PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
Jennifer Bett Meyer (she/her)
-
For over 18 years, Jennifer Bett Meyer has managed the public relations, marketing and strategic communications for today’s most dynamic global brands.
As President and Founder, Jennifer launched Jennifer Bett Communications in January 2014 to offer forward-thinking brands a new, creative and multi-dimensional approach to consumer awareness. Jennifer has scaled JBC across divisions, and today, it stands as the premier media relations agency for fast-growing, venture-backed start-ups and uniquely competitive brands, approaching PR in a way that speaks to consumers, investors and the industry as a whole.
A graduate of Wesleyan University, Jennifer began her career as an editor at Harper's Bazaar and Marie Claire. After three years in publishing, Jennifer transitioned into public relations at special events and marketing firm Harrison & Shriftman, eventually exiting to become PR Director at Club Monaco.
In 2007, Jennifer was asked to launch the public relations division of Starworks Group, and within one year, she built a 20-person team that serviced over 25 international clients. Next, as the Vice President of Communications for contemporary clothing brand Alice + Olivia, Jennifer oversaw traditional and digital marketing, global public relations, social media, events and celebrity integration.
Today, Jennifer has expanded JBC's offerings to even better serve its 80% female founder client base, as well as support the advancement of women in the workplace. In March 2019, Jennifer helped to both produce and host JBC's first-ever conference for female-focused founders on International Women's Day, which also debuted in Los Angeles in September 2019. In 2018, under Jennifer's leadership, JBC debuted on Observer’s prestigious annual PR Power 50 and returned to the list in 2019. “After five years, JBC is moving into high gear,” wrote Observer, “with a torrent of new business that hasn’t overshadowed its near-fanatic dedication to entrepreneurs and disruptors.”
PARTNER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Melissa Duren Conner (she/her)
-
Melissa Duren Conner is a publicist and strategic thinker with almost 15 years of industry experience.
In July 2014, Melissa joined Jennifer Bett Meyer at Jennifer Bett Communications as the agency's Partner and Managing Director, helping to scale its mission of bringing a more thoughtful approach to public relations. Together with Jennifer, Melissa has grown the company into the leading agency for fast-growing consumer brands that are redefining the modern marketplace.
Melissa began her marketing, communications and media relations career at HL Group, where she led PR services for TOMS, David Yurman and Sotheby’s Diamonds. In 2010, Melissa joined Starworks Group as Senior Manager of Public Relations, where she oversaw the 10th anniversary of INTERMIX, in addition to PR operations for luxury fashion and lifestyle brands Monique Lhuillier, Zimmermann, Kelly Wearstler and Jack Spade.
Following her tenure at Starworks, Melissa joined Theory to oversee the press strategy of the core brand, in addition to the recently launched Theyskens’ Theory, led by industry-leading fashion designer Olivier Theyskens. Melissa then served as PR Director for the U.S. launch of Joe Fresh, Canada's leading fashion label and retail chain, where she positioned the brand competitively within the thriving accessible fashion market.
In 2017, Melissa was honored by the Public Relations Society of America as a member of its inaugural 15 Under 35 Awards, recognizing the foremost talent and emerging leaders of the Greater New York PR community. In 2018, Melissa spearheaded JBC's first-of-its-kind Office Hours program, during which the agency opens its doors to fledgling founders and entrepreneurs seeking PR, marketing and communications insight each month, free of charge. Melissa holds a regular speaking presence across conferences, panels and podcasts, appearing at The Wing, Interactive Advertising Bureau’s Direct Brand Summit, Business of Home’s Future of Home Conference and Shopify’s Commerce+, to name a few.
EVP & HEAD OF GROWTH
Libbey Baumgarten (she/her)
-
Libbey joined JBC in 2015 to lead the agency’s Social Impact, Health & Wellness division. During this time, she spearheaded strategies for companies including BetterUp, Tala, Tia, Female Founders Fund, Primary, theSkimm, Nodal, KiwiCo, among many others. Since then, her role has evolved to Head of Growth where she leads business development for JBC and oversees services including Affiliate Marketing and Influencer Marketing.
