CAROL COOKERLY President

Building on her background as a reporter and public relations professional, Carol Cookerly founded Cookerly Public Relations in 1991. Under her direction, the firm has grown in staff and billings into one of Atlanta's leading mid-sized agencies representing a client roster more typical of national firms.

Carol leads the company's issues/crisis management practice, employing a highly effective counseling approach that minimizes negative impact and maximizes image-building opportunities.

A graduate of Duke University, Carol has served on the board of directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta YMCA for more than a decade. She was honored as its 2004 "Volunteer of the Year" for helping to guide the Y's strategic direction and leading its annual fundraising efforts. An avid competitor in equestrian events, Carol is also a board member of The Atlanta Steeplechase.

Carol's family residence, Front Row Farm, is home to a variety of hunter/jumper show horses whose lives are as leisurely and wonderful as the family labs, Fudge and Biscuit.

CANDACE McCAFFERY Chief Strategy Officer
Director of Interactive Services & Social Media

Candace McCaffery joined Cookerly Public Relations in 1997 and the agency hasn't been the same since. With more than 15 years' experience, she has proven to be a top-notch professional who is highly proficient in managing the most demanding accounts. Candace also provides strategic oversight for the agency's interactive and social media services, along with hands-on management of various platform programs, applications and measurement.

Candace is the agency's project leader for The Clean Air Campaign, which, under her leadership, has garnered six Best Public Service Campaign awards from the Public Relations Society of America, Georgia Chapter. Her team excels at a vast array of account work in the corporate, environmental and social marketing fields - from SunTrust to Ready Georgia; Las Vegas' Club Ride to the Secure POS Vendor Alliance.

Candace has rapidly earned a reputation for being a go-to resource for corporations, non-profits and governmental agencies seeking to maximize opportunities on one of the Internet's newest frontiers. In addition, she has become a sought-after speaker on social media topics and has presented to diverse audiences such as the Association for Commuter Transportation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Green Chamber of the South.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Candace worked in communications for the 1996 Paralympic Games. She started her agency career with a focus on hospitality, non-profit and retail industries.

Candace currently serves as Membership Director for the Social Media Club, Atlanta Chapter. As a board member for Families First, a century-old social work and family services agency, she co-chairs the advocacy committee; and as a member of the Junior League of Atlanta, she spent two years as chair of the Political Affairs Committee. She does all this and still finds time to be a great mom to her beautiful daughter Ryan.

TRACY PADEN Vice President

Tracy Paden is a detail-oriented, senior-level professional who consistently delivers top-notch results for her clients. From Cookerly's Lexington, Ky. office, Tracy co-manages The Clean Air Campaign account, providing strategic direction, media relations, collateral development and event planning. She leads efforts for the Buckhead Area Transportation Management Association (BATMA), Implantable Provider Group (IPG), and has lent her skills to Litter. It Costs You, Serenbe and the Pollution Prevention Assistance Division (P²AD).

Prior to joining Cookerly Public Relations in 2003, Tracy worked at communications 21, where she led accounts in industries ranging from architecture and commercial real estate to nonprofit and hospitality. She got her start with the nonprofit WONDERS: The Memphis International Cultural Series, where she used media relations to drive hundreds of thousands of visitors to blockbuster art exhibitions.

Tracy is a summa cum laude graduate of Harding University. She is a past board member of GOAL and the Atlanta Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications. She has also volunteered with Hands On Atlanta, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Genesis Shelter.

JANE STOUT Senior Vice President

Public relations professional, sailboat enthusiast, downhill skier, pop pianist, valedictorian - all of these describe Jane Stout.

Since joining Cookerly Public Relations in 1998, Jane has designed and managed comprehensive communications programs for such clients as Merrill Lynch, Hunton & Williams, King & Spalding, Georgia Dental Association, Home Builders Association of Georgia, Rural/Metro Ambulance, Vulcan Materials Company, Raymond James Financial (PRSA Phoenix Award), HCA Healthcare, McKesson (PRSA Phoenix Award), Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Ciba Vision, Atlanta Gas Light Company, Jenny Pruitt & Associates and more.

