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Michelle is a three-time Emmy Award winning journalist who worked as a broadcast journalist for ESPN, CNN and FOX. After a storied career in the TV industry, Michelle transitioned to Public Relations as principal for her own consulting agency before being named Director of Marketing for one of the Hartford area’s largest nonprofits. A passionate storyteller, Michelle develops, executes and manages innovative and multi-dimensional earned media strategies as well as overseeing the creation of comprehensive public relations plans for the agency’s clients and organizations.

As a journalist, Michelle has reported on some of the most notable personalities and stories of the last 3 decades, earning numerous industry awards. Additionally, her experience in front of the camera and writing for several national publications gives our PR clients an advantage when it comes to pitching great stories and leveraging her industry-wide contacts.

Client Experience

What awards/recognition do you value most?

I am most proud of my Edward R. Murrow award, considered one of the most prestigious industry awards, recognized for Excellence in Journalism. There is nothing more sacred than telling someone’s story – whether as a reporter or a PR professional — and I had the privilege of telling Marlin Briscoe’s story – the first starting black quarterback in the NFL. Sometimes, you have an expectation of how you might tell a story, and then something magical happens… you are presented with a humanity that can take your breath away. Marlin’s story was one of those moments. What an honor to share his story in such a way that the work involved was recognized for its ethics, while exemplifying the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community.

What do you find most fulfilling about your work?

There is arguably nothing that leaves me feeling more accomplished in my work than the moment the vision of a client is executed …and as an added bonus, exceeds the client’s expectations. But even before getting to that point, helping the client bring their ideas to life is incredibly satisfying and rewarding. PR can be considered both an ‘art’ and a ‘science’ – a discipline that requires unassailable skill – and can have a significant impact on the future success of a brand. Being trusted with that process is an incredible privilege.

How do you hold it together when things get stressful?

I credit my career as a journalist for the capacity to manage stressful situations. We are trained to react at a moment’s notice (not for the faint of heart), process information at the speed of light and deliver the news on deadline while your producer is screaming in your ear, all without so much as a flinch. The readiness to multitask on live TV is very real.

But toss in an additional layer, and having the ability to simplify and streamline an arduous and intricate topic is nothing short of challenging.

Nothing prepares you more for managing stress than being live on the air and breaking news happens…there are no more scripts or teleprompter, forcing you to rely on your talent to share news as it is unfolding, while being accurate, poised and sometimes an expert in the subject matter. Breaking news is the very definition of problem-solving on the fly!

What activities do you enjoy?

Once a writer, always a writer. I still enjoy writing sports stories for a variety of publications, including U.S. Lacrosse Magazine and USA Hockey Magazine, and often I uncover those stories in the most unexpected ways – like talking to my son’s P.E. teacher after school only to learn he was one of the best lacrosse players to ever play the sport.

When I am not tapping a keyboard, there is nothing that relaxes me more than spending time in the kitchen. My obsession with cookbooks and trying new recipes is a constant reminder for my mother that I should have been a chef! I think I enjoy cooking even more now because my 14-year old son eats everything I put in front of him, even preferring my cooking over takeout. I absolutely love to entertain – and what better way to enjoy my family and friends than breaking the bread I make during one of my Saturday night dinner parties.

But my most favorite activity on any given day, is watching my son play sports. Whether it’s hockey, lacrosse, golf or football, nothing gives me greater joy than to watch my child do something he truly loves.

What would people find most surprising about you?

While most people would most definitely not be surprised about my love for politics, most people are surprised to learn that I was a political reporter back in the day. I had the honor of covering Susan Collins’ first Senate run, and was given the opportunity to continue covering politics or take the weekend sports anchor job.

People also find it surprising to learn that I have jumped out of an airplane twice.

Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner table?

If we’re talking notable figures, my fantasy dinner table, in which I cook (of course), is Michelle & Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Chrissy Tiegen, Jimmy Fallon & Jimmy Kimmel.