studies as Marketing and Social Media Coordinator. In January 2014, she started working at Americans for Prosperity’s national headquarters as External Communications Manager. Kathryn oversaw AFP’s nationwide email strategy, assisted with media relations and provided communications support to departments across the organization, including fundraising, digital media, events and public policy.

Kathryn relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina in November 2014 and joined French/West/Vaughan as an Account Executive. At FWV, Kathryn provided strategic public relations counsel and developed and executed integrated marketing campaigns for a variety of B2B, B2C and nonprofit clients, including ABB, Community Care of North Carolina, Eller Capital Partners, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Veteran Golfers Association.

Education

Kathryn graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where she majored in political science.

Experience

Senior Account Director, RunSwitch PR (2019 – present)
Senior Writer & Proposal Strategist, Aleron Shared Resources (2019 – 2019)
Senior Public Relations Manager, The Martin Group (2018)
Senior Account Director, RunSwitch PR (2018)
Account Director, RunSwitch PR (2017-2018)
Senior Account Executive, RunSwitch PR (2015-2017)
Account Executive, French/West/Vaughan (2014-2015)
External Communications Manager, Americans for Prosperity (2014)

Woody Maglinger joined RunSwitch PR as a Senior Account Director following a career of nearly two decades in state and local government.

Woody served as Press Secretary and Deputy Communications Director for the Commonwealth’s 62nd Governor Matt Bevin, striving to keep the 4.5 million citizens of the Bluegrass State informed about vital developments in Frankfort—from record-breaking economic development to transformative adoption and foster care system reforms.

As a senior executive staff member, his roles included strategic communications planning, serving as a spokesperson for Gov. Bevin, coordinating public events and appearances, writing and disseminating press releases and official statements, interacting with state, national and international media outlets, and providing guidance to cabinet communications officers throughout the Executive Branch.

Woody previously served as Communications Director for the Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet under Secretary Hal Heiner, assisting with the launch of innovative new programs like the Work Ready Skills Initiative and the Dual Credit Scholarship Program.

A native of Owensboro, Kentucky, Woody worked in a variety of roles over 15 years at the Green River Area Development District in western Kentucky prior to joining the Bevin Administration. In addition to communications, his diverse career experiences have included cartography, real estate, grant writing and serving as a “roving city manager” to rural municipalities.

Woody is a graduate of the University of Kentucky (BA in History/Political Science) and Western Kentucky University (MA in History). One of his passions is Kentucky history. He has taught courses at Western Kentucky University-Owensboro and Kentucky Wesleyan College and has published a book examining lynchings in Progressive Era western Kentucky.

He resides in Frankfort with his wife Leigh Ann (Sansom) and their two children Hope and Will. They are active members at Buck Run Baptist Church and part of the Classical Conversations homeschool community in Frankfort. When not frequenting youth baseball/softball fields, cross country running courses, and basketball courts, the Maglingers enjoy exploring the Commonwealth—especially its scenic backroads and incomparable natural treasures.

Education

MA in History – Western Kentucky University
BA in History/Political Science – University of Kentucky

Experience

Senior Account Director, RunSwitch PR (2019 – Present)
Deputy Communications Director, Governor Matt Bevin (2018 – 2019)
Press Secretary, Governor Matt Bevin (2016 – 2018)
Communications Director, Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet (2016)
Communications Director, Green River Area Development District (2007 – 2016)

Civic Involvement

2015 Graduate of Leadership Kentucky Program
Kentucky Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – Advisory Board Member (2009 – 2017)
Daviess-McLean Baptist Association – Executive Board Member (2015 – 2016)
Frankfort Parks & Recreation – Youth Baseball/Softball Coach (2016 – Present)

Mary Jane Rodes is a Senior Account Director at RunSwitch. A former staffer for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and for U.S. Senator John Barrasso, Mary Jane also has a background in grassroots programming and advocacy, public affairs, event coordinating and relationship building. Additionally, she has volunteered for numerous political campaigns.

