Background

Elissa came to DCI from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association (PNA). A self-proclaimed “news junkie,” Elissa studied public relations at Penn State, and then found herself at the PNA planning conferences for newspaper executives, both in-state and nationally.

Elissa's Passion for Places

Born and raised in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, PA (or “Picksburgh,” as real Pittsburghers call it), Elissa always knew there was more to see outside the boundaries of the three rivers.

After graduating from Penn State, she was determined to find a job that would allow her to travel and explore the world. While working at PNA, she started small and went to locations all over the state. Later she took off, and planned conferences in cities such as Washington DC, Denver, and San Antonio. Along the way, Elissa has also enjoyed vacations in Miami and London, and has visited almost every island in the Caribbean.

Notable Results

• Leading up to the PGA PODS Tournament at the Innisbrook Result and Golf Club, in St. Petersburg/Clearwater, FL, Elissa arranged for journalist visits for the tournament to profile the course and new owner, Sheila C. Johnson. Her efforts resulted in features in the Toronto Sun, and a profile of Sheila in Executive Golfer Magazine.

• For her Finger Lakes Wine Country client, Elissa arranged media appointments with travel, food and wine writers throughout New York City. That particular media tour has resulted in placements in Budget Travel, Wine Spectator, and Wine & Spirits. Elissa continues to focus on the New York City market in her pitching efforts and has successfully placed Finger Lakes Wine Country in the New York Daily News and New York Post.

• As a former meeting and event planner, Elissa is very happy to continue using her event planning experience at DCI. She has organized media events in New York City for Park City, Finger Lakes Wine Country and Pennsylvania clients. All of the events were attended by strategic and top tier media from publications like the New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, AAA Car & Travel, Elite Traveler, Martha Stewart Living, Modern Bride and SELF.

• Elissa loves pitching her home state of Pennsylvania. Her enthusiasm and local knowledge have led to print placements in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and Cincinnati Enquirer, along with broadcast coverage on Good Morning America and Fox & Friends.