About Us
Forty-three percent - not where we got our name BTW - of journalists today don’t trust public relations professionals, according to a recent study. Earning the media’s trust is woven into the fabric of our agency’s culture.
Consumers today have one-touch access to a dizzying array of content. They have never been as informed or discerning as they are now and your public relations campaign must be made relevant and authentic to succeed. We keep you one step ahead by blending traditional public relations with blogger relations and social media to deliver tangible results.
Our team of former top-tier journalists, public relations veterans and social web pros use best practices gleaned from decades of experience. Our quiver of services includes full-service media relations, product placement in games/films and cross promotions with likeminded brands.
Forty-three percent - not where we got our name BTW - of journalists today don’t trust public relations professionals, according to a recent study. Earning the media’s trust is woven into the fabric of our agency’s culture.
Consumers today have one-touch access to a dizzying array of content. They have never been as informed or discerning as they are now and your public relations campaign must be made relevant and authentic to succeed. We keep you one step ahead by blending traditional public relations with blogger relations and social media to deliver tangible results.
Our team of former top-tier journalists, public relations veterans and social web pros use best practices gleaned from decades of experience. Our quiver of services includes full-service media relations, product placement in games/films and cross promotions with likeminded brands.
Gary Byrd
President
Gary has over 15 years of public relations and top-tier journalism experience. Some of his campaigns include Cisco Systems, Slacker, Griffin Technology, Smith Micro, among others. Before starting FortyThree in 2005, he held the vice president position at one of the largest technology public relations firms in Silicon Valley. As a journalist, Gary was a bureau chief for Knight-Ridder responsible for timely tech news to global markets. Before joining Knight-Ridder, he was a correspondent for The Economist covering tech and business. His articles have appeared in London Times, San Jose Mercury and USA Today. Gary earned a bachelor's degree from University of California, Santa Barbara.
President
Gary has over 15 years of public relations and top-tier journalism experience. Some of his campaigns include Cisco Systems, Slacker, Griffin Technology, Smith Micro, among others. Before starting FortyThree in 2005, he held the vice president position at one of the largest technology public relations firms in Silicon Valley. As a journalist, Gary was a bureau chief for Knight-Ridder responsible for timely tech news to global markets. Before joining Knight-Ridder, he was a correspondent for The Economist covering tech and business. His articles have appeared in London Times, San Jose Mercury and USA Today. Gary earned a bachelor's degree from University of California, Santa Barbara.
Erika Seligsohn
General Manager
Erika is responsible for managing operations at FortyThree and supporting nationwide promotional and online marketing campaigns. Prior to joining FortyThree, Erika co-founded Noah’s Garage, a snowboarding site showcasing talented boarders and selling snowboards and other gear. She managed operations and the North American marketing initiatives. Noah’s Garage was successfully acquired by action sports retailer HardCloud complementing its skate, snow, bike and surf offering. Erika was previously advertising director at Thrasher Magazine, the most popular skateboard magazine spanning over 20 years. Erika received a bachelor's degree from University of California, Santa Barbara.
General Manager
Erika is responsible for managing operations at FortyThree and supporting nationwide promotional and online marketing campaigns. Prior to joining FortyThree, Erika co-founded Noah’s Garage, a snowboarding site showcasing talented boarders and selling snowboards and other gear. She managed operations and the North American marketing initiatives. Noah’s Garage was successfully acquired by action sports retailer HardCloud complementing its skate, snow, bike and surf offering. Erika was previously advertising director at Thrasher Magazine, the most popular skateboard magazine spanning over 20 years. Erika received a bachelor's degree from University of California, Santa Barbara.
