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
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.

Nancy Kohlreiter
Chief Operating Officer
About Nancy
Prior to joining lotus823, Nancy held the position of Senior Director, New Product Acquisition at Office Depot where she was a champion at developing strategic partnerships with major brands inside the organization.

Rachel Litner
Chief Strategy Officer
About Rachel

Dan Kulp
Vice President
About Dan

Anthony Berardo
Director of Digital Advertising
About Anthony
Prior to joining lotus823, Anthony served as Director of Marketing for Myriad Supply and Myriad Tech Solutions, where he managed brand strategy and development, website traffic growth, website UI, and overall advertising revenue.

Beth Gard
Director of PR and Client Relations
About Beth
Prior to joining lotus823, Beth held positions with Burson-Marsteller and Gutenberg Communications and she holds a Masters in Communication & Information Studies.

Melissa Hunt
Integrated Marketing Manager
About Melissa
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
Integrated Marketing Manager
About Samantha
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.

Amanda Zidlick
Digital Strategist and Operations Manager
About Amanda
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.

Alyssa Morrello
Senior Account Executive
About Alyssa

Kaitlin Crocilla
Account Executive
About Kaitlin
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.

Michaela Paris
Assistant Account Executive
About Michaela
She previously interned at a boutique public relations firm in New York City, where she worked with several different types of clients on projects from pitching to event planning. Michaela also completed a Graduate Marketing internship at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ. She previously worked as an Accountant, which helped her develop her analytical skills.
Michaela graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Writing. She recently received her MBA, with a focus in Marketing, from Monmouth University.

Lindsay Byrne
Digital Coordinator
About Lindsay

Cathy Harlow
Bookkeeper and Administrator
About Cathy
She has more than 15 years of financing, purchasing and sales experience, having worked at Duferco Steel Inc. and other corporations. Before joining lotus823, Cathy worked in a client support position for a recruitment advertising agency and focused on event coordination and office management.