Coupled with great media instincts, Jane's experience enables her to consistently secure national visibility for clients with top media outlets including AP, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA TODAY, Investor's Business Daily, BusinessWeek, Entrepreneur, CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN and scores of trade publications.

Prior to 18 years in communications and marketing, Jane worked in corporate financial training and taught high school biology and ecology. A graduate of Bucknell University, she received an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut concentrating in finance and marketing. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and holds the accreditation in public relations (APR). She is active with Business Executives for National Security (BENS) and co-chairs the communications committee.

CINDY BRANNON Office Manager

Cindy Brannon joined the Cookerly Public Relations team in 2004. As assistant to the president, Cindy works closely with the agency’s senior management team and assists the efforts of all account groups. She also oversees the company’s technology needs. Prior to joining Cookerly, she worked for Reed, Quinn & McClure CPAs.

Cindy is a graduate of Berry College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics. She also served as a student supervisor and liaison for the Berry College Alumni Office.

Cindy is active in her community, volunteering with Hands On Atlanta and Friends of Piedmont Park. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling and playing with her dog, Safari.

DEBBIE BROWN Controller

Debbie Brown joined Cookerly Public Relations in 2007, bringing more than 25 years of corporate experience in accounting, finance and human resources to the team. Her vast experience in the advertising, broadcast and public relations industries has refined her problem solving and analytical skills that help her balance a complex range of daily tasks.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Debbie honed her skills at WUPA-TV, WATL-TV and Atlanta public relations firm Hill and Knowlton for 17 years.

Debbie is a graduate of the University of Georgia, and currently serves on the Atlanta Employer Committee.

A single mother of two teenage boys, Debbie is active in her church's youth program, runs a book study group and manages her neighborhood women's group. Debbie also has a jewelry business where she designs and makes one-of-a-kind pieces. In her spare time she enjoys kayaking, boating and hiking.

LINDSAY DURFEE Vice President

Lindsay Durfee joined the Cookerly Public Relations team in 2005 while completing her graduate degree at the University of Georgia. Throughout her career, she has worked across a wide variety of practice areas, including environment, transportation, B2B, nonprofit/social marketing, government and technology.

In her current role, Lindsay is spearheading social media projects and promotions for SunTrust Banks. She previously managed day-to-day efforts on one of the agency’s longest standing accounts, The Clean Air Campaign, and also supervised Cookerly’s work for Club Ride Commuter Services and the Secure POS Vendor Alliance. Lindsay aided in the launch of statewide campaigns such as Litter. It Costs You, and successfully garnered consumer and trade media coverage for clients ranging from AirSage to Raymond James Financial; Merrill Lynch to CommuteSmart.

During a brief hiatus from Cookerly in 2011, Lindsay worked as the global marketing communications manager for VeriFone. She was responsible for corporate messaging and branding, management of VeriFone’s PR contractors, execution of the company’s 30th anniversary campaign and microsite, securing global speaking opportunities, and increasing engagement across the company’s social media channels.

Lindsay studied mass communication at Boston College before transferring to New York University, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She went on to receive a Master of Mass Communication degree from the University of Georgia.

MATT COCHRAN Account Executive

Matt Cochran joined Cookerly Public Relations in 2008. He provides writing, issue management, community relations and media relations support for clients in the fields of energy, information technology and education.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Matt interned at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, a research and educational institute on Capitol Hill. He later led the Media and Public Affairs House at The George Washington University, a residential experience designed for college students interested in the confluence of media and politics.

A graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in economics, Matt was heavily involved in the student newspaper, an experience that led him to pursue his current career path. He attended graduate school at George Washington University, graduating in 2007 after studying strategic management, public policy and economics.

ADA HATZIOS Senior Account Executive

Since joining Cookerly in 2006, Ada Hatzios has provided media relations, strategic planning, event planning and writing support for various clients in the legal, consumer products, healthcare, financial, hospitality and real estate sectors. She enhanced visibility for her clients by securing stories in publications ranging from USA Today and Businessweek to the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Hotel Design.

