Meet the Team

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.  

Rachel is a seasoned professional with more than 30 years of public relations, marketing and journalism expertise. As Chief Strategy Officer, she spearheads global business plans to expand lotus823’s presence and growth in the consumer lifestyle space. 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.

Dan has more than ten years of marketing and public relations experience, having worked extensively in a variety of capacities in the lifestyle and consumer products industries. As Vice President of lotus823, he oversees all client and media relations, from press relations and content creation to event and strategic planning. Prior to joining lotus823, Dan was Vice President of Rachel Litner Associates, a culinary, lifestyle and housewares public relations firm. He has also been a team member at MWW Group in New Jersey and 5W Public Relations in New York City.

Melissa has an extensive range of digital experience, with a deep understanding of both inbound marketing and paid advertising for eCommerce, lead generation, and branding efforts. Her expertise encompasses everything from social media marketing and conversion rate optimization to SEO copywriting and landing page design.

Before joining lotus823, Melissa held a position with New Jupiter Media, where she created a digital marketing department from the ground up. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and English from NYU.

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.
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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.

Kaitlin is a detail oriented and driven PR professional with a background in the home industry, consumer tech and other lifestyle sectors. Her passion for communication, research, and writing are evidenced in all the services she provides to both consumer and B2B clients.

Prior to joining lotus823, Kaitlin held various positions that have helped shape her into the PR professional she is today. Originally she joined lotus823 as an intern, has worked at SCG Advertising & Public Relations, and has held various other roles within the lifestyle industry. She has also served as the arts & entertainment editor of her college newspaper at Ramapo College.

Kaitlin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Communication & Media from Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Lindsay is a highly motivated young professional that is passionate about digital marketing for B2C and B2B clients. Prior to joining lotus823, she held various internship positions where she gained hands on experience in the marketing field, specifically growing her event promotion, SEO, and social media skills. Lindsay served as an intern for MRB Public Relations and Tom James Company. She has also served as the Membership Director and Fundraising Chairman for her sorority. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications and Marketing from Towson University.

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.