Blair Poloskey
Principal + Partner
Meet the people behind the work.
INK’s strategists, communicators, creatives, and digital specialists work as one integrated team to solve complex business challenges. Our team combines deep sector knowledge with expertise across every part of an integrated communications program. We bring the right mix of experience to each client and challenge.
Our team
Kari Hernandez
CSO + Co-founder
Starr Million Baker
CEO + Co-founder
Caitlin New
SVP, Communications, B2B Tech Practice Lead
Candice Eng
SVP, Communications, Energy Practice Lead
Emily Grossman
VP, Creative Services
Kim Mackley
VP, Brand Strategy + Content
Caroline Harvey
VP, Planning
Traci Mazurek
VP, Digital
Ariel Alonso
Senior Director, Planning
Abbey Korthals
Manager, Operations
Abby LaBuff
Senior Director, Brand Strategy + Content
Alise Murawski
Director, Communications
Allison Ralston
Manager, Communications
Allyson Hodapp
Director, Communications
Brittany Miller
Senior Manager, Communications
Carley Clement
Senior Associate, Communications
Christian Rojas
Senior Frontend Developer
Elizabeth Farwell
Manager, Communications
Hallie Criste
Senior Manager, Communications
Heidi DeHart
Senior Manager, Communications
Hillary Crusan
Senior Manager, Brand Strategy + Content
Jane Daguio
Manager, Communications
Janelle Davis
Director, Communications
Joey Held
Director, Brand Strategy + Content
Julie Cordell
Director, Digital
Kali Gill
Director, Communications
Kenna Jones
Associate, Communications
Kersa Haughey
Director, AI Strategy
Liz Benavides
Senior Manager, Communications
Lydia Crow
Senior Associate, Communications
Madeline Forwerck
Manager, Brand Strategy + Content
Marissa Martinez
Senior Manager, Communications
Nate Rothenberg
Senior Manager, Planning
Payton Ricci
Senior Art Director
Reagan Costa Lander
Senior Manager, Communications
Ryan Riggins
Creative Director
Valerie Martinez
Senior Manager, Planning
Victoria Holland
Senior Associate, Digital
Blair Poloskey
Principal + Partner
Blair Poloskey solves problems. From storytelling to digital spend and back to general account management, she finds solutions for her clients and executes on them quickly and efficiently. Over the past 15+ years, Blair has developed a love for and deep understanding of B2B technology communications. In 2006, Blair took the reins of INK’s digital and social program. She has spoken at CES, SXSW, and several other digital focused conferences highlighting best practices and opportunities for B2B brands on social.
Kari Hernandez
CSO + Co-founder
Kari Hernandez brings entrepreneurial thinking to her clients and teams, uncovering opportunities in unexpected places and quickly moving ideas to action. Building on twenty years of experience in marketing communications for B2B technology companies, Kari is constantly innovating new and more strategic ways to serve INK’s clients. Her commitment to growth and innovation landed her on PR News’ 2019 Top Women in PR list and helped INK earn its place on the Inc. 5000 and as a Best Place to Work in Austin and Denver.
Starr Million Baker
CEO + Co-founder
Starr Million Baker has a knack for finding better ways to do things and motivating others to do the same. She’s created communications programs with a wide breadth of strategic aims for clients big and small in the B2B technology and energy industries. Starr studied journalism at the University of Texas at Austin and has earned her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America. Her devotion to her craft and her company has secured her a place on PR News’ Top Women in PR list and added a lot of hardware to INK’s shelves, including multiple Inc. 5000 and Best Places to Work recognition.
Caitlin New
SVP, Communications, B2B Tech Practice Lead
Caitlin New is on a mission to inspire creative solutions for clients that want to move beyond the routine and welcome bold, new paths in their marketing and communications programs. Through her skill for building strong client relationships and passion for understanding her clients’ businesses, Caitlin leads teams to create communications programs that are built on trust and have real impact. Caitlin has deep experience in technology communications and has promoted innovation in the payments, retail, cybersecurity, insurance, and real estate industries. Caitlin’s ability to motivate self and teams led to her earning an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America, as well as her team securing a PR Daily Digital PR and Social Media Award.
