Jodi Echakowitz, Principal

Jodi Echakowitz has close to 20 years of public relations and business writing experience in a cross-section of enterprise, non-profit and consumer markets. Since founding Echo Communications in 2001, she has been relied on by senior executives in a variety of organizations to devise and implement highly successful public relations programs. A strategic thinker who pays great attention to detail, Jodi combines dogged determination with the highest levels of integrity to deliver value to clients.

Before embarking on a consulting career, Jodi held increasingly senior roles guiding the media and analyst relations programs for a number of market-leading technology companies. At Delano Technology, she worked together with high profile, multinational public relations agencies to craft and execute the communication strategies for the launch of its CRM and e-business platform and around its very successful IPO. She also helped establish and fine-tune Delano's corporate, product and vertical messaging frameworks. During her tenure at the company, Delano was included in over 600 media hits and reports by industry analysts; and won numerous corporate and product awards. Jodi helped position Delano's senior executives as industry visionaries, frequently securing them for speaking engagements at industry events.

Prior to Delano, Jodi was instrumental in launching and creating awareness for MGI Software's photo and video editing products. She helped develop and execute publicity plans, and increased mind share with industry influencers for its market leading software. Shortly after moving to Canada in 1994, Jodi joined Delrina (acquired by Symantec) where she supported the company's public relations activities for its fax, remote access and electronic forms products.

Jodi's passion for public relations began in South Africa at I.T. Projects, a technology consulting organization. At I.T. Projects Jodi provided sales, customer service, training and technical support to its national clients, and managed all aspects of the company's marketing and public relations activities.

In addition to running a successful public relations agency, Jodi is also actively involved in her community as an executive board member of the Aspergers Society of Ontario; and on the parent councils of both her children’s schools.

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Caroline M. McGrath

With over ten years of corporate experience delivering business-to-business marketing communications programs that build brand awareness and generate demand for products within the IT sector, Caroline McGrath brings deep industry knowledge and understanding of the evolving North American technology marketplace.

McGrath's corporate experience includes multinational corporations such as Xerox, Epson and Tektronix, where she delivered measurable results in the area of public relations, marketing and corporate communications. She brings a broad understanding of the importance of communicating new and complex technology solutions through clear, compelling value stories and messages to media, analysts, end users and business partners.

McGrath's corporate background is complemented by experience in both the client and agency environment. She understands the importance of client service, and in aligning strategic communications with clients' business objectives. Her portfolio includes Bell Canada Enterprise Group, Fluke Networks Canada, Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Following graduation from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in law and sociology, McGrath launched her career working for Members of Parliament and Ministers (House of Commons), and the Leader of the Official Opposition (Queen's Park). In 2001, she received Alternative Dispute Resolution certification from the faculty of law, Windsor University. She has served on the Board of the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada. In 2005, she received an ACE award from the Canadian Public Relations Society
(Toronto) for her work with Bell Canada Enterprise Group.

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Denise J. Deveau

Denise J. Deveau has been doing writing and corporate communication assignments since 1985. She has handled a wide variety of writing, research and publication coordination assignments in the government, education, high technology, financial, industrial, utility, oil and gas, and consumer categories, including newspaper articles, speeches, video scripts, corporate brochures, case histories, corporate profiles, annual reports, press releases and newsletters.

She has been a regular contributor of articles to various North American computer and industry publications, including The Globe & Mail, The National Post, Canadian Retailer, Computing Canada , Management Review, Technology in Government, InfoWorld Canada, Communications & Networking, Network World, Utility Automation, and others.

Her corporate assignments have included work for the following organizations: GE Canada and related GE business operations, GE Power Management, AT&T Canada, Bell Canada, NCR Canada, InSystems, the Canadian Standards Association, George Brown College, CIAR (Canadian Institute of Advanced Research), the Association of the International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys (FICPI), the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, John Labatt Foundation, Shared Network Services, MFP Technology Services, ATI Technologies, CDSL Canada, Bank of Montreal, Canada Trust and TD Bank.

Denise has a Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.

