Symposium 48 Panelists
Marc Anderson
Independent Risk Management, Business Consultant & Screenplay Writer
Self employed
Marc Anderson is an independent consultant with decades of successful public- and private-sector leadership experience. Risk Program Manager for Northwest’s largest transit system. Vice President of leading national Managing General Agent. Four years as award-winning Risk Manager for Oregon’s most populated county. Four years as award-winning Risk Manager for Northwest’s largest school district. Licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Seventeen years’ experience as Chief of Staff to company Vice President; field operations, dispatch, business center and risk management with a Fortune 500 multi-state electric utility. Extensive experience in risk management, business management (union and non-union), interest-based bargaining with unions, project management, due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, negotiations, investigations, government and public affairs, and editing and writing for news publications. Key strengths include communications, analysis and evaluation, training development and implementation, innovation, supervision, team building, and leadership. Award-winning screenwriter. Exceptional contributor to organizations. Graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communications at Washington State University.
Session
Career Navigation in Communication: Matching Passion with Purpose
Jill Ballo
Associate General Counsel
Microsoft
Jill Ballo advises Microsoft teams responsible for some of the most widely used business software and cloud services in the world. She helps marketing, communications, public relations and engineering professionals navigate legal issues related to creating and selling products and services.
Prior to joining Microsoft, Jill practiced intellectual property and media law at Davis Wright Tremaine. Before attending law school, Jill spent a decade as a news producer at KOMO-TV in Seattle.
Session
AI Unleashed: Transforming the Future of Communication
Katherine Barner
Producer and Writer
FOX 5 NY
Katherine Barner graduated from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication in 2019. She has spent the last year producing newscasts at FOX 5 New York. During her time at Washington State University, she received a strategic communication degree while heavily involved in extracurriculars. Katherine was president of KUGR, an associated producer at Northwest Public Broadcasting, digital manager and disc jockey at KJEM, and a Murrow ambassador. After graduating, she spent two and a half years at KHQ Spokane and 16 months at FOX 13 Seattle before moving to New York City.
Sessions
Welcome to New York! How Big Involvement in College Helped Launch Murrow Alums to the Big Apple,
From Swifties to Strategies: Public Relations in the Taylorverse
Bella Borrelli
Marketing Content Creator and Social Media Specialist
Innovative Home Renovations
Isabella Borrelli graduated from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication in 2023. She has spent the last year producing marketing materials that include social media content creation, digital and print campaigns, and copywriting for small Seattle neighbourhood magazines. During her time at Washington State University, she received a bachelor of arts in strategic communication and a minor in human development while involved in Greek Life. Isabella was present on the first all-women’s Murrow College New York Trip in 2023, and a Murrow ambassador. After graduating, she spent her first 8 months out of college as a Content Creator and Marketing Specialist for a start-up home renovation company in Seattle.
Session
From Campus to Career: Lessons from Recent Murrow Alumni
Cindy Brunson
Play by Play Voice
NBC Universal, Pheonix Mercury, Pac-12 Networks, ESPN Networks, FOX Sports, Athletes Unlimited
Cindy Brunson is an award winning, veteran journalist with a career that has spanned local and national media, most notably in sports journalism. Brunson came to national attention for her work on ESPN, where she served as the co-host of ESPN’s flagship program SportsCenter, Studio host for the WNBA and College basketball coverage, and hosted a wide variety of programs on ESPN Radio. Today she is instantly recognizable as the play-by-play voice for Athletes Unlimited Professional Women’s Basketball, the Phoenix Mercury, Fox and ESPN Radio.
Sessions
Breaking Boundaries: Women in Sports Journalism – Pioneers, Perspectives, and Progress,
“I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream at the Little Screen!” Sport Video Production
Liz Burch
Main Anchor/Managing Editor
KNDU/KNDO-TV
Liz Burch is a TV journalist with a decade of experience on air. Her career has taken her around the country, including stops in Portland, Oregon and Tampa, Florida. She’s currently working as the Main Anchor and Managing Editor of KNDU/O in Central Washington. Burch’s work has earned her six Emmy nominations, including one win. She is a Washington native and a Washington State University graduate (Go Cougs!)
Session
Exploring the Art and Craft of Long-Form News and Documentary Production: Insights from the Frontlines
Jeff Burnside
Independent Journalist, Book author, Filmmaker, Director Of Development
Burnside Media, Sigma Chi Foundation
Session
Exploring the Art and Craft of Long-Form News and Documentary Production: Insights from the Frontlines
Enrique Cerna
Director of Community Partnerships, Senior Correspondent, Independent Business Owner
KCTS 9 Television, Cascade Public Media, Cerna Media Services
Enrique Cerna is a veteran journalist who has worked in Seattle media for nearly 45 years. Cerna worked for 23 years at Cascade Public Media’s KCTS 9 and retired in February 2018 from his role as senior correspondent. Prior to joining KCTS in 1995, he worked as a reporter, producer and host for KOMO Radio and Television and KING Television.
