Meet the team
Karrie Leung
FOUNDER
A publicist focusing on chef-driven concepts and luxury hotels, Karrie Leung brings almost 20 years of public relations experience to her current role as founder/director. Her background ranges from agency experience at Edelman Public Relations, Margie Korshak, and Wagstaff Worldwide to in-house positions at Mulberry, Park Hyatt Chicago, NoMI, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (Park Hyatt & Andaz). Since launching Karrie Leung Public Relations in 2009, she has worked with a wide-range of clients, including Nightwood, RIA at the Elysian Hotel Chicago, Girl & the Goat, GT Fish & Oyster, Balena, Tenzing Wine & Spirits, Boka, and Trenchermen.
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Elizabeth Hamel
DIRECTOR - MEDIA RELATIONS + BRAND COMMUNICATIONS
Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University. She specializes in hospitality public relations, with experience both in-house with Boka Restaurant Group and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and at agencies including Wagstaff Media + Marketing and Zeno Group. She has led high-profile accounts including Julia Momose’s bar Kumiko, the JBF Awards, and The St. Regis Chicago.
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Nicci Nunez
ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR - SOCIAL MEDIA + INFLUENCER
Nicci is a recovering radio producer turned Social Media Manager and Content Creator with 15 years of Social Media experience. After moving to Chicago from Tampa, FL she transitioned her producing skills into being a Brand and Social Media Manager for a leading Chicago restaurant group. She has a passion for organic social media and experiential marketing, and believes that the best marketing is filled with extravagant, yet attainable moments that persuade the audience those experiences are within their reach. Nicci's excited to bring her creativity and insight as a content creator and her in-house experience to KLPR's clients!
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Dee Montgomery
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - MEDIA RELATIONS + BRAND COMMUNICATIONS
Dee doesn’t just do PR; she creates media moments. With 4+ years of experience directing PR strategy for award-winning restaurant relaunches and spearheading media outreach for high-profile restaurant openings, she knows how to make restaurants the talk of the town. From securing placements in The Chicago Tribune, Eater Chicago, and Forbes to landing broadcast segments on The Today Show, Dee brings a M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications and tenacity to every project. Her mission? To transform your restaurant into the next big headline.
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Alexa Kosior
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE — SOCIAL MEDIA + INFLUENCER
I’m Alexa – a Purdue graduate with a deep passion for content creation, social media, and influencer marketing. With a background in corporate-level marketing and hands-on influencer experience, I thrive in fast-paced environments where creativity and strategy intersect. I love the challenge of building engaging digital campaigns that connect brands with their audiences in authentic, meaningful ways. Outside of the digital world, you’ll find me testing new recipes in my kitchen, exploring the latest workout studios, or hunting for hidden gems around the city with friends and family. I’m a firm believer in the power of storytelling and the impact of human connection, both online and offline. Whether it's crafting a data-driven strategy, creating eye-catching content, or simply capturing moments of everyday life, I’m always looking for new ways to inspire and engage.
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Krista McDevitt
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE — MEDIA RELATIONS + BRAND COMMUNICATIONS
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Taylor Hannagan
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR - SOCIAL MEDIA + INFLUENCER
Meet Taylor - a graduate of the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising. With a background in both project management and content creation, she brings a strategic and creative approach to every project she takes on. Taylor has a deep passion for all things social media, from developing engaging content to building authentic connections with audiences. She thrives in collaborative, fast-paced environments where creativity and storytelling are at the forefront. In her free time, you’ll find her exploring new restaurants and coffee shops around Chicago, checking out different workout classes, or spending time with family and friends.
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Darina Lubenov
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR - MEDIA RELATIONS + BRAND COMMUNICATIONS
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