Mary Jane moved to Washington, DC in 2009 to work as a Staff Assistant for Senator Mitch McConnell. After a few months, she became a Legislative Correspondent, focusing on policy issues pertaining to healthcare and education. In 2011, Mary Jane became the Director of Special Projects for Senator John Barrasso where she worked on a multitude of projects, served as an office liaison, planned a variety of meetings and events, and coordinated the intern program.

After getting married in November 2015, Mary Jane moved to Atlanta with her husband where she became a Grassroots Manager for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). She later became a Senior Grassroots Manager, continuing to expand the grassroots efforts of small business owners in 5 states. She also coordinated events to connect NFIB members to their candidates and elected officials during her tenure at NFIB.

A native of Winchester, KY, Mary Jane is a graduate of Centre College where she was the Student Government President and active in many organizations on campus. She now lives in Louisville with her husband and sons.

Education

BA in International Studies – Centre College

Experience

Senior Account Director, RunSwitch PR (2018-present)
Senior Grassroots Manager, NFIB (2018)
Grassroots Manager, NFIB (2015-2018)
Director of Special Projects, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (2011-1015)
Legislative Correspondent, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (2009-2011)
Staff Assistant, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (2009)
Sales and Relocation Consultant, North American Van Lines (2008-2009)
Field Consultant, Tri Delta (2007-2008)

Jamie Sears Rawlings serves as account director for RunSwitch Public Relations, bringing 15 years of expertise in managing public relations campaigns and projects for companies of all sizes. During her career, Jamie has been instrumental in overseeing the production of award-winning annual reports for members of the University of Louisville Foundation and in bringing national consumer brands to new markets.

During her previous work in the public relations agency space, Jamie worked with hospitality giant Marriott to introduce two new products to the Louisville market—the Louisville Marriott Downtown and the Residence Inn-Louisville Downtown—in addition to providing general communications support and crisis communications to the properties. She led the successful launch of cell-provider Cricket Wireless in the Lexington, Ky. market.

As the director of communications for an electric cooperative in rural Western Kentucky, Jamie increased the communications presence of the 75-year-old utility through the development of a new website, the adaptation of new member outreach tools and the planning of several successful member meetings.

Throughout her career, Jamie has cultivated relationships and expertise in the agriculture space as an advocate for the interests of agri-businesses and growers on the local, state and national level. She participated in the team that brought a new soil fumigant through the EPA registration process, marking it as the first new soil fumigant registered in two decades. She fought for the interests of tobacco growers in the Federal Tobacco Buyout and for the rights of swine producers to expand their presence in Western Kentucky. As the Kentucky Correspondent for Farm World Newspaper, Jamie produced front-page coverage for the fire that destroyed Kentucky’s Blue Grass Stockyards and for several key federal agriculture issues.

The product of a Kentucky farm in herself, Jamie has experienced first-hand the unique challenges and opportunities that modern agriculture faces. She utilizes this experience to communicate the messages of modern agriculture effectively.

Education

Jamie is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in public relations.

Experience

Account Director, RunSwitch Public Relations (2019-present)

President, Lowes Road Communications (2014-2019)

Director of Communications, West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative (2009-2014)

Account Executive, Peritus Public Relations (2003-2008)

Hayley Marchionda Pugel joins the RunSwitch PR team as an Account Director with more than five years of experience in branding, community and public relations and event management. Hayley was recently an Account Executive for NDP Agency where she worked on the Kindred Healthcare account, assisting the account manager in media placement and reporting and tracking initiatives to drive company ROI. She also served as a copywriter for social media campaigns and assisted in the execution of the brand’s recent advertising campaign launch.

Before working for Kindred Healthcare, Hayley served as the Communications Manager for McDonald’s of Central and Southeastern Kentucky with Moroch Partners where she managed all internal and external communications for 70 owner-operated restaurants in the Bluegrass. She wrote, researched and pitched stories to the media, managed the brand’s social presence and executed community events as well as served as a spokeswoman for the brand. Hayley was an integral part of the national All-Day Breakfast launch and created a community campaign to generate awareness and create buzz, for which she won a Silver Addy Award from the American Advertising Federation.