Candice Eng
SVP, Communications, Energy Practice Lead
Candice Eng delivers results and connections that matter – especially around New York-based media and business relationships. Building on a decade of experience in enterprise tech, consumer, and energy markets, she leads INK’s New York office and media relations services ensuring best practices and relationships are leveraged across the company and for all clients. Candice has executed media events with 400+ media and analysts in attendance and managed events with major partners such as Anheuser Busch, T-Mobile, Bloomberg, ESPN, and more. Her media, communications, and management talents have landed her recognition as Top Tech PR Pro by PRSourceCode’s and Agency Account Manager of the Year by PR News.
Emily Grossman
VP, Creative Services
Emily Grossman believes strategic design tells a story and connects with people. She combines conceptual thinking with an artistic approach to develop visual solutions for clients. A hunger for travel took Emily from Croatia to Cambodia, and these experiences inspire her work every day. Emily cut her teeth in Chicago, working in design, advertising, and shopper activation with clients like Pantene, Herbal Essences, Tide, Olay, Sara Lee, Kleenex and International Truck. She is originally from Minnesota, the home of Paul Bunyan, 10,000+ lakes and Hotdish, and studied design at the University of Kansas.
Kim Mackley
VP, Brand Strategy + Content
Kim Mackley specializes in strategic content planning and marketing research, leveraging over 20 years of experience in communications and project management. Kim leads INK’s incredible team of writers who aren’t at all competitive and never give her a hard time. She applies a unique point of view and sense of humor to every problem, asking questions no one else asks to find a balanced pragmatic, creative solution. Kim specializes in audience discovery and messaging as well as research to uncover insights worth sharing. She is a proud Buckeye with a BA in journalism from The Ohio State University and an MA in liberal arts from the University of Pennsylvania.
Caroline Harvey
VP, Planning
Caroline Patterson brings a strategic, creative, and resourceful approach to helping clients tell their stories. With experience on B2B accounts from cloud to cybersecurity to enterprise software, she has landed her clients in top outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, TechCrunch, and WIRED. Prior to INK, Caroline worked at Matter on tech and consumer clients such as Alert Logic, CVS, and Progress. Caroline is a Colorado native and graduated from the University of Kansas where she studied communications and was a four-year varsity swimmer and team captain for her senior season.
Traci Mazurek
VP, Digital
Traci Koller Mazurek is passionate about building data-driven social and digital programs that connect businesses with the people they care about most. With experience leading B2B and B2C accounts and digital strategy across industries including agriculture, consumer goods, and real estate at INK, she previously led social strategy for clients at Spredfast and R/GA. Traci is a LinkedIn Certified Marketing Insider and Pinterest Certified Media Buyer. She is a native Dallasite who graduated from Baylor University, began her career in public relations with Edelman and FleishmanHillard in New York City, and now lives in Austin with her husband and child.
Ariel Alonso
Senior Director, Planning
Ariel Alonso has shaped communications strategy for organizations navigating some of their highest-stakes moments, from acquisitions and IPOs to periods of rapid growth and transformation. With a career spanning B2B technology and energy, she brings deep expertise in executive communications and media relations, honed through both her work at INK and senior in-house roles. Ariel’s strategic approach to storytelling has helped clients translate complex ideas into compelling narratives and earn top-tier coverage in outlets including TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and CNN. A Massachusetts native, Ariel graduated summa cum laude from Elon University’s School of Communications.
Abbey Korthals
Manager, Operations
Abbey Korthals plays a vital role in preserving INK’s unique culture by overseeing and supporting operations and an ever-growing team. With superior organizational efficiency and problem-solving skills, Abbey ensures INK’s internal operations are streamlined. Her ability to keep the trains moving allows INK to continue delivering exceptional services to clients and serving as a nurturing and encouraging place to work. Abbey graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Public Relations and began her career at Porter Novelli where, in addition to managing clients, she managed their professional development program.
Abby LaBuff
Senior Director, Brand Strategy + Content
Abby LaBuff ensures INK’s marketing communications programs are informed and enhanced by research. She applies thoughtful curiosity and an analytical approach to every aspect of her work, whether crafting brand positioning, writing impactful content, or drawing industry and audience insights from data. Her expertise in developing meaningful and actionable personas earned her team a Platinum MarCom Award for its Whole Foods Market 365 audience research. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Abby has a drive to never stop learning and has since become professionally certified in Brandwatch analytics and the ThinkWrong problem-solving methodology.
Alise Murawski
Director, Communications
Alise Murawski is at her best when the challenge is complex and the path forward isn’t obvious. She brings experience across nonprofits, federal agencies, high-growth startups, and Fortune 50 companies to help clients align priorities, engage the right stakeholders, and translate strategy into integrated communications programs that deliver. A Project Management Professional trained in applied strategic foresight, Alise pairs big-picture thinking with the structure and follow-through needed to keep ambitious work moving forward.