She received her bachelor's degree in communication studies from Virginia Tech, where she wrote for the Collegiate Times, the university's award-winning, student-run newspaper. She earned a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Georgia.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Ada worked with the University of Georgia's Fanning Institute to create a public relations campaign for the UGA Golf Course. She has also managed public relations projects for the Athens-Clarke County Library, Athens GreenFest and the Office of University Relations at Virginia Tech. She is an active member of the Georgia chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and has served on the college relations committee for several years. She is also active with the Atlanta Greek Festival.

MIKE RIEMAN Account Supervisor

Mike Rieman joined Cookerly Public Relations in February 2011 and provides media relations, collateral development and writing support for The Clean Air Campaign, Club Ride and Secure POS Vendor Alliance (SPVA). With more than a decade of experience in public relations, newspapers, radio and television, he has a wealth of knowledge dealing with the media.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Mike was a senior account manager for Flammer Relations where he handled media relations, community relations and social media responsibilities for residential and commercial real estate clients such as Jim Chapman Communities, Sovereign/3344 Peachtree and Ashton Woods Homes. Prior to joining Flammer Relations, Mike served as a senior account executive at Hope-Beckham, Inc. where he managed media relations, community relations and event planning responsibilities for clients such as Atlanta Spirit LLC, Belk, LongHorn Steakhouse and The Tour Championship presented by Coca-Cola.

Mike specializes in building and maintaining relationships with the media and has an excellent track record of landing significant placements in print and broadcast media including the USA Today, Bloomberg and Money Magazine.

Mike is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and a graduate of the University of Georgia where he earned a degree in speech communications. He is a member of the Atlanta Press Club and the Hemingway Society. He resides in Kennesaw with his wife and two young children.

BETH MCKENNA Vice President

Beth McKenna brings more than 20 years of marketing experience to Cookerly, joining the agency in 2007. With an extensive background in many aspects of marketing and particular focus on strategic analysis, planning and issues management, Beth has significant experience across multiple industries, from technology to food & beverage.

At Cookerly, Beth is responsible for media relations, community outreach, event planning and more for clients including Tenon Consulting Solutions, Home Builders Association of Georgia and Multiple Benefits Services.

Previously, Beth served as VP of marketing for Prentice Hall Professional Software where she managed a team of 26 and was responsible for strategic planning for all existing and new products. Additionally, Beth was VP of marketing for Potato Finger Snack Foods, where she redefined the company's existing sales channels, determined markets and launched new products.

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Beth received a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications. Energetic and analytical, Beth enjoys an active life with her two teenage daughters - complete with swim meets, soccer tournaments, and basketball games.

MIKE MULLET Supervisor of Account Services

Mike Mullet joined Cookerly Public Relations in 2007, bringing more than 17 years of experience in public relations, writing, media relations and crisis communications. As supervisor of account services, Mike provides writing support to agency clients, public relations campaigns and new business development.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Mike worked as account supervisor at GolinHarris, and as publications manager in the marketing and public relations department of Piedmont Hospital. He developed strong writing, media relations and crisis communication skills during 14 years as public information officer and spokesperson for the Kent County Health Department in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the Georgia Division of Public Health.

Mike graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in interpersonal and public communication from Central Michigan University, with graduate studies in communications and rhetorical criticism.

MAMIE CARGILE Assistant Account Executive

Mamie Cargile joined Cookerly Public Relations in May 2011. She provides media and community relations, as well as writing support to clients including Cobb EMC, the University of Georgia Foundation and Gas South. She also provides pro-bono services for the Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers.

Mamie graduated from the University of Georgia where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. She was active in PRSSA throughout college and served on the chapter’s executive board. Additionally, she competed in PRSSA’s National Bateman Case Study Competition and her team received an honorable mention for their comprehensive public relations campaign involving Ally Financial’s Financial Literacy Program.

Prior to her senior year of college, Mamie worked as a summer intern at Cookerly. She enjoyed the high-energy environment at Cookerly and was excited to join the team full-time after graduation.

In her spare time, Mamie enjoys trying out new recipes, volunteering at church and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.

