Meet the Team

Award-Winning Creative Team

Meet the team behind your customized strategies, innovative campaigns, and expert analysis.

Samantha Lins

Samantha Lins

VP 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.

Katie Rohmeyer

Katie Rohmeyer

Marketing Manager

About Katie

Katie’s Vision Statement: To always start the day with positive energy that inspires success, happiness, and growth to all those around me.

Katie’s Background: Katie defines herself as a passionate, marketing guru with almost a decade of experience supporting both small businesses and large corporations. She brings a unique background with lots of expertise in developing 360 marketing strategies that encompass social media, public relations, digital marketing, and experiential marketing. Prior to lotus823, Katie spearheaded strategic partnership initiatives at Applegate with organizations such as the San Diego Padres and the Radio City Rockettes that resulted in increased brand awareness and revenue. Most recently she led the marketing department for an award-winning brewery located in New Jersey, Kane Brewing Company.

Her passion for marketing and building relationships allows her to develop creative and effective strategies with lots of impact and positive change. Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations at Quinnipiac University.

Amanda Whited

Amanda Whited

Senior Account Executive

About Amanda
Amanda’s Vision Statement: To spread positivity and creativity throughout my life and work, to inspire others to think outside the box and see the glass half full.
 
Amanda’s Background: Amanda boasts a strong background in public relations working with a variety of clients ranging from toys, clothing, educational resources and more. Prior to joining lotus823, Amanda worked on PR campaigns for brands including Nerf, Disney Princess, KidKraft, and others, where she gained hands-on experience networking with media, running influencer campaigns, and working various industry and consumer events. Her work has resulted in placements in Good Housekeeping, Yahoo! News, and People, among many others.In her career, Amanda is constantly expanding her knowledge of PR and is passionate about creating successful campaigns for her clients. Amanda graduated from Ramapo College with a bachelor’s degree in Communications.

Andrea Kartsakalis

Andrea Kartsakalis

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.

Cassie Bouvier

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.

Ellen Cockrell

Ellen Cockrell

Assistant Account Executive

About Ellen

Ellen’s Vision Statement: To maintain a mindset that holds creativity, ambition and growth at the forefront of everything I do. I start each day with the intention of sharing joy and support both as a professional team member and individual.

Ellen’s Background: Ellen is a driven, young professional with experience in public relations and graphic design. As someone who is passionate about blending creativity and communication that resonates with communities everywhere, she approaches client work with enthusiasm and determination.

Prior to joining the team at lotus823, Ellen held internship positions that allowed her to explore her love for writing, visual design and agency work. While working with Chicago based agency Indica Digital, Ellen built experience in using the power of social media marketing and fostering relationships with influencers and journalists to connect brands to the public. During her undergraduate career, Ellen served as Vice President of Communications for National Service Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, in which she grew as a leader, non-profit volunteer and representative of an organization. She is incredibly excited that these experiences have led her to the lotus823 team!

Ellen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Media from DePaul University.

 James McGing

James McGing

Photographer & Videography

About James

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Behind the Scenes Crew

David Hernandez

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

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.

Amanda Zidlick

Amanda Zidlick

VP of Business Growth & Culture

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.

Elaina Whelan

Elaina Whelan

Business Development Executive

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: In her Business Development Executive role, Elaina is focused on researching, initiating, and developing new business opportunities that support lotus823’s overall goals. She works to develop and sustain new partnerships, improve inbound marketing tactics, create and present proposals, as well as attend trade shows and networking events.

Prior to joining the lotus823 Business Development team full-time, Elaina was an Account Executive, serving as the main point of contact for multiple PR and digital marketing accounts.

Elaina earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations at Rider University.

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Advisors & Advocates

Our in-house group of masterminds that lend their experience to our team for ongoing professional development. 

Rachel Litner

Rachel Litner

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.

Jeff Scott

Jeff Scott

Professional Communication Advisor

About Jeff

Jeff’s Vision Statement: To help individuals and organizations increase their level of influence through improved communication skills.

Jeff’s Background: Jeff previously founded Section 810 Communications, a training organization focused on communication and interpersonal skills, after repeatedly hearing business leaders voice a desire to improve their communication and leadership skills.

Jeff is an internationally recognized speaker, certified DISC personality consultant and published author, and has trained thousands of people across dozens of countries on various business and personal development topics.

In addition to his global business experience, Jeff is committed to DEI initiatives, including mentorship through ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) and through volunteer work with Invest in Girls, a non-profit focused on financial literacy.

Pam Golden

Pam Golden

Agency Strategy Advisor

About Pam

Pam’s Background: Pam founded GLA Communications in 1986 and provides high-level strategic and tactical counsel to clients, bringing the benefit of nearly 40 years of experience in creating and executing successful campaigns. She has a keen understanding of the inner-workings of the media, and affinity for strategic communications in consumer technology, banking and public policy.

Prior to forming the agency, Pam was an account supervisor at Robert E. Griffin Inc., New York and Frank Barth Inc., New York. Before entering the public relations field, she was an editor in trade publishing for the technology industries and she started her career as a newspaper reporter at a daily newspaper in Western Pennsylvania.

Pam earned a degree in Journalism and Communications from Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA. She is a member of Public Relations Society of America and its Counselor’s Academy Section and from 2014-2017 served on its executive committee. She was a 2017 recipient of the Leading Women Entrepreneurs Brand Builder Award.

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