Session
Bridging Worlds: The Power of Being Bilingual in Communication Careers
Meghann Cherzan
Associate Director of Communications
JASA
Meghann Cherzan is the Associate Director of Communications at JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging), where she leads strategic communication initiatives and community partnership engagements. With a diverse background in event management and corporate communications, Meghann is committed to enhancing JASA’s outreach and impact within the community. With a foundation in communications and a commitment to excellence, Meghann is dedicated to leveraging her skills to support the mission and goals of organizations, fostering connections, and driving positive change within communities.
Meghann currently resides in New York, New York, with her husband Nathan, and their dog, Poppy. She enjoys exploring the endless restaurants, nightlife, and museums of the city, as well as taking leisurely walks through Central Park with her husband.
Session
Welcome to New York! How Big Involvement in College Helped Launch Murrow Alums to the Big Apple
Melanie Coon
PR Manager
Puget Sound Energy
Melanie Coon is the Public Relations Manager at Puget Sound Energy, Washington’s largest energy utility based in Bellevue. Melanie leads the media team, creating strategic communications and media relations programs highlighting PSE’s delivery of safe and reliable energy, while implementing some of the most aggressive energy, environmental and climate policies in the nation.
A graduate of WSU’s Murrow College, Melanie Coon brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate communications, media relations and public affairs for private, public and non-profit organizations, including the Fearey Group, the Washington State Department of Transportation and Premera Blue Cross.
Melanie comes from a long line of Cougs, and her daughter Audrey is continuing that tradition, currently studying microbiology in WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Session
Give and Gain: Applying Exchange Theory to Foster Wellness and Belonging in the Workplace
Sophie Culpepper
Staff Writer
Sophie Culpepper is a media reporter covering local news at the Nieman Journalism Lab, a news outlet at Harvard’s Nieman Foundation focused on the future of news. She previously co-founded the hyperlocal Lexington Observer in Lexington, MA, and served as the digital news nonprofit’s only full-time journalist for two years, where she covered beats including education, local government, economic development, and public safety. She has written about how journalists should approach covering Taylor Swift, and her PR strategy, for Nieman Lab.
Session
From Swifties to Strategies: Public Relations in the Taylorverse
Ryan Famuliner
Director of Digital News
Cascade PBS
Ryan Famuliner is the Director of Digital News at Cascade PBS (formerly Crosscut). He oversees the news and investigative work of the editorial team, and serves as story editor for video and podcast projects. Previously, Ryan was an Associate Professor at the Missouri School of Journalism and the News Director of a public radio station in Missouri, which won numerous National Edward R. Murrow, Sigma Delta Chi, ONA, Headliner, and PMJA Awards under his guidance. He’s done deep work in podcasting, data journalism and multi-newsroom collaborative journalism. He’s also worked as a radio statehouse reporter and local TV general assignment reporter/videographer.
Session
AI Unleashed: Transforming the Future of Communication
Lacey Faught
CEO
Spry Social Media Agency
Lacey J. Faught is the founder of Spry, the Pacific Northwest’s most established social media agency. She’s been running the company for 13 years and, along with her 8 remote employees, has helped hundreds of businesses improve their online presence. Lacey J. graduated Magna cum Laude from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast News and Political Science. Her mission is “social media for good.” She and one of her employees are currently writing a book with the objective of slowing the spread of misinformation and propaganda on social media. The book “Down the Rabbit Hole” is slated to come out this summer. Lacey J. is also a dancer for the Portland Winterhawks Ice Hockey team.
Session
From Stress to Success: Rethinking Wellbeing in Strategic Communication
Jana Fischback
Co-Founder & Climate Action Coordinator
Sustainable NCW
Jana Fischback co-founded Sustainable NCW, a Wenatchee-based nonprofit that promotes a culture of environmental stewardship and social sustainability in North Central Washington. After leading the organization as the Executive Director for six years, she became the Climate Action Coordinator in early 2024. She holds a BA in Communication (Public Relations) from WSU and a master’s in Environmental Studies from the Evergreen State College.
Session
Curiosities and Discoveries: Communicating Science Effectively
Rolita Flores Ezeonu
Vice President of Instruction
Green River College
Dr. Rolita Flores Ezeonu has over twenty-five years of experience in community and technical colleges specifically in diverse South King County, WA. Currently, Dr. Ezeonu is the Vice President of Instruction at Green River College (GRC). Previously, she was the Interim Vice President of Instruction and Dean of Instruction for Transfer and Pre-College Education at Highline College from 2008 to 2018. Dr. Ezeonu served as both an adjunct and tenured faculty member in Communication Studies from 1998 to 2008. She also is an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University’s College of Education since 2013.
At Green River College, Dr. Ezeonu oversees and directs all instructional divisions and departments, including transfer, transitional studies, career and technical education and trades along with three branch campuses. She works with faculty unions and is an accreditor.
