Background

Jessica joined the Development Counsellors International team in September 2006. Prior to DCI, she was an employee with Rubenstein Public Relations, a firm based in New York City, where she worked on a variety of accounts including real estate, biotechnology, nanotechnology and consumer products.

She graduated from New York University with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and economics - both of which provided her with a solid knowledge base for a career in economic development and the marketing of places.

Jessica's Passion for Places

Jessica had the advantage of traveling at a young age to different countries in Asia, Europe and the South Pacific. Her exposure to both thriving and under-privileged countries sparked her passion to help areas grow competitively.

Notable Results

•  For Southwest Michigan First’s Kalamazoo Promise program, Jessica successfully arranged an interview with CBS Evening News, in which host Katie Couric visited Kalamazoo and reported on the program’s positive economic impact on the region. The segment aired for five and a half minutes and generated more than $450,000 in advertising equivalency.

•  To promote Vermont’s green initiatives and industry to the national and international media, Jessica executed an inbound press trip with reporters covering the environmental and economic beat. This resulted in 15 positive stories on Vermont in the digital, television, wire service, blog and print media. Additionally, Jessica arranged an interview with the Vermont governor that resulted in a front-page feature in The Boston Globe. The immense amount of media exposure positioned Vermont as an innovator in environmental policy.

• Jessica played a key part in the Fall 2006 New York Investment Mission for  Louisiana Economic Development, a DCI client, by securing 12 media interviews with business journalists in key publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Bloomberg News, CNN Radio and The Christian Science Monitor. This resulted in a national awareness of the investment opportunities in the hurricane-devastated state.