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 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 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
Chief Strategy Officer
About Rachel
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.
Amanda Zidlick
Director of Operations
About Amanda
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.
Melissa Hunt
Director of Client Services, Digital Marketing & Creative
About Melissa
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.
Samantha Lins
Director of Client Services, PR & Marketing
About Samantha
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.
Alyssa Morrello
Senior Account Executive
About Alyssa
Andrea Berrios
Account Executive
About Andrea
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.
Elaina Whelan
Assistant Account Executive & BD Strategist
About Elaina
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.
Casey Gotta
Account Coordinator
About Casey
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.