Session
Bridging Worlds: The Power of Being Bilingual in Communication Careers
Sarah Garrett Vasquez
Founder and Chief Strategist
The Ad Alchemist
Sarah Garrett Vasquez leads The Ad Alchemist, distinguishing the agency with a commitment to ethical marketing, the innovative integration of AI, and a deep appreciation for neurodiversity in creating resonant marketing narratives. The Ad Alchemist sets itself apart by prioritizing authentic, empathetic connections over traditional marketing approaches, championing strategies that reflect the diversity of human experience. Sarah’s leadership is marked by a drive to challenge industry norms and advocate for marketing that respects and uplifts, establishing a new standard for impactful communication in the digital age.
Session
AI Unleashed: Transforming the Future of Communication
Nathan Ghiorso
Training Specialist
Oregon State University
Nathan Ghiorso is a Training Specialist at Oregon State University, and has delivered 150+ presentations across the PNW, utilizing wacky and unique stories to engage students, families, and administrators. He worked abroad for seven years as a TEFL teacher and community organizer and has always used stories to build connections across cultural divides.
Session
Storytelling and Neuro Coupling: Unveiling the Science Behind Engaging Narratives
Grace Ghirarardelli
Sr. Sales Enablement Specialist
Highspot
Grace Ghirardelli and I graduated from WSU, Edward R. Murrow College of Communication with a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication in 2022. Following graduation I began working in the sales enablement space where the skills I developed while in Murrow were used in the day to day! From effectively communicating company wide strategic initiatives to developing critical training and coaching, I have used all that I had learned while at WSU, especially in Murrow! It is an honor to be back and experiencing Symposium once again! Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and would be happy to be a resource to you all!
Session
From Campus to Career: Lessons from Recent Murrow Alumni
Dr. Chrstine Green
East Lead Behavioral Health Provider
Providence Medical Group Camas
I am a clinical psychologist licensed in Washington and Oregon completing my 7th year of licensed work for the Oregon region of Providence Medical Group. Our SW Washington clinics are part of the Oregon region, and I work in Vancouver, WA at our Camas Family Medicine clinic. Behavioral Health is a hybrid model. I see patients of all ages for a wide range of mental health and medical needs both in-person and virtually in a fully integrated medical setting. In addition to patient care, a fifth of my workweek is dedicated to a leadership role where I consult fellow Behavioral Health Providers in our SW Washington and NE Oregon family medicine clinics.
Session
From Stress to Success: Rethinking Wellbeing in Strategic Communication
Laura Guido
State House Reporter and Boise Bureau Chief
Idaho Press
Laura Guido is the Boise Bureau Chief and state government and politics reporter for the Idaho Press. She was previously the newspaper’s City Editor. Before the Idaho Press, she was a reporter at the Whidbey News-Times on Whidbey Island in Washington and the managing editor at the Woodinville Weekly. She has a degree in multimedia journalism from Washington State University and is a lifelong Coug fan. When she isn’t working, she can usually be found in the mountains, on the river, or at home with her cat.
Session
Advocate and Enlighten: Using Communication in Politics, Policy and Law
Tom Holmberg
SWX Executive Producer
KHQ-TV
Tom Holmberg (’83 Comm.), a seasoned director, producer, and manager at KHQ-TV and SWX-TV in Spokane, Washington, has left an indelible mark on the local media landscape throughout his four-decade career. A proud graduate of the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication, Holmberg began his journey in 1983 at KHQ TV, contributing significantly to the station’s market-leading news coverage.
In 2007, Holmberg expanded his role as the Executive Producer of SWX, a regional sports and weather channel, highlighting his versatility in media production. His efforts include building dedicated sports production trailers and overseeing the executive production, crewing, and direction of numerous sporting events across multiple markets. Since 2000, he has directed Gonzaga men’s basketball games, becoming an instrumental part of Spokane’s vibrant sports culture.
Session
“I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream at the Little Screen!” Sport Video Production
Ariel Lacobazzi
Reporter, Anchor, Producer
KEZI 9 News
Hi there! My name is Ariel Iacobazzi. Right now, I’m an anchor, reporter, and producer based in Eugene, Oregon. I graduated from the Murrow College in 2021, and since then, it’s been a whirlwind (in all the best ways). I’m passionate about storytelling, and getting the most up to date information out to the community. I can’t wait to share my experiences with you! Go Cougs!
Session
From Campus to Career: Lessons from Recent Murrow Alumni
Paris Jackson
On Air Host/Anchor
Cascade PBS (formerly Cascade Public Media).
Paris Jackson (’07) is a passionate and versatile storyteller. She is the On-air Host/ Anchor of The Newsfeed on Cascade PBS, a news magazine show where she highlights the in-depth reporting of the Cascade PBS award-winning news team and conducts fascinating interviews with journalists, thought leaders, and everyday newsmakers. In addition, she hosts the Crosscut Talks podcasts.
Session
Beyond the Lens: Women in Photo and Video
Samantha Johnson
Director of Production
Seattle Kraken
Sammy Johnson is a Washington State, Class of 2010 alumnae who completed her degree with an emphasis in broadcast production and news. Sammy served as president of Cable 8 in her senior year of 2009-2010, securing funding for the remodel of the Studio A control room. After working as a producer for ROOT Sports in Bellevue and Fox Sports in Los Angeles, Sammy spent eight years as the Lead Live Producer for RUN Studios in Seattle where she managed a team of a dozen producers who oversaw many major live broadcast events at Microsoft. Currently, she’s the Director of Production for the Seattle Kraken, where she manages a team of half a dozen producers who build all video content for the team. During her career, Sammy has also worked with the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Angels, Washington State Cougars and Washington Huskies.