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Elisse Bierstock

Elisse Bierstock has more than thirteen years of solid strategic public relations experience. She has helped companies, large and small, gain visibility and competitive advantage. Elisse excels at all PR services including: media outreach; media training of executives; press release writing and placement; developing positioning statements and messaging; development of media kits and fact sheets; writing and editorial placement of ghost-written client articles.

Prior to teaming up with Echo Communications, Elisse held progressively more responsible positions with Porter Novelli Canada , one of the leading PR firms in the country. As vice president, Elisse provided strategic counsel and oversaw PR programs for both the consumer and technology practices. Her customers included Oracle Corporation, Descartes Systems Group, GE Capital and Hummingbird Communications. Prior to joining PNC , Elisse worked with the Creative Marketing Network where she helped Microsoft gain a foothold in Canada .

Elisse is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a BA in English and the Humber College Public Relations Graduate Program. She graduated on the Dean's Honour role in both institutions.

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Heather A. McCulligh

Heather McCulligh is an experienced manager in strategic marketing and public relations for technology and telecommunications companies. Heather has been working in corporate marketing and public relations for almost a decade. This includes marketing communications planning, media and analyst relations, market research and analysis, and event planning and sponsorship management. In developing and executing her strategies and programs, Heather helps companies cut through the clutter, deliver key messages to target audiences, support business strategies and improve the bottom line.

Heather most recently served as Senior Communications Manager at Zarlink Semiconductor. At Zarlink, she managed marketing and public relations programs for the company’s semiconductor product lines, provided counsel on internal employee relations and community relations programs, and supported investor relations initiatives. Before joining Zarlink, Heather worked as Account Director at High Road Communications, a technology public relations agency. In her six years at High Road, Heather was responsible for planning and implementing global strategic public relations and marketing programs for hardware and semiconductor technology clients. Client engagements included MOSAID Technologies, Strategic Microelectronics Corporation, Solidum Systems, Extreme Packet Devices/PMC-Sierra, Innocor, CMP Advanced Mechanical Solutions, Tropic Networks, BTI Photonics, Potentia Semiconductor, MDS Nordion, Natural Convergence Inc. and AT&T Global Network Services. Prior to her time at High Road, Heather provided marketing and public relations consulting services to a variety of clients, including the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Central Canada Exhibition Association.

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Kevin Morrison

With more than ten years experience gained in a variety of public relations and marketing communications positions, Kevin Morrison has provided strategic counsel for start-up companies through to large multinational corporations in the technology, retail and service industries.

Having worked in both the client and agency environment Kevin understands the need for results and the importance of excellent client service.

Committed to the ideal that successful public relations originates in a strong client/agency partnership, Morrison's trademark is the energy, enthusiasm and creativity that he brings to every client relationship.

Over the years Kevin has worked with companies of all sizes including Longo’s, Eaton’s, Rogers Wireless, Bell Canada, and Xerox. Kevin specializes in media and analyst relations.

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Lizanne McReelis

Backed by over 12 years of experience, Lizanne McReelis develops and implements effective, integrated business-to-business marketing communications programs that strategically map back to clients' business goals and deliver high-impact results.

By immersing herself in clients' businesses, Lizanne masterfully translates technical concepts, products and services and complex business models into compelling messaging that resonates with employees, customers, shareholders, business partners, media and analysts.

Lizanne has worked in both agency and corporate environments. Before establishing her own consulting practice, Lizanne was at an award-winning PR agency, Strategic Objectives, where she managed the Interac Association account and exceeded client expectations by delivering unprecedented results within an extremely short time frame.

Prior to this role, Lizanne was at Ingram Micro where she led the Fortune 500 Company's marketing services department and developed targeted marketing communications programs for IT vendors and resellers in Canada. In addition, Lizanne has held senior communications roles at Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co., Porter Novelli Canada, and Hummingbird Communications.

Lizanne holds a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Michelle Magee

Michelle Magee is a senior communications consultant specializing in media relations in the US and Canada.

Michelle has worked in the communications industry since 1995 and continues to focus on maximizing media coverage for her clients.

Michelle is well known for her creative pitches, her commitment to her clients, her strong work ethic and her ability to achieve outstanding results.