CHRIS GLAZIER Assistant Account Executive

Chris Glazier joined Cookerly Public Relations in December 2010 after several years in the world of journalism. He provides writing support, media relations and social media services for a variety of clients in the areas of government/public affairs, nonprofit and transportation.

Prior to joining the Cookerly team, Chris worked as an editor for Strang Communications. While there, he managed editorial content and direction for various print and online publications, including several national magazines. He has also worked as a freelance reporter and blogger.

Chris is a sixth-generation Floridian and a native of Orlando. He graduated in 2006 from the University of Florida, where he also worked at the Gainesville Sun. When he’s not working, Chris can be found rooting for the Gators, spending time with his wife or burying his nose in a book.

CORY STEWART Vice President

Cory Stewart joined Cookerly Public Relations in 2006 and brings extensive experience in media relations, writing, event planning, marketing communications and advertising to the team. As account supervisor, Cory has helped develop and implement strategic public relations campaigns for accounts including Oglethorpe Power Corporation, Power4Georgians, Cobb EMC, PRG-Schultz International, Hunton & Williams, LLP and more.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Cory held positions at Compass Bank in Birmingham, Alabama as a regional marketing officer, and Fleishman-Hillard International Communications in Houston, Texas, where his accounts included SBC Communications, Enron Energy Services, Space Center Houston, Zebec Data Systems and The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston.

Cory graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of South Alabama.

SARAH LIPPMAN Senior Account Executive

Sarah Lippman joined Cookerly Public Relations in August 2007 and provides media relations, collateral design and writing support for The Clean Air Campaign, Club Ride, Georgia Emergency Management Agency's Ready Georgia campaign and Client Profiles.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Sarah worked at The Fluid Group, where she created visibility for the Georgia State Parks, Historic Sites and Lodges and the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.

Sarah is a native of New Orleans and a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she also helped launch the University's Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys supporting the arts in Atlanta and cheering for the Crimson Tide and the New Orleans Saints.

BRITTNEY WATSON Assistant Account Executive

Brittney Watson joined Cookerly Public Relations in May 2010. She provides writing support, and media relations and social media services for clients in the areas of healthcare, government/public affairs and nonprofit.

Prior to joining the Cookerly team, she studied at the University of Georgia where she earned a degree in public relations from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Brittney played an active role on campus by serving as an account executive with PRSSA’s student-led PR firm, Creative Consultants, for her team’s client, AIDS Walk/Run Athens. She also served on the executive board for both the National Pan-Hellenic Council and her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Outside of work, Brittney spends a great deal of her time mastering the skills of baking and cooking with an aspiration to open her own bakery in the future.

KATE GRUSICH Senior Account Executive

Kate Grusich joined Cookerly Public Relations in March 2011 and provides media relations, community outreach and writing support for Client Profiles, Secure POS Vendor Alliance (SPVA) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Kate spent more than four years as a Communications/Media Relations Specialist at Kellen Company, a global association management firm headquartered in Atlanta. There, she pitched articles, handled social media campaigns and helped craft message points on behalf of a range of corporate and non-profit clients. Before that, she spent nearly seven years in the daily newspaper industry, working as a print reporter in the busy Chicago and South Florida markets. In addition, she wrote and produced news for local radio affiliates and National Public Radio.

A Chicago native, Kate graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor's degree in Journalism and concentrations in Spanish and Latin American and Iberian Studies. Since moving to Atlanta, she has been involved with a number of local volunteer organizations including Hands on Atlanta and the International Rescue Committee.

CAROLYN BAKER Administrative Assistant

Born in New York, Carolyn has spent most of her life in Atlanta and has adopted all things southern. After graduating with a B.A. from Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, Carolyn returned to Atlanta and worked for Skipper Morrison Realtors as the Director of Relocation and then for her church, where she met her husband Bill. A mother to three teenage daughters, Carolyn has enjoyed re-entering the work force after many years of driving carpool and supporting her busy family. In her free time, Carolyn enjoys cheering on the Auburn Tigers and planning exciting adventures for the near future when she and Bill become empty nesters.