Session
“I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream at the Little Screen!” Sport Video Production
Richard M. Kilpatrick
Creative Director, Video Editor, Video Editor/Video Engineer, Co-Owner/Creative Director of Juice News
Bikini Beach Australia, W3BTHR33, Enriched Studios, Juice News, RUN Studios, Reaction Audio Visual
Richard Kilpatrick, class of 2011, Creative Director at Enriched Studios. – Started his career in eSports with the Xbox One launch in 2013 through Microsoft Production Studios. Took on the role of Videographer and Editor with Twitch.TV in 2017 through Amazon Prime gaming, with titles like Destiny 2, Madden, and Rocket League. Most recently edited outside packages for the DOTA 2 International Tournament and Magic the Gathering World Championship in 2023.His professional journey reflects a dedication to continuous learning and growth.
Session
“I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream at the Little Screen!” Sport Video Production
Dr. Kenji Kitatani
Professor and Director, Institute for Contents and Technology Integration
Kanazawa Institute of Technology in Tokyo
Dr. Kitatani was Lester Smith Distinguished Professor of Media Management at Washington State University (2005-2011＆2019-2021). He received BA from Mirrow in 1977 and MA and Ph.D. in Communications Policy and Management from University of Wisconsin. After teaching broadcasting and international media business at Washington State University and Indiana University, he held executive positions at Tokyo Broadcasting System, Tokyo Dome Corporation, SONY Corporation and Avex International Holdings. At Tokyo Dome, he was responsible for promoting the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Michael Jackson, U2, Paul Simon, George Michael as well as NFL and NBA games for a decade as a board director. For SONY Corporation, he was an executive officer and EVP for SONY Corp. of America, responsible for group marketing, media buying consolidation and new business development. Upon completing reorganization of music entertainment business in Asia and the U.S. at Avex, Dr. Kitatani developed two 20,000 seat arena projects in Nagoya and Osaka for Anschutz Entertainment Group as its EVP, Asia and Executive Director for Japan until 2021. He is a board member of Inter FM and statutory auditor for Broadmedia as well as advisor to various corporations in Japan and Israel. He is also Chairman of Japan for DAZN sports streaming service and an official columnist for Forbes JAPAN. He has published many books on entertainment industry including “Future of Entertainment 2031” from Nikkei BP. Professor
Session
From Swifties to Strategies: Public Relations in the Taylorverse
Lance Lijewski
Digital Marketer, Media by Lance Lee
Lance Lee Lijewski is a Digital Marketing & Photography expert specializing in small to medium sized restaurant, bars, & cafes. While Lance has lived and worked across 5 states in the last 10 years, he is living back in Pullman & has built a successful reputation working with regional businesses – including business network CougsFirst!, James Beard Award nominated Black Cypress, historic The Coug, college student favorite Emporium, & a diverse network of other businesses between Washington & Idaho.
Cameron Limes
NBC Nightly News Production Assistant
Cameron Limes lives in New York and works for NBC News. During his time at WSU, he was heavily involved in clubs across campus. Cameron took on roles such as VP of TV for Cable 8, President of the Murrow Ambassadors, President of the Pullman Stand Up Comedy Club, was a TA for Murrow News 8, and hosted multiple WSU Foundation Galas.
Outside of the Murrow college, Cameron was a manager at the University of Recreation, as well as a RA during his senior year.
Session
Welcome to New York! How Big Involvement in College Helped Launch Murrow Alums to the Big Apple
Freddy Llanos
Coordinator Baseball Communications
Seattle Mariners
I was born in Othello, WA to immigrant farm workers. I joined them when I was 15 as I grew up in Finley, WA. I attended Washington State University for a Mechanical Engineering Major but decided to change to journalism major and graduated in 2017. I joined KNDU as a Bilingual MMJ for the NBC and Telemundo affiliate in Kennewick, WA. After two years I headed to Oklahoma City to become the Telemundo affiliates Sports Director/Anchor. I returned home to Washington State and joined the Mariners Communication/PR staff in May of 2022 and have been their translator for spanish speaking players as well.
Session
Bridging Worlds: The Power of Being Bilingual in Communication Careers
Stephanie Loh
Assisting Managing Editor
Seattle Times
Stefanie Loh is an assistant managing editor at The Seattle Times, where she oversees the features department, Pacific Northwest magazine and staff development. Stef has been at The Seattle Times since 2015, when she joined the sports staff as the WSU football beat reporter. Stef covered Coug football for three years before becoming an assistant sports editor, and subsequently, the features editor. Stef is an alum of the University of Oregon, and is a past president of the Association for Women in Sports Media and the Football Writers Association of America. She’s currently a Society for Features Journalism board member, and is also active in AAJA.