Anders Steele
Vice President
Combining a true love of technology, professional music experience and strong PR skills, Anders "walks the walk" and excels in understanding and explaining how technology fits into everyday lives. Anders has 10 years of consumer PR, journalism and professional music experience. For the past seven years, Anders has developed a strong rapport with consumer technology editors and analysts. His entertainment background gives him credibility that he uses to hammer home the strengths of his client’s vision and products. Anders’ clients have received numerous accolades, including Time Magazine's Best Inventions and countless “Best Of” awards from CNET, PC World, Wired, Hollywood Reporter, Laptop and many more. Anders received a bachelor's degree in Public Relations at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Vice President
Combining a true love of technology, professional music experience and strong PR skills, Anders "walks the walk" and excels in understanding and explaining how technology fits into everyday lives. Anders has 10 years of consumer PR, journalism and professional music experience. For the past seven years, Anders has developed a strong rapport with consumer technology editors and analysts. His entertainment background gives him credibility that he uses to hammer home the strengths of his client’s vision and products. Anders’ clients have received numerous accolades, including Time Magazine's Best Inventions and countless “Best Of” awards from CNET, PC World, Wired, Hollywood Reporter, Laptop and many more. Anders received a bachelor's degree in Public Relations at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Seana Norvell
Senior Account Manager
Whether it's word-of-mouth marketing, social media or traditional media relations, Seana provides clients with highly targeted yet well-rounded campaigns. Seana has spent years cultivating relationships with consumer and business bloggers, editors and analysts covering mobile apps, software and web services. Some of her public relations campaigns include Bizzy, FastPencil, Slacker, iRiver and SGN. As a result of her innovative strategies millions of people use the products she promotes. She comes to FortyThree from a social web strategy firm where she managed media relations and advised Web 2.0 gaming, ecommerce, widget and advertising clients on branding, messaging and product management. Seana received her bachelor’s in Business Management and Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Senior Account Manager
Whether it's word-of-mouth marketing, social media or traditional media relations, Seana provides clients with highly targeted yet well-rounded campaigns. Seana has spent years cultivating relationships with consumer and business bloggers, editors and analysts covering mobile apps, software and web services. Some of her public relations campaigns include Bizzy, FastPencil, Slacker, iRiver and SGN. As a result of her innovative strategies millions of people use the products she promotes. She comes to FortyThree from a social web strategy firm where she managed media relations and advised Web 2.0 gaming, ecommerce, widget and advertising clients on branding, messaging and product management. Seana received her bachelor’s in Business Management and Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Evie Carter
Senior Account Manager
Evie is a senior account manager at FortyThree specializing in entertainment technologies and mobile apps with a passion for all that is social networking. Evie has a strong editorial background and a detail-oriented eye complemented by a highly creative frame of mind. Evie plays a key role in providing consumer tech companies with media strategies that include print, broadcast and online blended with a strong social networking component. Some of her experience includes Griffin Technology, Aerielle and TuitionU.com. As a former journalist, Evie covered entertainment and music for such lifestyle publications as ZERO and Access. Evie is an extreme sports enthusiast and member of the Santa Cruz Derby Girls. Evie received her bachelor's degree in Journalism from San Jose State University.
Senior Account Manager
Evie is a senior account manager at FortyThree specializing in entertainment technologies and mobile apps with a passion for all that is social networking. Evie has a strong editorial background and a detail-oriented eye complemented by a highly creative frame of mind. Evie plays a key role in providing consumer tech companies with media strategies that include print, broadcast and online blended with a strong social networking component. Some of her experience includes Griffin Technology, Aerielle and TuitionU.com. As a former journalist, Evie covered entertainment and music for such lifestyle publications as ZERO and Access. Evie is an extreme sports enthusiast and member of the Santa Cruz Derby Girls. Evie received her bachelor's degree in Journalism from San Jose State University.
Katie Camacho
Account Manager
An enthusiasm for life, people and communications led Katie to a career in public relations where she has thrived representing many consumer and entertainment clients. Over the years, Katie has built and maintained relationships with bloggers, editors and analysts both nationally and internationally. She has successfully placed clients in daily top-tier publications such as New York Times and Wall Street Journal as well as a variety of trade publications focused on technology, healthcare, education and government. Some of her public relations campaigns include IronKey, Cisco Systems, Zerofootprint, Cannery Row Company, Surf City Coffee and Chamindade Resort and Spa. Katie is an avid traveler and spends her spare time exploring all Santa Cruz has to offer, reading and cooking. She received her bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oregon.