Libbey’s 15 years of experience in public relations spans across business and technology through work with Google, YouTube and Yahoo!, as well as tech startups. She began her career focusing on travel and hospitality servicing Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and the beloved Carlyle Hotel on New York’s Upper East Side.
Libbey was named as a 2025 PR News Top Women, Changemaker.
EVP & HEAD OF STRATEGY
Ilana Rubin Dvir (she/her)
-
Ilana is a seasoned lifestyle, luxury, food + beverage and entertainment media specialist, leading the fast growing lifestyle division at JBC. With 8+ years of experience and a particular expertise in media relations and brand storytelling, Ilana spearheads the planning and execution of integrated public relations programs for her clients, with a proven track record for generating top-tier coverage across all media verticals, including business and thought leadership features. In 2015, Ilana was named one of AdWeek/PRNewser's “30 Under 30 PR Professionals.”
Prior to joining JBC in 2017, Ilana held positions at Matter, Edelman Sports and Entertainment and Civic Entertainment Group, where she oversaw media strategy and execution across agency portfolios for brands including goop, NBCUniversal Cable, Diet Pepsi, Verizon, Airbnb and more.
Featured in Observer’s 15 Rising Stars in the PR Industry for 2018
VP, EXECUTIVE SPEAKING
Arturo Diaz (he/him)
-
Arturo Diaz is a strategic communications leader with over 15 years of global PR experience across travel, luxury, tech, wellness, and lifestyle sectors. He has crafted integrated media strategies, executive visibility programs, and high-impact campaigns for a diverse range of brands including Air France–KLM, Vogue, Moda Operandi, SoulCycle, and Blank Street Coffee. Known for blending brand purpose with compelling storytelling, Arturo specializes in executive positioning, thought leadership, crisis management, and product launches, earning coverage in top-tier outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company.
Outside of his client work, Arturo is passionate about fitness, wellness, and food, incorporating activities like lifting, running, Pilates, yoga, and meditation into his personal routine. He also serves on the board of the Big Queer Food Fest, where he leads efforts in communications and partnerships to amplify equity and representation in food culture. His unique combination of creative vision and operational discipline consistently guides both emerging startups and established brands through critical growth moments and reputation challenges.
SVP, FASHION
Sara Ganus (she/her)
-
Sara leads the Fashion division at JBC as a seasoned publicist with over 12 years of experience working with fashion, retail and lifestyle brands that span the luxury, mass and direct-to-consumer spaces. Her specialities include media relations, communication strategy, brand positioning, and events across these diverse and competitive markets.
Sara began her career as a newspaper reporter covering retail and small business but quickly transitioned her skillset into the world of PR, where she could continue to tell stories and utilize her working knowledge of the media.
Over the course of her career, Sara has worked for some of the top New York-based fashion PR agencies, including Starworks Group, PR Consulting and Krupp Group. Most recently, Sara worked on the Entertainment & Influencer Marketing team at Adidas in Los Angeles.
-
Blair Dawson is a food-obsessive with a love for science and technology. She marries her experience working on brands ranging from startups to internationally recognized, household names to drive success for results-driven brands. Her experience spans from mission-focused sustainable tech brands, food and CPG, retail and even luxury travel. Blair's expertise in the field keeps her knowledgeable on the latest trends and strategies with staying power.
SVP, BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Erin Curran (she/her)
-
Erin is a seasoned communications leader with 15 years of experience shaping the narrative of some of the world's largest beauty and wellness brands. With a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape and a passion for purpose-driven storytelling, she has built her career integrating brand strategy, editorial sensibility, and social impact. Before JBC, Erin was the VP at BPCM, driving strategic global planning and execution for clients such as Biologique Recherche, Eighth Day, Glossier, Hermes Beauty & Fragrance, and Lisa Eldridge. Erin also spent several years at Purple, spearheading communications efforts for luxury skincare and fragrance brands including Noble Panacea, Parfums de Marly, Sulwhasoo, and Vintner’s Daughter, helping each brand navigate nuanced storytelling across international markets. Erin began her career in the beauty department at Harper’s Bazaar, cultivating a strong editorial foundation that continues to guide her brand-building approach today.