Session
Industry Spotlight: Seattle Times/Digital Audience Engagement
Matt Loveless
Scholarly Assistant Professor of Communication
Washington State University
Matt Loveless is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Communication at the Murrow College. A graduate of Murrow, Matt returns with 15 years of experience working in local television, as a news reporter, anchor, and sports director.
He began his professional broadcasting career just a few days after graduating from WSU, as a news anchor at KLEW TV in Lewiston, ID. Following his time in the L-C Valley, Matt moved to Boise to work as a news reporter, then sports director for the area’s Fox affiliate, KTRV.
In 2012, he began his time at WAND TV in Decatur, IL, first as sports director. During what he calls his “Midwest adventure” Matt earned recognition from the Illinois Broadcaster’s Association for Excellence in sports storytelling, and as a sport anchor. He later transitioned back to news, co-anchoring the station’s morning show WAND Today for a number of years.
To his final days on the anchor desk, he remained a multimedia journalist, shooting and editing his own stories, was a market leader on social media, and produced daily newscasts which he anchored.
Students in his courses will learn the value of versatility in the rapidly-changing world of broadcast news.
Session
Digital Storytelling: Create, Captivate, and Connect
Lori Maricle
Director of Communication
Washington Grain Commission
Lori Maricle has been accredited in public relations (APR) through PRSA since 2017, with strategic communications experience in agriculture, business advocacy and health sciences education.
Her main professional interests include competitive strategy and assessment, marketing research and behavior, data analytics, and multimedia production.
She serves on the communication committee for the Wheat Foods Council as well as on the board for the PRSA Greater Spokane Chapter, serving as board president in 2017.
Lori earned a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from the WSU Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in business management from the WSU Carson College. Lori returned to Spokane in 2021 after two years with the Association of Washington Business (AWB), in Olympia.
Before her role with AWB, she spent 12 years working for WSU, including five years as the communications director for the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Spokane and four years in administration and human resources at WSU in Pullman.
Session
Curiosities and Discoveries: Communicating Science Effectively
Hannah Martian
Author and Graduate Instructor
Crooked Lane Books / Alcove Press and Washington State University
Hannah Martian (they/she) graduated from the WSU Honors College in 2020 with a BA in sport management, then returned in 2022 to earn her MA in the same subject. Hannah has worked as a broadcaster for several baseball teams, including the Bellingham Bells and the Casper Horseheads, and now freelances in the Palouse area. She is currently a TA in the sport management program and works part-time at the Neill Public Library in Pullman. Hannah is also a writer of adult fiction; her debut mystery novel LONG TIME GONE is slated for publication this October by Crooked Lane Books.
Session
From Swifties to Strategies: Public Relations in the Taylorverse
Janie McCauley
Sports Writer
Associated Press
Janie McCauley (’98) started her professional journey at the Spokesman-Review where she dedicated two and a half years to reporting local sports. In November 2000, she transitioned to The Associated Press’ Seattle Bureau, covering Ichiro Suzuki’s remarkable rookie year with the Mariners, a season in which the team won 116 games.
In 2002, McCauley relocated to San Francisco, covering the iconic Barry Bonds and his quest to become home run king, which he ultimately achieved in 2007. She was named AP’s Sports Writer of the Year for her exemplary coverage in 2005. McCauley remains based in the Bay Area focused on duties as a national baseball writer and covering the Golden State Warriors and Stanford women’s basketball.
McCauley is gearing up for her sixth Olympic assignment, slated to cover swimming and other beats at the upcoming Summer Games in Paris. Her previous Olympic coverage includes the Summer Games in Beijing, London and Rio de Janeiro, as well as the Winter Games in 2006 and 2010. She has also reported on the World Cup in Brazil, Women’s World Cup in Canada, Warriors’ NBA Finals, two Super Bowls and four World Series.
McCauley is married to fellow AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow and they have two daughters, Emma and Lily.
The Art Eckman Fund in Sports Communication honors Murrow alum and renowned sports broadcaster, Art Eckman (’64).
Session
Breaking Boundaries: Women in Sports Journalism – Pioneers, Perspectives, and Progress
Geoff McLachlan
Professional Speaker, Trainer, DISC Certified, Coach and Founder of Professionals at Play
Geoff is a professional problem solver. Through his speaking and training he inspires, motivates and helps to change lives and organizations through powerful storytelling and edutainment! His facilitation skills have been honed through thousands of hours working with leaders across the country. He is a TedX speaker, devoted husband and father, avid outdoorsman and is constantly finding ways to improve his mental, physical and emotional health and wellness. He lives in beautiful Coeur d’alene, Idaho with his amazing wife, two sons, and whatever pets they bring home.
Session
From Stress to Success: Rethinking Wellbeing in Strategic Communication
Alyssa Patrick
Director of Policy, Advocacy and Communication
Washington Association for Community Health
Working on behalf of Washington State’s 27 community health centers, Alyssa collaboratively develops and executes policy, advocacy, and public relations strategies to expand awareness of and access to comprehensive primary care. Washington’s health centers have more than 400 clinics across the state, providing community-rooted, affordable and preventative primary medical, dental and behavioral health care to 1 in 7 Washingtonians. Alyssa graduated from WSU with a degree in communication (PR emphasis) in 2013, and received her Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Washington. Throughout her career Alyssa has been a storyteller, program manager, and policy analyst in higher education and different levels of government – always with an emphasis on serving those who live in Washington. She is also on the board of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, a state-based organization that is developing future leaders and addressing issues ranging from climate change to human rights.
