Meet the Team
Our Team
As an award winning integrated marketing communications agency, lotus823 is comprised of a team of driven, passionate, and talented digital marketing and public relations specialists. Meet our ever blossoming team below.
David Hernandez
Co-founder & Managing Partner
About David
David’s Vision Statement: To maintain a lifelong sense of wonder and creative thinking harnessed with empathy,
objective thinking and positive actions in all my endeavors and journeys.
David’s Background: David’s visionary leadership, dedicated marketing expertise and drive to excel are at the heart of lotus823’s success and reputation as a trusted partner in the integrated communications space.
David established the agency in 2010 with his wife, Allison, to fill the void for a results-driven integrated boutique firm for both consumer and B2B brands. Prior to launching lotus823, he spent 20 years in the retail and marketing industry, holding leadership roles at such companies as MARS Music, OMI Medical Imaging and Guitar Center.
David’s passion and creative energy underscore the culture of lotus823. He has been a guest writer and speaker on numerous topics, from Hispanic marketing to digital best practices, for organizations such as TEDx, RCA, and various other companies.
Allison Hernandez
Co-founder & Managing Partner
About Allison
Allison’s Vision Statement: To be courageous and honest, inspiring others to be more courageous, and to live each day with compassion and gratitude for all living beings.
Allison’s Background: Allison’s deep expertise in business operations, human resources, and change management is a driving force behind the success of lotus823. She established the company in 2010 with her husband, David, and brought more than 20 years of experience to the business that supported its swift and steady growth.
Prior to lotus823, Allison spearheaded change management initiatives (including Six Sigma and ISO 9000 programs) at companies such as Toshiba and Office Depot that resulted in significant, sustainable business improvement and increased profitability.
As a leading force at lotus823 and with a mantra rooted in strong and passionate leadership, Allison has brought to life her vision of creating a company culture that attracts the best people and fosters growth.
Rachel Litner
Advisor and Advocate of Agency Partnerships
About Rachel
Rachel’s Vision Statement: To empower people through music, writing and other art forms, as part of a community that is dedicated to creative expression and civil rights.
Rachel’s Background: Rachel is a seasoned professional with more than 30 years of public relations, marketing and journalism expertise. Prior to joining lotus823, Rachel was President and Founder of Rachel Litner Associates, a PR agency that specialized in the culinary and home industry. She previously held positions at CIT, Conair Corporation, Fairchild Publications (Home Furnishings Daily) and Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Her diverse background as an in-house PR executive, magazine editor, and an agency principal plays an instrumental role in creating new growth strategies for clients and the company as a whole.
Amanda Zidlick
Director of Operations
About Amanda
Amanda’s Vision Statement: Constantly live outside of my comfort zone to evoke change and equality for the greater good.
Amanda’s Background: Amanda kicked off her career in the digital marketing field, specializing in organic and paid social media, website design, and content marketing. Her analytical proficiency, paired with her keen organizational skills, gave Amanda a well-rounded foundation as a knowledgeable resource in data analytics and digital strategies.
Her passion for business optimization and analysis has enabled her to evaluate data, processes, and systems to enhance strategies and operations at lotus823. Prior to joining the company, Amanda worked at a digital agency, where she managed a team of 15 while overseeing all marketing activities, maintaining new business development and optimizing business procedures.
Samantha Lins
Director of PR & Marketing
About Samantha
Sam’s Vision Statement: To be a forever student who is constantly growing while remaining calm and positive, spreading love and light, and inspiring/empowering others to do the same.
Sam’s Background: Sam is an energetic marketing professional who brings a versatile background and expertise in the consumer lifestyle, home and tabletop business to her work at lotus823. With vast experience spearheading strategies that encompass digital marketing, public relations, and traditional marketing elements for both consumer and B2B industries, Sam brings an integrated mindset to all her client work.
Additionally, she has created marketing/PR strategies for numerous industry trade shows, such as the New York Tabletop Show; Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS); Boutique Design New York (BDNY) and more.
Prior to joining lotus823, Sam managed marketing for Villeroy & Boch, a global luxury home manufacturing brand, in the United States and Canada. Sam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Rhode Island.
Jen Ferency
Senior Business Development Executive
About Jen
Jen’s Vision Statement: To always lift others up through encouraging words, kindness, empathy and patience. Focus on keeping an open mind, constantly listening and learning, and striving for greatness in all that I do and who I am.
Jen’s Background: Jen’s business development and events career spans more than 20 years, with a focus on the consumer electronics and technology industries, including smart home, automotive, health & wellness, fitness, mobile, AI, pet tech, baby tech, home security and sustainability.