VICE PRESIDENT
Blair Dawson (she/her)
VP, IMPACT
Emily Tschirhart (she/her)
-
Emily is based in Los Angeles, and has more than ten years of public relations experience at boutique firms, mid-size agencies and in-house at TOMS. She specializes in health and wellness companies like Tia, Perelel, and BetterUp, and thought leadership clients such as Female Founders Fund, Glow Labs, and News Not Noise. Emily’s personal passion and experience across the social impact, health and wellness sectors provide a unique understanding of both business and healthcare media landscapes, and the messages that matter most in those categories.
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT
Christina Song (she/her)
-
Christina is a mission-driven PR pro who has dedicated her career to building brands that are challenging the status quo and making the world a happier, healthier place. Before joining JBC: Christina was the first comms hire at Everly Health, where she served as Director of Comms for Everlywell and Natalist for nearly four years. Christina also worked at HomeAway and Vrbo (part of the Expedia family) for nine years.
VP OF CONTENT
Maura Brannigan (she/her)
-
As head of content, Maura joined JBC with more than seven years of writing, editing, and reporting experience, holding a nearly four-year tenure at leading fashion news site Fashionista, with additional editorial roles in fashion magazines at Condé Nast and Hearst. She brings a sharp media eye and strong network across industries including fashion, beauty, wellness, sustainability, and tech. At JBC, Maura now leverages her broad editorial background to oversee a menu of editorial services for clients, ranging from one-time projects to ongoing and immersive content strategy.
VICE PRESIDENT
Charlotte Hohorst (she/her)
-
Charlotte is based in Los Angeles and has over eight years of experience working with consumer brands across home, fashion and luxury lifestyle verticals.
She brings her passion for sustainability and design to JBC’s lifestyle team where she leads thoughtful media strategies and press outreach for category disruptors such as Grove Collaborative, Parachute, Thuma, Windmill and more. In 2022, Charlotte was honored in Observer’s annual ranking of top PR Rising Stars. She graduated cum laude from Santa Clara University and is a supporter of SCU’s Bronco Ventures Accelerator for ambitious student and alumni startups.
VP OF AFFILIATE MARKETING
Whitney Swaim (she/her)
-
Whitney joins JBC with over 15 years of experience in affiliate & influencer marketing. She has deep expertise in building and optimizing affiliate programs, leading high performing teams, and driving measurable results for clients. Known for her balance of big picture strategy and hands on execution, Whitney is also a trusted partner in business development and client growth. Based in New England with her husband and two children, Whitney enjoys traveling, coastal living, and keeping an eye on the latest in fashion and design.
VP & HEAD OF PEOPLE OPERATIONS
Stephanie Davis (she/her)
-
Steph joined JBC with 15+ years of experience in Recruiting, Talent Development and Executive Operations working with companies of all sizes including a boutique accounting firm, Lucky Strike Entertainment, Intel, Apple and Foursquare. She holds a B.S. in Organizational Behavior & Leadership from The University of San Francisco and is passionate about implementing policies and procedures that help make JBC the best agency to work for.
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF AFFILIATE MARKETING
Olivia Davis (she/her)
-
Olivia is based in Los Angeles, with seven years of agency experience in public relations and affiliate marketing. She most recently served as senior director of account management at a full-service affiliate marketing agency, overseeing program growth and high-level strategy for a multitude of brands. She has passions for storytelling and relationship building, which seamlessly compliment her commitment to driving results and growth for her clients.
JBC IN THE NEWS
OP-EDS
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Explore career opportunities
Here, creativity meets opportunity. Whatever you're building, we're here to help you take the first step with confidence. Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Let’s create something meaningful together.