Account Manager
An enthusiasm for life, people and communications led Katie to a career in public relations where she has thrived representing many consumer and entertainment clients. Over the years, Katie has built and maintained relationships with bloggers, editors and analysts both nationally and internationally. She has successfully placed clients in daily top-tier publications such as New York Times and Wall Street Journal as well as a variety of trade publications focused on technology, healthcare, education and government. Some of her public relations campaigns include IronKey, Cisco Systems, Zerofootprint, Cannery Row Company, Surf City Coffee and Chamindade Resort and Spa. Katie is an avid traveler and spends her spare time exploring all Santa Cruz has to offer, reading and cooking. She received her bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oregon.
Sara Johnson
Account Associate
Sara is a public relations specialist handling press releases, industry and market research, social media and reviews. As a former journalist, Sara can easily relate to journalists and understands what they need. She uses her journalism background and relationships to ensure the media get what they want, when they want it. Prior to FortyThree, Sara worked as a newspaper reporter in Columbus, Ohio. As a Michigan native, she’s happy to be in California and not have to deal with those intense Ohio State Buckeyes anymore. She now spends her time exploring what Santa Cruz, San Francisco and northern California has to offer, and that includes seeing the Redwoods, the beautiful beaches and pursuing surfing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with honors distinction from Western Michigan University.
Account Associate
Sara is a public relations specialist handling press releases, industry and market research, social media and reviews. As a former journalist, Sara can easily relate to journalists and understands what they need. She uses her journalism background and relationships to ensure the media get what they want, when they want it. Prior to FortyThree, Sara worked as a newspaper reporter in Columbus, Ohio. As a Michigan native, she’s happy to be in California and not have to deal with those intense Ohio State Buckeyes anymore. She now spends her time exploring what Santa Cruz, San Francisco and northern California has to offer, and that includes seeing the Redwoods, the beautiful beaches and pursuing surfing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with honors distinction from Western Michigan University.
Jasmine Castro
Account Associate
Jasmine blends her enthusiasm for all things mobile and entertainment to help create authentic PR campaigns that drive awareness and adoption for FortyThree clients. She integrates social media and traditional media strategies to elevate messages and create consumer buzz. Jasmine helped market the San Diego-based independent music festival in celebration of indie art, music, business and thought. Jasmine was also involved in a youth-centered anti-smoking campaign and the launch of San Diego’s underground lifestyle publication Urbanist. Her hobbies include soccer, piano, music and photography/graphic design. Jasmine received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing with honors distinction from the University of San Diego.
Account Associate
Jasmine blends her enthusiasm for all things mobile and entertainment to help create authentic PR campaigns that drive awareness and adoption for FortyThree clients. She integrates social media and traditional media strategies to elevate messages and create consumer buzz. Jasmine helped market the San Diego-based independent music festival in celebration of indie art, music, business and thought. Jasmine was also involved in a youth-centered anti-smoking campaign and the launch of San Diego’s underground lifestyle publication Urbanist. Her hobbies include soccer, piano, music and photography/graphic design. Jasmine received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing with honors distinction from the University of San Diego.
Andi Bean
Account Associate
Andi combines her passion for all things entertainment tech with her hands-on experience in broadcast journalism. She moved to the Bay Area from the Pacific Northwest after working in television news. Andi graduated from Gonzaga University with a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Studies and a concentration in Women's and Gender Studies.
Account Associate
Andi combines her passion for all things entertainment tech with her hands-on experience in broadcast journalism. She moved to the Bay Area from the Pacific Northwest after working in television news. Andi graduated from Gonzaga University with a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Studies and a concentration in Women's and Gender Studies.
Blair Williams
Account Associate
Blair is responsible for compiling client coverage, distributing products to journalists for review and assisting with social media campaigns. A San Diego native, Blair is an avid runner and fears moving away from the ocean. She attended University of California, Santa Cruz and has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Literature.
Account Associate
Blair is responsible for compiling client coverage, distributing products to journalists for review and assisting with social media campaigns. A San Diego native, Blair is an avid runner and fears moving away from the ocean. She attended University of California, Santa Cruz and has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Literature.