As the Senior Business Development Executive at lotus823, she is constantly monitoring brands and trends in this space to see if the services we offer can support and bolster in-house efforts and goals for prospective clients. She is relentless when it comes to nurturing relationships and building her professional network, earning trust, and understanding what brands need to grow, succeed and stand out among their competitors.
Prior to joining lotus823, Jen managed and oversaw all business development efforts at PR and digital marketing agencies. Additionally, she helped build the press event company, Pepcom, from the ground up for 17 years. She wore many hats, including business development, event manager, supervisor, and lead client contact. With this vast experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge in trade shows (CES, MWC, IFA) and press events to lotus823 clients.
Jen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Communications from Purdue University.
Andrea Berrios
Senior Account Executive
About Andrea
Andrea’s Vision Statement: To continue to bring a positive attitude and energy into all aspects of my life including my work, relationships, and experiences to grow professionally, personally, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Andrea’s Background: Andrea has a strong digital marketing background and experience working with an array of clients in various industries including everything from entertainment to consumer goods. She has a great passion for all things marketing and thoroughly enjoys learning new tools, platforms, and skills.
Prior to joining lotus823, Andrea worked in digital agencies where she gained hands-on experience working on inbound marketing projects, with service expertise centered on email marketing, content creation, and CRM system management. In addition, she has held several client-facing roles, serving as the main point of contact for multiple accounts.
Andrea graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising.
Amanda Whited
Account Executive
About Amanda
Elaina Whelan
Account Executive & BD Strategist
About Elaina
Elaina’s Vision Statement: As a person, I value ambition, optimism, and a strong work ethic in myself and others. My goal is to have the people that I interact with see these values in me. I am passionate about channeling my innate sociability for the greater good, fully exploring and developing my creative talents, and building lasting and meaningful relationships with friends, colleagues and family.
Elaina’s Background: Elaina is a determined and motivated professional with a background in both public relations and digital marketing. Her passion for communications formed while working directly with the public in diverse industries for the past 8 years. Prior to joining lotus823, she has gained valuable insight and educational experience from a variety of opportunities.
She previously interned at Resound Marketing in Princeton, where she found her strong interest in PR and the agency lifestyle. She worked on securing coverage and building brand awareness for several consumer goods, lifestyle, tech and beauty brands. She has also held positions in social media management, email marketing, copywriting and event planning for different companies, where her creativity was an asset to their success.
Elaina earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations at Rider University.
Cassie Bouvier
Assistant Account Executive
About Cassie
Cassie’s Vision Statement: To continuously explore life being eager to learn, create, grow, and spread happiness while empowering and protecting the lost explorers.
Cassie’s Background: With a background in digital marketing and public relations, Cassie is an energetic and experienced digital media professional. She has held previous roles with organizations including Inked Magazine and Morris Habitat for Humanity, where she led a variety of social media, eCommerce, and marketing initiatives. She thoroughly enjoys pushing herself to learn more about industry skills, trends, and tools.
Cassie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from William Paterson University.
Casey Gotta
Assistant Account Executive
About Casey
Casey’s Vision Statement: To build positive personal and professional relationships by exercising creativity, positivity, and collaboration, while dedicating myself to constant learning and growth.
Casey’s Background: Casey is an enthusiastic professional with developed experience in public relations and digital marketing. With an eye for trends and a deep understanding of the social landscape, she brings a fresh approach to all her client work.
Prior to joining lotus823, Casey held various internship positions where she gained diverse experience in the marketing industry. Her creative approach to media relations, social media, marketing, and public relations was nurtured throughout her time as a lotus823 intern and eventually led her to join the team full-time. During her undergraduate career, Casey served as the Secretary of Monmouth University’s Public Relations Student Society of America and Shadow PR Firm.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Public Relations, and Journalism from Monmouth University.
Hannah Clyne
Account Coordinator
About Hannah
Hannah’s Vision Statement: To utilize my creative thinking skills to better myself and those around me. I will always be a positive and reliable team member.
Hannah’s Background: Hannah is a young, motivated professional with a background in both digital marketing and public relations. She’s held various university jobs and internship roles, which have allowed her to fine-tune her social media, communications, and media skills in a variety of industries.
During her undergraduate career, Hannah was a vital part of Monmouth University’s Writing Services, where her love for creative writing blossomed. She held positions in the school’s student-run record label, where her efforts secured media placements in several outlets, like the Asbury Park Press and Tri-City News. Her diverse background enables her to bring an exciting and creative approach to her work. Hannah first joined lotus823 as an intern and is thrilled to be a part of the team once again.
Hannah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Music Business from Monmouth University.