Meet the team

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - MEDIA 

A longtime hospitality vet turned public relations professional, Shelby developed her love of the industry while slinging cocktails and serving up plates at some of Chicago's hottest bars and restaurants. Armed with a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from DePaul University, Shelby paired her insider knowledge with a knack for compelling storytelling and out-of-the-box ideas to quickly establish herself as a PR force in the Chicago hospitality industry. Throughout her years, she’s driven the narrative and integrated communications strategy for lauded spirit brands, James Beard Award-winning cocktail book authors, chef-driven fine dining concepts, World’s 50 Best Bars-awardees, and beyond.

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - 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!

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - SOCIAL MEDIA + INFLUENCER

Originally from Dallas, TX, Lauren is a versatile PR and social media expert with a knack for creating compelling narratives that elevate brands. A graduate of The University of Oklahoma with a double degree in Public Relations and Psychology, Lauren combines strategic insight with a deep understanding of human connection. After honing her skills in New York for 2.5 years, she relocated to Chicago in the spring of 2024, where she quickly fell in love with the city’s thriving food scene and became fully immersed in the hospitality community. With expertise in building dynamic social media strategies, graphic design, and crafting influencer campaigns, Lauren is passionate about helping brands authentically engage with their audiences.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE — MEDIA RELATIONS CONSULTANT

Amanda is a versatile communications professional who excels at the intersection of creative expression and strategic thinking, with a proven track record of developing impactful campaigns that deliver measurable results across CPG, Consumer, Finance, Tech, Health, and Travel and Tourism industries. With exceptional account management skills, she prioritizes client relationships through round-the-clock consultation and responsive service, having demonstrated superior capabilities during her agency work at Hype Group, WitsPR, and PETERMAYER as a Brand Strategist, Account Manager, and Public Relations Account Executive. A graduate of the University of South Florida with dual honors degrees—a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations—Amanda combines authentic storytelling with data-driven strategy to craft compelling brand narratives that resonate with target audiences across multiple platforms, earning recognition through multiple awards from The Press Club of New Orleans and features in prominent publications including The New York Times, USA Today, and ESPN.

MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Jacqueline began her journey with KLPR as a media relations intern her senior year of college before graduating with a major in Film and Digital Media at Loyola University Chicago in May of 2023. From there, she was hired on full time as an Account Coordinator, and later promoted to an Account Executive. In August of 2024, she took a 4-month leave of absence to solo backpack across Europe. After her Chicago homecoming she returned to KLPR as an Account Executive specializing in Media Relations, dialing in on her PR skills as the agency’s resident starting pitcher, landing in lauded news outlets including multiple WSJ mentions, a feature in Esquire, Washington Post, and more.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - MEDIA

Meet Emily, the ultimate planner, creative mind, and heart of a group! From booking the best dinner spots to hosting unforgettable gatherings (with homemade treats, of course), she is always one step ahead. A master of media relations and a pro at creative storytelling, she brings fresh, out-of-the-box PR ideas to life. Her passion for lifting others up is just as strong as her ability to craft the perfect pitch. Whether it’s sipping craft cocktails on a night out or cozying up with wine during a chilly Chicago winter, she brings warmth, laughter, and the best vibes. And when summer hits? You’ll find her soaking up all the city has to offer! 

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR — 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.

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR - MEDIA

Mary McKenny is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. With a strong foundation in strategic communications and hands-on experience across hospitality, CPG, food & beverage, travel, and corporate sectors, Mary brings a well-rounded perspective to public relations.She has developed and executed integrated campaigns, managed social media accounts, led influencer and affiliate marketing efforts, and secured top-tier media placements through thoughtful, relationship-driven pitching. Mary has held roles at various agencies, supporting clients through content creation, event planning, media list building, campaign reporting, and strategic counsel.When she’s not helping clients tell their stories, you can find her exploring new neighborhoods in the city with her dog, Goose.