Ciera Dobecki
Account Associate
Ciera is responsible for press outreach and social media as well as forming PR campaigns and innovative approaches aimed at generating awareness for FortyThree's clients. Her background in media coupled with her knack for creative thinking, ability to work well under pressure and attention to detail guided her to the PR industry. Born in Oregon and raised in Northern California, Ciera has enthusiasm and an immense appreciation for the outdoors and sports. She enjoys snowboarding, cooking and traveling. Ciera graduated from California State University Los Angeles with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with an emphasis in Organizational Communication and Public Relations.
Account Associate
Ciera is responsible for press outreach and social media as well as forming PR campaigns and innovative approaches aimed at generating awareness for FortyThree's clients. Her background in media coupled with her knack for creative thinking, ability to work well under pressure and attention to detail guided her to the PR industry. Born in Oregon and raised in Northern California, Ciera has enthusiasm and an immense appreciation for the outdoors and sports. She enjoys snowboarding, cooking and traveling. Ciera graduated from California State University Los Angeles with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with an emphasis in Organizational Communication and Public Relations.
Gaby Lorenzo
Account Assistant
Gaby monitors and assembles client coverage and assists with client social media campaigns. She is also responsible for client market research. Outside of work and school, Gaby is the special events chair at her sorority Alpha Psi, where she plans events involving sisters and the wider Santa Cruz community. In her spare time, she enjoys anything and everything that has to do with music. She also enjoys traveling, writing and cooking. Gaby attends the University of California, Santa Cruz and is working toward her bachelor’s degree in History.
Account Assistant
Gaby monitors and assembles client coverage and assists with client social media campaigns. She is also responsible for client market research. Outside of work and school, Gaby is the special events chair at her sorority Alpha Psi, where she plans events involving sisters and the wider Santa Cruz community. In her spare time, she enjoys anything and everything that has to do with music. She also enjoys traveling, writing and cooking. Gaby attends the University of California, Santa Cruz and is working toward her bachelor’s degree in History.
Marissa Beltran
Account Assistant
Marissa is responsible for monitoring client and industry coverage, distributing products to journalists for review and assisting with social media campaigns. During her free time, Marissa enjoys biking along West Cliff and cooking new dishes for her roommates. She attends the University of California, Santa Cruz and is working towards a bachelor's degree in Global Economics.
Account Assistant
Marissa is responsible for monitoring client and industry coverage, distributing products to journalists for review and assisting with social media campaigns. During her free time, Marissa enjoys biking along West Cliff and cooking new dishes for her roommates. She attends the University of California, Santa Cruz and is working towards a bachelor's degree in Global Economics.
Joe Meacham
Account Assistant
Joe is responsible for compiling client coverage, distributing products to journalists for review and assisting with social media campaigns. During his free time, Joe likes to be outside playing sports, hiking or hanging out at the beach with his friends. He attends University of California, Santa Cruz working toward a bachelor's degree in Biology.
Account Assistant
Joe is responsible for compiling client coverage, distributing products to journalists for review and assisting with social media campaigns. During his free time, Joe likes to be outside playing sports, hiking or hanging out at the beach with his friends. He attends University of California, Santa Cruz working toward a bachelor's degree in Biology.
Terry Koh
Account Assistant
Terry manages the FortyThree blog, monitors client coverage and maintains social networking accounts for clients. In his free time, he enjoys playing beach volleyball, hanging out with his friends and taking his dog on late night walks. Terry attends University of California, Santa Cruz majoring in Business Management Economics and minoring in Information Systems Management.
Account Assistant
Terry manages the FortyThree blog, monitors client coverage and maintains social networking accounts for clients. In his free time, he enjoys playing beach volleyball, hanging out with his friends and taking his dog on late night walks. Terry attends University of California, Santa Cruz majoring in Business Management Economics and minoring in Information Systems Management.
Michael Bell
Account Assistant
Michael is responsible for monitoring client and industry coverage, maintaining blogger relations and presentation preparation. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California Michael enjoys skateboarding, snowboarding, baseball and going to the beach in his free time. Michael attended University of California, Riverside for a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science.
Account Assistant
Michael is responsible for monitoring client and industry coverage, maintaining blogger relations and presentation preparation. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California Michael enjoys skateboarding, snowboarding, baseball and going to the beach in his free time. Michael attended University of California, Riverside for a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science.
Barkley
Mascot
His responsibilities include being friendly.
Mascot
His responsibilities include being friendly.