EMILY RIOS Senior Account Executive

Emily Rios joined Cookerly in 2011 with more than eight years of experience as a public relations professional. She provides writing support, media relations and social media services for a variety of clients in the financial sector.
 
She received her bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Spring Hill College, where she wrote for the campus newspaper The Springhillian, served on the student programming board and worked in the Offices of Admissions and Communications.
 
Prior to joining Cookerly, Emily managed media relations for The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama. After moving to Atlanta, Emily worked at Marist School, where she was responsible for media outreach, writing articles for and helping oversee production of the school’s magazine, and contributing content to the school’s Web site. At Emory University, Emily was responsible for media relations, community education programs and outreach, event planning and creating content and managing the Web site for her division.
 
A native of coastal Alabama, Emily is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and young son, cooking, reading, volunteering at her son’s preschool, and cheering on the Auburn Tigers.

LISA MOY Office Assistant

After making the decision to expand her administrative support experience, Lisa joined Cookerly Public Relations in February of 2011. As part of the office support staff, Lisa provides assistance to the teams that work with clients including SunTrust, Gas South, Guardian Pharmacy, U.S. Micro and more. 

Originally from Michigan, Lisa spent seven years as a structural drafter in the custom home building business before making a career change to office support personnel. She holds an associate’s degree in Computer Drafting and Design and has been involved with organizations such as the Greater Lansing Home Builders Association and the U.S. Green Building Council.

Lisa resides in Marietta with her husband, Kelvin, their two dogs, Gretta & Hambone, and their cat, Tiger. She recently became a volunteer at Chastain Horse Park and supports Animal Action Rescue in Decatur, GA. 

SARA KING Office Assistant

Sara joined Cookerly Public Relations in February 2011 and provides administrative support for a variety of accounts including the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Cobb EMC, The Clean Air Campaign and Merrill Lynch.

Sara is a North Carolina native but spent the past six years in Los Angeles where she received her bachelor’s degree in theatre from the University of Southern California. While in Los Angeles, Sara pursued acting and worked as a personal assistant for a sustainability consultant and eco-entrepreneur. She also provided administrative support for a West Hollywood production company that developed a web-based series focusing on tips to leading a greener lifestyle.

Since moving to Atlanta, Sara has been volunteering with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.  In her free time, she enjoys both supporting and participating in the performing arts, practicing yoga and rooting for Trojan Football.

ANNE STANDLEY Assistant Account Executive

Anne Standley joined Cookerly Public Relations in May 2011. She provides writing support, media relations and strategic planning services to a variety of clients including Guardian Pharmacy and SunTrust.

She received her bachelor’s degree in integrated communications from Spring Hill College, where she was a founding member of Lambda Pi Eta and actively involved in ADPRO (Advertising and Public Relations Organization). Anne worked with a team to develop an integrated campaign establishing Cardboard Mike as a spokes-character to promote environmental awareness on campus.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Anne worked as an account coordinator for Weber Shandwick Worldwide. There she managed client and media relations, and attended industry trade shows for the protective packaging division of Sealed Air Corporation and Sealed Air’s Cryovac food packaging brand.

In her spare time, you can find Anne wandering her Midtown neighborhood, looking for new culinary experiences, curled up with her Nook or rooting for the Braves at Turner Field.

HOLLY GRANDE Social Media Manager

Holly joined Cookerly Public Relations with her more than three years’ experience in digital public affairs, social media and web development.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Holly was a part of the Digital Public Affairs team at Daniel J. Edelman in Washington D.C. and a Senior Editor/Community Manager at Kiwibox.com. Her previous work includes blogger outreach, video development and content management. As Community Manager at Kiwibox, an online magazine, Holly maintained relationships with over 200 student reporters, developed site-wide contests and launched an editor-reporter mentoring program.

Holly Graduated from Boston University with dual degrees in Mass Communication and International Business. She continued her education and, in 2011, completed a Masters of Business Administration from Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University.

Beyond public relations, Holly is an aspiring writer and artist. A former ballet teacher, she enjoys dancing and continues to participate in the local swing dance community.