Prior to her time at Moroch, Hayley worked as a Marketing and Community Relations Manager with Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt in Central Kentucky. In this role, Hayley planned and oversaw events for the local franchise, including catering and staffing. She also designed and distributed marketing materials for individual stores and trained staff on local promotions. Hayley created successful guerrilla marketing campaigns in the community to create traffic back to the stores and ultimately grow the business.

Education

Hayley graduated from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY where she majored in Integrated Strategic Communications with an emphasis on Graphic Design.

Civic Involvement

Hayley serves as a Community Group Leader through Sojourn Community Church and regularly volunteers on behalf of the church in the community.

Experience

Account Director, RunSwitch PR (Present)

Senior Account Executive, RunSwitch PR (2017 – 2020)

Account Executive, NDP Agency (2016-2017)

Communications Manager, Moroch Partners (2014-2016)

Marketing and Community Relations Manager, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt (2013-2014)

Nicole Burton joins the RunSwitch PR team as an Account Executive following nearly four years of service as a member of Governor Matt Bevin’s communications team.

During her tenure in the governor’s office, Nicole gained valuable experience in crisis/rapid response communications and strategic planning, as well as in coordinating public events and appearances. Most recently, she served a dual role as both Press Secretary and Social Media Director for the Office of the Governor. In this capacity, Nicole planned and implemented digital content across multiple social media channels; maintained successful relationships with local, state, national, and international media professionals; regularly coordinated events with White House officials; and assisted in planning and implementing strategic communications for key executive branch initiatives across cabinets.

Prior to Nicole’s employment in the Governor’s Office, she worked as a community journalist for the Casey County News. As the sole staff writer for the weekly paper, she was responsible for covering news events across many disciplines, including health and wellness, education, local and state government, and business. While working with the local community, Nicole found a new-found passion for writing and communicating big ideas.

A native of Liberty, Kentucky, Nicole majored in History at Lindsey Wilson College before leaving in 2013 to pursue a professional career. She held multiple jobs before being employed by the Casey County News in 2015 and, whether working as a customer representative at a warehouse or serving as a Kindergarten teacher and respite parent at a children’s home in Mississippi, enjoyed rising to each unique challenge. Every opportunity Nicole accepted provided her with new, valuable experience, adding a diverse set of tools to her skill set and broadening her worldview.

In her free time, Nicole can be found writing children’s books and screenplays, volunteering at her church and across her community, writing music, or spending time with her family and friends.

Nicole currently resides in Frankfort but calls all of Kentucky home, and is always looking ahead to the next challenge.

Experience

Account Executive, RunSwitch PR (Present)

Press Secretary, Office of the Governor (2018 – 2019)

Social Media Director, Office of the Governor (2016-2019)

Deputy Press Secretary, Office of the Governor (2016-2018)

Community Journalist, Casey County News (2015-2016)

Ashley Bitters has joined RunSwitch PR as an Account Executive. She is a media and communications professional with a demonstrated work history in news media, digital marketing, and storytelling.

Before joining RunSwitch, she was a news producer for the ABC affiliate in Henderson, Kentucky. As the evening newscast producer, she catered news to a targeted audience and showcased stories in creative, compelling ways.

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Ashley moved to western Kentucky to attend Murray State University. At Murray State, she began writing for the student newspaper, The Murray State News, where she climbed the ranks from staff writer to editor-in-chief—a role in which she supervised the production of the award-winning weekly campus paper, including all aspects of editorial and advertising.

Aside from Ashley’s involvement in news, she has experience in marketing and recruitment efforts. She previously served as the marketing intern at The Vince Carter Realty Team in Paducah, Kentucky, where she launched the firm’s first social media strategy and increased engagement across all social media channels.

While earning her degree, Ashley was also executive director of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Up ‘til Dawn program. She was responsible for the management of their annual fundraiser, branding, recruiting and developing fundraising tactics to help students reach their personal fundraising goals. Under Ashley’s leadership, more than $40,000 was raised for St. Jude. She also served as vice president of membership recruitment for her sorority, which included event planning, creating workshops on values-based conversation and implementing overall recruitment and retention strategies.