Session
Advocate and Enlighten: Using Communication in Politics, Policy and Law
Tiffany Paup Sanders
Fred Meyer and QFC Corporate Affairs
Kroger
Tiffany Paup Sanders (’95 Comm. & French Lit.) is currently the Corporate Affairs Manager and spokesperson for the Fred Meyer and QFC Divisions of Kroger. She holds dual degrees from Washington State University in Broadcast Journalism and French Foreign Language and Literatures and excelled as a varsity track and field scholarship athlete.
Before joining the grocery business, Sanders’ broadcasting career spanned over 15 years in Seattle, Tucson, and the Tri-Cities as a Chief Weather Meteorologist and news reporter. Transitioning from her broadcast journalism career, Sanders joined Fred Meyer and QFC in 2020. She now represents and advocates for 42,000 associates in 191 Fred Meyer & QFC Stores across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. Sanders directs all corporate communications, media and community relations and philanthropy programs.
Session
Advocate and Enlighten: Using Communication in Politics, Policy and Law
Vonnai Phair
Morning Reporter
The Seattle Times
Vonnai Phair is the Morning Reporter at The Seattle Times, covering breaking news and general assignment tidbits, with a particular interest in any opportunity with a little bit of fun. Her stories range from breaking news on heavy metals found in popular chocolate bars, reader engagement pieces on Seattle’s unspoken rules and even what it’s like to fly with the Blue Angels. Her journey in the newsroom began just two days after she graduated from Washington State University, where she studied broadcast news, public relations and French. Before becoming the Morning Reporter, Vonnai worked as the Features Producer and Features News Assistant. Vonnai is on the board of the Seattle Association of Black Journalists, and in her free time, you can find her on a yoga mat, shopping for anything vintage or eating through every Seattle neighborhood.
Session
Industry Spotlight: Seattle Times/Digital Audience Engagement
Julie Popper
Media Relations & Communications Strategist
Washington Education Association
Julie Popper mobilizes communications tools to create social change. For more than 20 years, she has crafted internal and external messaging, built media relationships, and driven social media and digital strategy to assist workers in forming unions, bargaining contracts, and winning in legislative and political arenas. She currently serves as a communications strategist for Washington Education Association, the state-wide educators’ union.
Session
Advocate and Enlighten: Using Communication in Politics, Policy and Law
Jenny Power
Weather Anchor
KHQ NonStop Local
Jenny Power is a WSU alumna who graduated from the Murrow College in 2019. Shortly after, she started in Missoula, Montana at KTMF on the statewide morning show as a multi-media journalist. In 2021, she made the move to Spokane, Washington to work as a reporter at KHQ. During her first year working for KHQ, she also learned how to forecast the weather and her role was elevated to reporting while also filling in for the weather department. Over the course of her career, her position was elevated to Traffic Anchor and then full-time Weather Anchor for the number one morning show on the oldest consecutively owned NBC affiliate in the country.
Session
From Campus to Career: Lessons from Recent Murrow Alumni
Liesbeth Powers
Staff Photographer
Moscow-Pullman Daily News
Liesbeth Powers is a staff photographer at the Moscow-Pullman Daily News and The Lewiston Tribune. Before moving to the Palouse region, Liesbeth spent a year as a staff photographer and fellow on The Dallas Morning News visuals team. She previously covered the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex as a freelance photojournalist and worked at publications in DFW as a reporter and editor after graduating from Baylor University, where she studied journalism and news media.
Session
Beyond the Lens: Women in Photo and Video
Liz Pritchard
Retired Media Executive
Fox Stations Sales, Radio Disney Network, WBBM-TV, CBS, ABC
Liz Pritchard (’80 Comm.) is a media industry veteran who most recently served as the Vice President, Sales Training and Development, for Fox Television Stations Sales in New York, a division of the Fox Corporation. She retired in 2021 after a 40-year career in media sales.
At Fox, Pritchard was responsible for design and management of the sales training program, which produced top performing account executives, sales managers, and Vice Presidents within the division. Pritchard also served as project management lead for sales, traffic, and automation systems utilized by the station group and was part of an executive management transition team deployed to assist when new stations were acquired by Fox.
Session
Career Navigation in Communication: Matching Passion with Purpose
Tiffany Prizzi
Assistant Director of Global Learning
Washington State University
Tiffany Prizzi, M.A., is Global Learning’s Assistant Director and has designed international programs and advised undergraduates studying abroad for more than four years at WSU. She teaches online courses for study abroad hopefuls, and was invited to conferences in Eugene, Spokane, Chicago, and Washington D.C. to deliver seminars. Tiffany is also a Crimson Spirit Award winner.
Session
Storytelling and Neuro Coupling: Unveiling the Science Behind Engaging Narratives
Caryn Ragin
Attorney at Law
Bolan Law Group, P.S.
Caryn Ragin is an attorney who enjoys educating and empowering clients while serving their legal needs. Before embarking on her legal career, Caryn immersed herself in the realm of government and politics, working on both local and national campaigns and serving as a legislative aide in the Ohio State Senate. It was during this time that Caryn developed a profound appreciation for advocacy and the power of law to effect positive change in people’s lives.
Session
Advocate and Enlighten: Using Communication in Politics, Policy and Law
Angelica relente
Reporter
The News Tribune
Angelica Relente covers topics that affect communities in East Pierce County. She started as a news intern in June 2021 after graduating from Washington State University. She is also a member of Seattle’s Asian American Journalists Association. She was born in the Philippines and spent the rest of her childhood in Hawaii.
SessionS
Beyond the Lens: Women in Photo and Video,
From Campus to Career: Lessons from Recent Murrow Alumni
Nicole Sanchez
Professional Storyteller and Past President of NATAS NW
Emmy-award winning journalist Nicole Sanchez has worked in television for more than two decades. She is a trustee for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences NW Chapter. She also served as chapter president from 2019-2023. Nicole is a seasoned storyteller and works for a variety of stations including the Seattle Channel, Idaho Public Television, WebsEdge, and Idaho News 6.
Nicole spent the first part of her career reporting and anchoring in newsrooms including Q13 FOX News, KOMO ABC 4, and KIMA-TV in Yakima.
Sessions
Career Navigation in Communication: Matching Passion with Purpose,
Exploring the Art and Craft of Long-Form News and Documentary Production: Insights from the Frontlines
Elle Sehorn
Advertising Strategist
Amazon Ads
Elle Sehorn graduated cum laude in 2020 with a B.A. in Strategic Communication, majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Sport Management. Currently residing in Seattle, Elle works at Global Overview, an Amazon Preferred Partner agency, as a Display Media Strategist. Possessing a keen understanding of consumer behaviors and brand positioning, Elle leads the strategic planning of various brand’s digital ad campaigns on Amazon to drive awareness and loyalty. In her free time, Elle enjoys coaching high school volleyball and volunteering at local and national mental health organizations.
Session
Industry Spotlight: Fostering Brand Loyalty in E-commerce Communication: Moving Beyond Clicks and Conversions
Jaclyn Siefert
Account Executive
Amazon Ads
Jaclyn graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major B.A in Communication & Technology and Public Relations and a minor in Digital Technology and Culture in 2022. She now works at Amazon Ads as an Account Executive within the Consumer Package Goods (Grocery, Beauty, Health & Personal Care) category at the Seattle HQ Amazon office. Amazon Ads helps brands create experiences that delight customers and deliver meaningful results. With their first-party insights, 300+ million worldwide active customer accounts, Amazon properties, and third-party publishers and exchanges—brands can reach the right audiences in the right places, both on and off Amazon.
Session
Industry Spotlight: Fostering Brand Loyalty in E-commerce Communication: Moving Beyond Clicks and Conversions
Jake Sirianni
Video Editor & Motion Designer
Jake is a video editor and motion designer based in Brooklyn, NY. He initially immersed himself in the NYC scene with an internship at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2017. After graduating from the Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University in 2018, he joined Mustache Agency. Jake enjoys freelancing for his favorite bands, such as The Collection and Michigander, creating fun music and lyric videos for them. Aside from his editing pursuits, he is currently running for the presidency of the United States (though, statistically speaking, the campaign isn’t going very well).
Session
Welcome to New York! How Big Involvement in College Helped Launch Murrow Alums to the Big Apple
Eric Sorensen
Science Writer
Eric Sorensen spent 30 years communicating science as a journalist and university communicator. He was the Palouse bureau chief for the Spokesman-Review and science writer for the Seattle Times. As lead science writer for Washington State University, he wrote dozens of features for Washington State Magazine and brought the work of WSU scientists to the attention of virtually every major media outlet.
Session
Curiosities and Discoveries: Communicating Science Effectively
Dr. Kate Stewart
Assistant Professor of Public Relations and Advertising
Jacksonville State University
Kate Stewart is an assistant professor of public relations and advertising at Jacksonville State University. She is in the process of completing her dissertation (this month!) about social media influencers and audience perception to receive her Ph.D. in Communication from the University of South Carolina.
Stewart’s main research interests revolve around social media use, fandom, influencer marketing, and mass media consumption and related behaviors. She will never turn down an opportunity to talk about or study Taylor Swift and Swifties as she is self-proclaimed the “resident Swiftie” for JSU. Stewart enjoys staying active and involved in the public relations industry to ensure her students are learning the most up-to-date strategies and tactics for public relations, emerging media, and personal branding. Stewart’s goal through teaching is to enrich the lives of the younger generations to help them achieve their goals and adequately equip them to be the next leaders in our field by bringing industry into the classroom.