Throughout her career, Michelle has worked on both the corporate and agency sides of the business. Michelle works with and has consulted for a number of independent PR agencies, developing and executing strategic and highly targeted media plans for their business and consumer clients. She has also worked in the oil and gas industry where she was instrumental in the management and execution of various key sponsorship programs and special events for PanCanadian Petroleum (now Encana). Michelle started her career with Hill & Knowlton Canada, and her clients have been among the best brands in consumer packaged goods, technology, associations, health care, fashion, travel and home decor.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours English) from Queen’s University.

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Patrick McCaully

Patrick McCaully has more than ten years of communications experience, including launching and implementing PR campaigns for organizations ranging from sole proprietorships to Fortune 500 companies. Patrick began his public relations career at one of Toronto 's largest independant PR firms, where he worked as a consultant and account manager overseeing numerous clients in technology, real estate, consumer and restaurant sectors.

Patrick's focus is on delivering media coverage for a variety of businesses. His expertise spans various public relations disciplines - from story pitching, product launches and publicity to public affairs, speechwriting and video production.

Patrick's talents have enabled him to work as a 'hired gun' with independent PR agencies, delivering strategic council, media relations and crisis management to clients. In addition to providing these services, Patrick has strong skills in media relations and media skills training, having started his career in the television news industry.

Thinking like a journalist is what sets Patrick apart. Patrick began his career as a broadcast journalist where he held editorial roles at CTV National News, City TV and Global Television Network. At Global, Patrick held the position of weekend assignment editor, where he continues to freelance. In this position, Patrick is responsible for creating and approving ideas for news stories, determining story priority and assigning coverage of the news team.

Before becoming a weekend assignment editor, Patrick also worked as a field producer, reporter and researcher. His work led him to an associate producer position on the Gemini Award nominated show, Bynon.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Patrick holds a Broadcast Journalism Diploma from Toronto 's Humber College.

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Terance Brouse

Terance Brouse has more than ten years of public relations consulting experience, specializing in writing and strategic media relations across the business, industry-association, charity and technology fields.

Terance is a true media relations “pit bull” with excellent instincts and knowledge in the art of media relations. His skill and passion for PR have been instrumental in executing award-winning campaigns for organizations of every size. Terance has experience in account management, executive communications, issues and crisis management, media training, key-message development and branding support. He has also spearheaded communications efforts that stretched beyond media relations to include extensive stakeholder and government relations (with both politicians and bureaucrats.

In his years at Canadian technology and business agencies Maverick PR and Shandwick, Terance provided strategic counsel and media/analyst relations for clients such as IBM, PeopleSoft and Network Appliance.

Terance works on diverse accounts, including the PACT Youth Crime Reduction Program, a charity where he manages all media and journalist relationships, website materials, executive communications, fundraising proposals and charity newsletters. He also often takes part in public speaking and advocacy on behalf of PACT in front of judicial audiences and service clubs, as well in the national media (television, radio and print).

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Terry Hrynyshyn

With over 25 years of business communications experience, Terry has provided strategic counsel to communications and marketing teams in both Fortune 500 companies and start-ups – from Hewlett-Packard to simplyaudiobooks.com.

Terry is a creative problem solver. He provides excellent conceptual ability to integrate marketing initiatives and move from concept to market profitably. Terry is also adept at crafting communications messages that advance an organization’s business objectives. He’s a top-notch written and verbal communicator, motivated by results achievement.

As the first contract hire for BenchMark Communications Inc. in 1993, Terry was instrumental in the early growth, consistent profitability and ultimate success of this marketing communications consulting company that grew from a one-person shop to the fifth largest PR agency in Canada according to PRWeek magazine 2001 rankings. Terry was involved in the sale of BenchMark to the Omnicom Group Inc. in 1998; the merger with Canada Porter Novelli in 2000; and the launch of two separate, subsidiary communications/PR companies in 2002.

Terry was in print publishing prior to entering the world of public relations and business communications. In the span of 15 years, he was a writer, executive editor and publisher for various magazines including Government Business, CAD/CAM & Robotics and ComputerData, to name but a few.

Terry holds a BA, honours standing, in English from York University and a Certificate of Magazine Journalism from Ryerson School of Journalism, both in Toronto.

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