Born and raised in the heart of Alabama, Ashley now calls Kentucky home, as she is nestled in Louisville with her husband Ryan and goldendoodle Bourbon.

Education

Ashley received her Bachelor of Science degree from Murray State University in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Experience

Account Executive, RunSwitch PR (Present)

Senior Account Coordinator, RunSwitch PR (2019 – 2020)

News Producer, WEHT-TV 25 (2019)

Editor-in-Chief, The Murray State News (2018-2019)

Marketing Coordinator Intern, The Vince Carter Realty Team (2018)

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Up ‘til Dawn Executive Director, Murray State University (2017-2018)

Vice President of Membership Recruitment for Alpha Omicron Pi, Murray State University (2017-2018)

Benton Nighbert is an Account Coordinator for RunSwitch PR. He joined the team in early 2019 as an intern and then joined the team full time.  Benton is an experienced professional with a  background in constituent services and strategic communication.

Prior to joining the RunSwitch team, Benton was an intern with U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY-06). During his time there, he assisted with the coordination of Veterans Coalition Meetings and interfaced with constituents on a daily basis to assist with federal agency issues. He also assisted the district with grant applications.

Benton graduated cum laude from the University of Kentucky in May 2019. While attending the University of Kentucky, he was a member of the Finance Society and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). As a member of the Finance Society with the Gatton College of Business of Economics he helped organize events such as resume workshops, education seminars, and socials.. As a PRSSA participant, Benton attended a National Assembly in Atlanta, Georgia and also various conferences in the region.

Education

Benton graduated from the University of Kentucky with a double major in Marketing and Business Organizational Communication

Civic Involvement

Bluegrass Miracle League, baseball program for both youth and adults with special needs

Adaptive Sports Connection, empowers children, adults, and veterans with physical and cognitive challenges through sports and therapeutic outdoor recreation

Experience

Account Coordinator, RunSwitch PR (Present)

Intern, RunSwitch PR (2019)

Intern, U.S. House of Representatives (2018)

Katie Custer joins the RunSwitch PR team as an Account Coordinator. She has experience in community relations, facilitation, event planning, and research.

Before joining RunSwitch as an intern, she was heavily involved in various organizations during her time as a student at the University of Kentucky. At UK, she served as the Panhellenic President and President-Elect in the Panhellenic Council. In this role, she planned council events, created and facilitated workshops, maintained council relations and communications, and recruited on behalf of the council.

Aside from Katie’s student organization activities, she has experience in event planning and coordination. She previously served as a Student Event Coordinator for the Office of University Events at the University of Kentucky. Through this role, she planned and coordinates small and large scale events on the University’s campus. Katie also served as a conference intern for the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values. Here she aided in the execution of the largest gathering of undergraduate students while ensuring conference attendees were satisfied throughout their experience.

Education

Katie received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Organizational Communication from the University of Kentucky.

Experience

Account Coordinator, RunSwitch PR (Present)

Intern, RunSwitch PR (January-May, 2020)

Student Event Coordinator, Office of University Events (2019)

Panhellenic President and President-Elect, University of Kentucky (2017-2019)

Conference Intern, Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values (2019)

Before joining RunSwitch PR as a consultant, Terri Studer served as SW Ohio Regional Director for the 2012 Romney for President campaign, where she helped oversee campaign events, coordinated coalition outreach programs, and built volunteer networks, working with state and county political groups and  campaign teams to organize grassroots voter contact efforts throughout region.

Previous to the 2012 Presidential campaign, Terri was a member of campaign teams for the Ohio Republican Party and for Governor John Kasich.

Terri currently serves as Campaign Coordinator on the Executive Board of the Ohio Federation of Republican Women, as well as sitting on the Agriculture Committee for the National Federation of Republican Women.

A graduate of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s AgriPOWER program, Terri serves on OFBF’s leadership team, specifically in areas of outreach and education. In Spring 2015, Terri graduated from the JoAnn Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute.