Kathryn Kates Public Relations Team
Kathryn Kates, CEO. Kathryn opened a full service PR firm and talent agency over 20 years ago, and later worked as a journalist and broadcaster. Today, Kathryn works on both sides of the communication spectrum…opening doors wherever she goes. Kathryn has a proven track record in public relations. She’s shown her natural ability to create “buzz” by combining imaginative and innovative ideas with detail-oriented implementation. By effectively leveraging her extensive media, business and community contacts, Kathryn offers businesses results-oriented solutions to public relations. Kathryn has the capability to implement unique initiatives that significantly increase client awareness and image through the media. She’s able to integrate media strategies with business issues - understanding the big picture while working well with details. Kathryn has a positive, can-do attitude with a strong sense of urgency and personal responsibility, and a talent for simplifying concepts and tailoring messages for specific audiences.
Selina Eckersall, Digital Strategist. Selina is a digital culture junkie and creative thinker with 10 years experience working in marketing both agency and client side. She has worked on brands such as HMV, BMO, Ford and McDonalds and continues to help brands blaze new trails in the digital space. Her passion for original ideas and unique execution make her a solid digital strategist. Selina is active on more than a dozen social sites and collectively has thousands of connections on these sites. Having worked almost exclusively on social media programs for two years, she truly understands the digital space and offers clients a great deal of insight.Selina is educated in marketing, holds a direct marketing accreditation with the CMA and continues to be an active member in the marketing community. She is a contributor for The Canadian Marketing Association blog.
Stephanie Smyth, Media Training. SpecialistStephanie Smyth, an award-winning media veteran, has over 20 years of experience in the radio and television industry. Her career spans all facets of the broadcast news sector including news reporting, anchoring, writing, news-talk radio, commentary and assignment roles. In 1999, Stephanie was appointed News Director at 680News. She moved to television in 2003 as News Director at Global Television in Toronto. By 2005, Stephanie became the News Director at AM640 Toronto Radio. Stephanie has since joined CP24 in Toronto as Breaking News Producer, playing a key editorial role for the all-news station both on and off the air. Stephanie is a member of RTNDA Canada, Canadian Women in Communications and a supporter of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. Stephanie's television and radio expertise make her a sought after media training specialist in developing and disseminating key media messaging for public relations clients.
Donna SantosCorporate, Photographer. Donna specializes in people photography with focus on producing effective business portraits that communicate confidence, professionalism and a lot of pizzazz. The images she produced have complemented and supported various publicity and marketing objectives both in print and on the web. Along with her B.A. in Communication Arts, Donna has extensive experience in film and television production management.
Steve Adair, West Coast Accounts Manager. Steve Adair has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit for 25 years, having run successful service industry companies both in Toronto and Vancouver. Steve's passion is music ... a drummer and the father of superstar drummer Daniel Adair of Nickelback.
Christine Kay, Public Relations Coordinator. Christine Kay has assisted Kathryn for close to two decades with public relations and media campaigns, as well as with Kathryn's duties as a journalist. Together, work has taken the two, both near and far. Christine, who originally hails from England, comes from the worlds of beauty and finance.
Samantha Paquin, Graphic Artist. Samantha Paquin brings 14 years of diverse, combined experience in graphic and web design, copy editing, and layout within magazine and newspaper environments. Her clients have included Perkins Restaurant, 240 Sparks and CAA. Samantha was Metro Ottawa's main graphic design whiz and, prior to that, Metro Toronto's features editor, where she worked alongside Kathryn. Samantha also worked for newspapers in New York City and Florida as a layout editor and page designer.
Laura Rickards, Senior Public Relations Consultant. Laura brings 15 years experience in public relations. Her clients include Quinte Access Public Transit, Powerful Thinking Begins..., Stockdale Mill, Festival Players of Prince Edward County, PilotProject, HGTV Canada’s DIY Disaster and Creative Ideals, Resurgence Theatre Company, Tac Theatrical, JV Productions’ The Decorating Challenge and The Gardening Gamble on W Network, Nortel Union 1839, The Investors Group, The Quinte Ballet and CTV’s Camilla Scott Show.
Valerie Kates, Strategist. Valerie has a Masters Degree in Adult Education and extensive experience in corporate communications and training. A published author, she has presented to hundreds of businesses, associations and government agencies across Canada, helping their people reach their personal and professional goals.
Christine Bates, Senior Public Relations Stategist. Christine has worked in public relations for 15 years for CHUM Radio, CTV Ottawa, Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Canada and at Delta Chelsea Hotel Toronto. Her specialties include writing, event coordination and fostering long term fruitful client relationships. Christine also writes for Hot Toronto magazine.