Allison Ralston
Manager, Communications
Allison Ralston develops a connection between data, strategy, and current trends to generate media interest for her clients. Before becoming a full-time INKer, Allison’s background was intertwined with digital marketing, content writing and project management roles that emphasized crafting unique messages through effective communication. A native Californian turned Texan, Allison earned her Bachelor of Science in public relations and Master of Arts in mass communication from Texas State University.
Allyson Hodapp
Director, Communications
Allyson Hodapp is a dedicated public relations professional who is passionate about helping her clients share their story and expertise within their respective industries. She has experience working in a variety of B2B and B2C industries, including technology, healthcare, education, hospitality, nonprofit and entertainment. Her strategic approach to media relations has landed her clients in top-tier outlets such as The Associated Press, New York Times, Business Insider, USA Today, WIRED and VentureBeat. Allyson is a Chicago native and graduated from Loyola University of New Orleans with a degree in mass communication
Brittany Miller
Senior Manager, Communications
Brittany Miller stays on top of industry trends and channels her curiosity to better shape client stories for media. Before her postgraduation career at INK, she gained experience through internships within the nonprofit, health care and journalism spaces. Brittany is a native Texan and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in public relations and a minor in business.
Carley Clement
Senior Associate, Communications
Carley Clement’s dedication to lifelong learning underpins her ability to immerse herself in industry conversations and support clients on the breaking edge of innovation. Her early career working with clean energy clients developed her love for strategically communicating about technology with the potential to make the world a better place. Carley is a Texas State University alumni and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and Public Relations with a focus in Digital Media. In addition to writing and print media, she is passionate about cultivating community, practicing yoga, and collecting vintage clothing.
Christian Rojas
Senior Frontend Developer
Christian builds fast, modern digital experiences for B2B technology and energy brands, turning complex ideas into user-first web solutions that prioritize clarity over clutter. He leads development, owning the front-end architecture and building scalable systems with technologies like JavaScript, React, and Next.js. He’s driven by a belief that the best websites are simple, seamless, and built with the user in mind.
Elizabeth Farwell
Manager, Communications
Elizabeth Farwell brings creative, newsworthy ideas to her clients to help them grow their business through intentional media strategy. She has worked with companies across all stages and industries — AI startups, consumer brands, B2B tech companies, and legacy energy businesses. During her time in PR, she has been recognized as part of TITAN’s PR Team of the Year and earned an agency award for “Most Creative Ideas.” Elizabeth studied English and Environmental Studies at Southwestern University. Outside of work, she spends her time doing two things that also happen to define her career: reading and writing.
Hallie Criste
Senior Manager, Communications
Hallie Criste blends her instinct for creative storytelling with deep analytical thinking to craft impactful, integrated communications strategies that put the right story in front of the right audience at the right time. After graduating from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a degree in Communications and a minor in Psychology, she relocated to Sydney, Australia, where she kick-started her career. From launching world-first products for brands like Uber and Twitter to helping emerging startups define and grow their voice, Hallie brings a consistent focus to her work across companies of all sizes: finding the story that matters and making it resonate.
Heidi DeHart
Senior Manager, Communications
Heidi DeHart has a knack for finding the human angle within complex energy and technology topics and shaping it into stories that capture media attention and resonate with audiences. She brings a research-driven approach to media relations, thought leadership, and executive communications, helping energy companies build relevance in fast-moving industries. Her experience includes work for Panasonic Corporation of North America, Panasonic Energy of North America, and T-Mobile across product launches, corporate milestones, industry events, and reputation challenges. Heidi earned a Bachelor of Science in public relations from Western Washington University.
Hillary Crusan
Senior Manager, Brand Strategy + Content
Hillary Crusan harnesses her empathetic nature to craft content that promotes lasting relationships between her clients and their target audiences. With communication experience in a range of industries from public radio to cybersecurity and finance, Hillary thrives on the opportunity to build expertise in new disciplines and the up-and-coming technologies behind them. A native of the Midwest, Hillary earned her degree in mass communications and public relations from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Jane Daguio
Manager, Communications
Jane Daguio enjoys the fast-paced world of B2B tech and the challenge of turning complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives. With experience spanning ed tech, AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and more, she has a proven track record of building thought leadership initiatives, cultivating successful analyst relations programs and securing high-impact media hits that move the needle. An Austin resident since 2018, but a California girl at heart, Jane graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Communications and PR.
