Archives: Team

In 1999, following a 20 year journalism career, Curtis became the first vice president for media relations at Direct Impact, the Burson-Marsteller grassroots firm. He has managed national programs involving Fortune 500 clients like Ford Motor Company and Merrill Lynch, along with issues-based campaigns including stem cell research, nuclear waste storage and Internet regulation. From Direct Impact, Curtis became a partner at Qorvis Communications (now Qorvis/MSL Group after joining Publicis Groupe in 2014) where he focused on national narrative campaigns.

Curtis is a founding member of the Aspen Journalism Publisher’s Circle, a non-profit helping empower the next generation of producers, and is a recipient of the “Edgy,” the Digital Edge award presented annually by the National Newspaper Association for excellence in online publishing.

Curtis is an “active press” member of the New York Press Club and an owner of The Phoenix, a weekly newspaper in New England. He has helped develop non-fiction books with authors including Hunter S. Thompson, Douglas Brinkley and Dan Dunn and is a consultant to several media groups, including start-up projects in New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Prior to joining CRAFT, Mike worked for trade associations and advocacy organizations in the Washington, D.C. area. He most recently spent four years as the Communications Director at the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA), where he ran the earned media, publications, and consumer outreach efforts for the association and its flagship event, The Washington, D.C. Auto Show. Prior to WANADA, Mike worked in communications and digital content management for non-profits in the education and financial advocacy spaces.

A native of Montgomery County, MD, Mike spends his free time enjoying the many parks and wildlife areas in the region, or watching whatever type of sporting event happens to be on TV at the given moment. He earned Bachelor's degrees in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Missouri, and a Master's in Political Management from George Washington University.

Previously, as a market researcher, Nick directed consumer research that informed award-winning marketing campaigns for leading national brands. His consulting experience spans food, cars, household products, financial services, and pharmaceuticals. Now with CRAFT, Nick leverages this experience to counsel clients on public opinion polling and quantitative research studies. 

In addition to his client work, Nick expertly manages a number of fantasy football teams.

Nick graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Public Policy.

Before joining CRAFT, Bess was an Account Manager at Leadit Marketing where she served as a lead generation specialist and worked closely with clients to develop dynamic marketing campaigns to convert prospective customers. 

In her free time, she reads good thriller novels and scouts out D.C.’s best restaurants.

Prior to working at CRAFT, Ruben worked at CULT LNDN/NY as their head of production, launching and leading their Brooklyn, NY Studio, and at NRECA as a creative director, building out compelling storytelling campaigns that spanned all 50 states.

Ruben has a background in economics and foreign affairs, with an MA from King's College London in public policy. He has worked at agencies and in-house in London, Paris, New York, and Washington.

In addition to his creative work, Ruben is an avid cyclist and world traveler, and cat dad to his flame point Siberian, Calvin.

Before joining CRAFT, Chelsea was an account coordinator at Sage Communications in Tysons Corner, VA, and supported clients in the public sector, IT, and enterprise technology spaces. She owned the day-to-day management of client projects, coordinated media outreach, and developed social media strategy for clients. 

She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University. On the weekends, you can find her catching up on the latest true-crime podcast or exploring scenic Virginia hiking trails.

Before joining CRAFT, Jodi was a Digital Strategist at TLC Political where she developed customized ad strategy and led the execution of multi-channel digital ad campaigns.

In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes while listening to one of her favorite podcasts.

Before joining the CRAFT team, Margaux worked as a Media Planner and Buyer at an agency across a multitude of brand clients in the DC and New York City areas. Margaux has a B.A. in Communications from Miami University in Ohio.

Outside of work you can find Margaux exploring neighborhoods in DC, trying out trendy workout classes, or taking spontaneous weekend trips.

Before joining CRAFT, Harish worked with DXC technologies as a Product Developer, where he developed software products catering to client needs and provided support in monitoring critical day-close activities. Previously, he worked with Zensar Technologies as a Software Engineer.

Prior to that, Harish was a Web Development Intern at Atelier Décor, where he was responsible for creating and maintaining websites.

Harish holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering in Information Technology from the University of Pune.

Harish loves traveling and exploring new places when not working.

Emily comes from a background in graphic design, animation, and digital online fundraising in the political world. Prior to joining CRAFT, Emily worked on presidential and U.S. Senate campaigns. Combining her creative and analytical skills, she effectively spearheaded the digital strategy behind raising millions of dollars in her early career.

Born and raised in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Emily is an alumna of Texas Christian University, where she earned a degree in Political Science. Outside of work, Emily loves live music, drawing, painting, traveling, and cooking.