Session
From Swifties to Strategies: Public Relations in the Taylorverse
Tony Thompson
Co-Founder of Dryland Media and Scholarly Assistant Professor
Dryland Media and Washington State University
Tony Thompson is a Scholarly Assistant Professor at the Murrow College of Communication. He graduated from Washington State University in December of 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences. Tony was a three-year letterwinner for the football team here at WSU and recently started taking graduate courses in Sport Management with an interest in student-athlete career services. He has a passion for student engagement and helping students to grow personally and professionally.
Session
Digital Storytelling: Create, Captivate, and Connect
Lisa Vailencour
Chief Business Development Officer & Chief of Staff
THE DODI GROUP
Lisa Vailencour has been a leader in the technology industry for over 20 years at Microsoft, Zulily, Motorola Solutions, AWS, and Indeed. She has led roles in program management, corporate recruiting, business development, brand management, executive communications, and product management. Lisa is launching her own brand and communications agency focused on brands that have a purpose to build community and connections. She is driven by positive customer engagements and in helping others grow their careers.
Lisa has a MA in strategic communications from Washington State University and a BA in leadership and organizational studies from Antioch University Seattle.
Session
Give and Gain: Applying Exchange Theory to Foster Wellness and Belonging in the Workplace
Anika Varty
Assistant metro editor
The Seattle Times
Anika Varty is an assistant metro editor at The Seattle Times, where she edits local news, including race and equity coverage. She was previously a news producer on the digital audience team. Anika is also the VP of Communications for the Asian American Journalists Association.
Session
Industry Spotlight: Seattle Times/Digital Audience Engagement
Annie Warren
Director of Content
Northwest Public Broadcasting
As director of NWPB’s news and video production teams, Annie works with a talented group of journalists and creatives to produce original, bilingual, multi-media programming across multiple platforms in collaboration with the station’s audience, development, marketing and digital teams. She has a degree in photojournalism from The University of Montana. While this is her first role in public media, Annie has many years’ experience in photography and public service communications in schools and libraries and is a two-time Telly Award winner.
Session
Beyond the Lens: Women in Photo and Video
Bradley Warren
Morning Anchor & Regional Breaking News Reporter
KHQ INC. and Cowles Montana Media
Bradley Warren is a 6 time Emmy nominated journalist and a proud 2018 graduate of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication.
During his time at Washington State University, he was active with Cougar Crew, (men’s rowing) Cable 8 and interned for Lynn Plage Communications, a PR consulting firm working for IMG worldwide in the representation of multiple Olympic athletes, U.S. Senator Patty Murray and KHQ Local News the NBC affiliate in Spokane.
Post graduation he worked as the Butte-Bozeman a morning reporter for ABC/FOX Montana covering the region and Yellowstone National Park. Bradley was ultimately promoted to the LIVE desk anchor role within KHQ Inc. doing multiple hits on multiple morning shows across the region. He has also anchored at KULR8 in Billings and KTMF in Missoula.
Now, Bradley – is the full-time morning anchor of Wake Up Nonstop Local Montana, and a contributing morning anchor/ reporter on Wake Up Nonstop Local Spokane. In addition, he is a weekend anchor for the Montana arm of the company and is currently helping to steer the launch and anchoring of “Nonstop Montana Politics,” a Sunday morning sit-down political show.
On the horizon, Bradley is working on a special that will take him to Paris to cover elements of the Olympics.
Session
From Campus to Career: Lessons from Recent Murrow Alumni
Allison Waters
Multidisciplinary Social Worker
Raineer Springs
Session
From Stress to Success: Rethinking Wellbeing in Strategic Communication
Aimee Willis
Murrow Professor and Group Creative Director
Narrative
Aimee Willis is a Scholarly Assistant Professor for the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University. Most recently, a Group Creative Director at advertising and public relations agencies, she brings 20 years of industry experience to the classroom. Preparing students in the Strategic Communication department to be strategic, creative, innovative thinkers and problem solvers, grounded in culture, and equipped to help brands meaningfully connect with consumers through breakthrough marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts across any medium or platform.
Session
AI Unleashed: Transforming the Future of Communication
Sara Zaske
Lead Science Writer and Editor
Washington State University and freelancer
Sara Zaske is the lead science writer for Washington State University. She has worked in journalism and higher education communications for more than 15 years. She’s a former staff reporter for the San Francisco Examiner and her articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time.com, and Bild am Sonntag among other places. She is also the author of the research memoir Achtung Baby: an American Mom on the German Art of Raising Self-Reliant Children.
Session
Curiosities and Discoveries: Communicating Science Effectively
Daisy Zavala
Reporter and Photographer
Nogales International
Daisy Zavala Magaña is a bilingual journalist based in Nogales, Arizona. As a local reporter near the U.S – Mexico border, she covers a variety of issues affecting border residents ranging from education, environment, immigration and city politics. Raised in Central Washington, she began her journalism career focusing on underrepresented communities in the state. Her work has delved into farmworker rights, Latino communities and policy impacts on those most affected.
Sessions
Give and Gain: Applying Exchange Theory to Foster Wellness and Belonging in the Workplace,
Bridging Worlds: The Power of Being Bilingual in Communication Careers