Janelle Davis
Director, Communications
Janelle Davis is a senior communications leader who has spent her career in B2B technology, drawn to the pace, complexity, and opportunity to help her clients make a positive impact in the world through communications and storytelling. Janelle is passionate about working with companies that are pushing industries forward and wants the work to reflect that, whether it is shaping a narrative, building momentum with media, or helping an executive find their voice. She specializes in media relations, integrated brand strategy, and thought leadership, and has worked on teams at diverse, established companies and dynamic, scrappy startups. Janelle brings deep experience across many industries, including enterprise technology, AI, aviation, manufacturing/supply chain, retail, cryptocurrency/payments, and cybersecurity.
Joey Held
Director, Brand Strategy + Content
Joey Held believes that approaching marketing and communications from a storytelling perspective is key for any successful business, from brand messaging to executive insights. Joey specializes in crafting unique stories and is particularly fond of breaking down complex topics into more easily digestible ideas. He’s led the strategy and production of newsletter and podcast programs for multiple clients, incorporating learnings from his own Good People, Cool Things podcast and Fun Fact Friyay newsletter. A graduate of the University of Miami’s broadcast journalism and sport administration programs, Joey has shared his expertise speaking at events for the Public Relations Society of Austin and the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Catch him around Austin sampling all kinds of food or supporting local music — he might even be onstage with his band, Burning Years!
Julie Cordell
Director, Digital
Julie Cordell is an inherent problem solver. She approaches every digital strategy as a challenge to maximize results and connect businesses with the right people. Her experience includes leading organic and paid digital strategies across technology, nonprofit, and healthcare accounts. She enjoys “geeking out” over digital metrics and is passionate about making data-driven strategic decisions. Her passion for her craft secured her a seat on the paid digital marketing panel at Social Media Day PHL. Julie graduated from Florida State University and now lives in beautiful Orlando, FL.
Kali Gill
Director, Communications
Kali approaches communications with curiosity and a focus on finding the story that will resonate. Drawing on agency experience across technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer, education and gaming, she helps clients navigate communications challenges, uncover timely media opportunities and build relationships with reporters that lead to meaningful coverage across local, trade and national media. She keeps an eye on the bigger picture, helping move ideas from strategy to action. Kali holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from Temple University.
Kenna Jones
Associate, Communications
Driven by an innate curiosity, Kenna Jones immerses herself in her client's industry and media landscapes, staying at the forefront of breaking news and innovation. Her experience in sustainability and non-profit communications has fueled a passion for storytelling that captures the bigger picture. With a foundation in international affairs, she brings a global perspective to her work and strives to create compelling stories that consider every perspective. Kenna is a born & raised Austinite and recent graduate from the University of Texas at Austin.
Kersa Haughey
Director, AI Strategy
Kersa leads INK's marketing, business development, and AI strategy. She has spent her career in communications agencies, guiding brand and media strategies for clients across technology, energy, and professional services. Her AI work at INK focuses on how generative AI is reshaping integrated communications and brand visibility, and spans employee training, ongoing research, GEO/AEO strategy, and client counsel. Kersa holds a BA in Marketing with a minor in Art History from Trinity University.
Liz Benavides
Senior Manager, Communications
Liz Benavides creatively brings analytical thinking and a unique consumer prospective for demystifying complex technology to help her clients execute strategic communications programs. Prior to INK, Liz worked at Hill+Knowlton Strategies in its Austin office, where she worked across a wide range of industries including retail, energy, healthcare, consumer product goods, automotive and veterinary care. Liz grew up in Austin and graduated from University of Texas at Austin where she double majored in public relations, and international relations and global studies.
Lydia Crow
Senior Associate, Communications
Lydia Crow strives to understand her clients’ industries through detailed research to identify new media opportunities. Prior to joining INK, Lydia worked at Bhava Communications, where she worked across a wide range of B2B technology clients in the cloud database, AI and AgTech spaces. As a native Texan, Lydia graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in public relations and a Master of Arts in mass communication.
Madeline Forwerck
Manager, Brand Strategy + Content
Madeline Forwerck takes a holistic approach to media relations, drawing parallels between brand narratives, industry trends, and cultural moments to craft compelling stories and help clients reach new audiences. With a background in local news, digital marketing, and content creation, she has driven results for clients across industries including fintech, cloud computing, publishing, sustainability, and nonprofit, with placements in Forbes, Rolling Stone, TechCrunch, and more. Based in the North Carolina mountains, she holds a B.A. in technical writing with a minor in marketing from Western Carolina University.
Marissa Martinez
Senior Manager, Communications
Marissa Martinez brings a strategic, story-first approach to communications, helping B2B technology companies identify compelling narratives that capture media interest and connect with the audiences that matter most. With experience spanning AI, digital infrastructure, marketing technology, automotive technology, and enterprise software, she combines a strong foundation in media relations with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities that position clients at the center of relevant industry conversations. Marissa has developed and executed communications programs for leading technology brands, bringing creativity, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset to every client relationship.
Nate Rothenberg
Senior Manager, Planning
Nate Rothenberg approaches business challenges with curiosity and creativity. With over six years of experience spanning agency, client-side, and startup roles, Nate has worked across diverse B2B and B2C industries, including technology, life sciences, consumer goods, and hospitality. Before joining INK, Nate worked at TransPerfect Digital, managing global campaigns and enterprise technology integrations for clients such as Lumen, Cloudflare, Vasion, Blue Nile, CMI Media, and Sazerac. A native of Bethesda, MD, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music with a minor in Business from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Payton Ricci
Senior Art Director
Payton Ricci is a graphic designer with a passion for telling stories through thoughtful, user-centric design. Before starting her post-graduation career at INK, Payton gained experience through internships and contract work with companies like Gensler, Google, and Urban Outfitters. She believes that design should not only look good, but also effectively communicate a message. In addition to design, Payton practices crochet, printmaking, and analog photography, and uses each unique process to inform her design thinking.
Reagan Costa Lander
Senior Manager, Communications
Armed with a passion for collaboration and a slight obsession with AP style, Reagan Costa brings creativity and enthusiasm to her client’s communications programs. The word “conventional” doesn’t exist in her vocabulary as she finds nothing more satisfying than identifying new and unique opportunities to tell her client’s stories and reach new audiences. She’s results-driven in every sense, securing coverage in Insider, Fast Company, Forbes and more. A Tennessean turned Texan, Reagan graduated from the University of Tennessee (known as “the other UT” by her Longhorn colleagues) with a major in public relations and a minor in business.
Ryan Riggins
Creative Director
Doubling as a design nerd and social media junkie, Ryan Riggins has a passion for all things print and pixel. He uses his love for design to help our clients bring their messages to life visually. Ryan spreads this love to his other passion, soccer, by offering his talents to the MLS Austin supporter’s group, Austin Anthem. Ryan is INK’s resident videographer and photographer, creating work in these mediums for clients like CORT Furniture and 365 by Whole Foods Market. Born and raised on the West Coast, Ryan attended Azusa Pacific University. He headed to Austin with a desire to be in a creative city filled with unique people and a job to spend his days practicing the craft he loves.
Valerie Martinez
Senior Manager, Planning
Valerie Martinez strikes the perfect balance of creativity and analytical thinking in her work at INK where she helps teams run efficient programs and deliver results that meet client objectives. With experience in project management and investor relations, Valerie manages resource allocation, project timelines and budgeting, and supports INK teams and clients with research and project leadership. A graduate from The University of Texas Moody College of Communications, Valerie is the ultimate skeptic of a business-as-usual approach and always tries to find a better way to address any challenge she faces.
Victoria Holland
Senior Associate, Digital
Victoria Holland brings curiosity and an instinct for unexpected angles to technically dense B2B communications. She works with nationally and globally recognized technology and energy brands, using a sharp editorial eye and strategic thinking to turn industry expertise into stories people understand and want to engage with. Through thought leadership, social and digital campaigns, she helps clients earn attention, build visibility, and make their expertise matter beyond their industry. Victoria holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, is working toward fluency in Spanish, and, when she’s not working, is checking out a new destination or planning her next journey.
CAREERS
A place to do your best work.
Interested in joining our team? Learn about working at INK and see our open roles.
Austin, TX
Austin is where INK began in 2004. The agency grew out of the same independent, entrepreneurial spirit that has long defined the city’s tech community, and our Texas HQ roots us closely with the heart of the energy industry.
Denver, CO
INK opened its Denver office in 2015, expanding the agency’s presence into another important market for B2B technology and energy.
New York, NY
INK’s NYC office keeps us in close to key media and industry events, strengthening relationships that support client programs across the agency.
