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 almost 20 years of industry experience, she has proven to be a top-notch professional who is highly proficient in managing the most demanding accounts. Her superb media and strategic planning skills have earned invaluable recognition and brand awareness for her clients’ products and services and resulted in many industry awards for the agency.

Throughout her tenure with Cookerly, Candace has led the agency’s decade-plus relationship with The Clean Air Campaign®, a diverse and broad public outreach effort that has been recognized seven times as the Best Public Service Campaign award from the Public Relations Society of America, Georgia Chapter. In addition, she leads a team of vice presidents and account executives on a wide range of corporate, environmental and social marketing accounts spanning national, regional and local arenas - from the Secure POS Vendor Alliance (SPVA) to the Ready Georgia emergency preparedness campaign to SunTrust Banks. For SunTrust, Candace provides strategic direction for the bank’s extensive social media presence, which includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and a corporate blog.

As Chief Strategy Officer, Candace focuses on growth opportunities and continuing innovation for the agency, specifically in the digital marketing arena. Her role includes developing agency-wide social media marketing processes along with hands-on management of various platform programs, applications and measurement.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Candace worked in communications for the 1996 Paralympic Games, where she was responsible for production of the official International Media Guide and served as media contact in the Main Press Center. She started her agency career with a focus on hospitality, non-profit and retail industries.

Candace’s expertise in green marketing and social media have garnered her multiple speaking engagements, including the international Association for Commuter Transportation conference and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Georgia Environmental Conference.
 
Outside of the office, she is the Membership Chair and Promotions Co-Chair of the Social Media Club Atlanta Chapter and serves on the board of directors of the Green Chamber of the South She is also a member of the Junior League of Atlanta, where 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 has 15 years of experience managing strategic communications campaigns for clients in industries ranging from transportation to real estate to food and beverage. She has deep experience working with nonprofits and governmental agencies, including The Clean Air Campaign, the Buckhead Area Transportation Management Agency (BATMA), Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign, the Sustainability Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, as well as the state’s litter abatement campaign, Litter. It Costs You. No matter what the client or the industry, Tracy’s strategic thinking and strong skills in media relations, writing, social media and marketing have led her to consistently deliver top-notch results for her clients.

Prior to joining Cookerly Public Relations in 2003, Tracy worked at communications 21, an Atlanta marketing public relations firm. She got her start in public relations with the nonprofit WONDERS: The Memphis International Cultural Series, where she was responsible for media relations campaigns to drive hundreds of thousands of visitors to blockbuster art exhibitions.

Tracy is a summa cum laude graduate of Harding University with a degree in public relations.

JANE STOUT Senior Vice President

Jane combines her wide ranging business and teaching background to bring a holistic view to marketing and public relations. She is a big picture person and understands the importance of designing communications programs that are both strategic and “implementable” to deliver results and create value/ROI for clients.

Since joining Cookerly in 1998, Jane has designed and managed comprehensive award-winning communications and branding programs for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and nonprofits. A representative sample includes SunTrust Banks (Phoenix Award), Merrill Lynch, Hunton & Williams, King & Spalding, U.S. Micro, Georgia Dental Association, Home Builders Association of Georgia, Vulcan Materials Company, Raymond James Financial (Phoenix Award), Sony, Waste Management (Phoenix Award), HCA Healthcare, McKesson (Phoenix Award), Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Ciba Vision, Atlanta Gas Light Company, Harry Norman Realtors, Jenny Pruitt & Associates (Phoenix Award) and many more.

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

Campaigns include a broad range of strategies and tactics to boost organizations’ profiles and proficiencies - including traditional and social media, thought leadership programs, promotions/sponsorships, special events, issue management and more.

Prior to 20+ years in the communications/marketing field, Jane worked in corporate financial training at United Technologies Corp. and taught biology and ecology before that. A cum laude graduate of Bucknell University, Jane received an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut with concentrations in finance and marketing.

She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (APR designation in public relations). Jane is active with Business Executives for National Security (BENS), www.bens.org, a national, nonprofit organization of business leaders working for a more secure America and chairs the BENS Southeast Communications Committee. Additionally she serves on the board of directors for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

CINDY BRANNON Office Manager

Cindy keeps Cookerly up and running. She handles all of the agency’s technology and needs – from servers to software, manages agency contractors and administrative staff, and works closely with senior management to keep the agency’s account teams running smoothly. In 2011, Cindy managed Cookerly’s move from One Alliance Center to its current office space in Monarch Tower. Prior to joining Cookerly, she worked for Reed, Quinn & McClure CPAs.

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

Cindy is a graduate of Berry College where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics.

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 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 strategies and promotions for SunTrust Banks. She also provides strategic direction and support for marketing technology firm Arke, startup accelerator ATDC, and payment security association, the Secure POS Vendor Alliance. Lindsay 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. She 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 program, execution of the company’s 30th anniversary campaign and microsite, global speaking engagements, 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.

When she’s not lost in PR stats, best practices and client strategy, she can most likely be found planning her next trip to New York City or analyzing playoff scenarios for the New England Patriots.

MATT COCHRAN Senior Account Executive

Matt Cochran provides media relations, writing, issue management and community outreach coordination for clients across a variety of industries, from banking and information technology to energy and education. He is experienced in developing effective public relations programs tailored to the individual needs of clients. Current and previous clients include SunTrust Bank, U.S. Micro, POWER4Georgians, Cobb EMC, Oglethorpe Power Corporation and University of Georgia Foundation.

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.

MATT BENNER Account Supervisor

Matt Benner served more than 20 years in the military and has a wealth of experience in public relations, public affairs, media relations, strategic planning, writing support for executives, tradeshow management and marketing communications. Currently, Matt provides media relations, writing support and general public relations support to Guardian Pharmacy LLC, Hunton & Williams LLP and SunTrust.

Prior to joining Cookerly, Matt was a senior public affairs officer in the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for developing effective Army Reserve strategic communications support that included securing multiple national level executive speaking engagements, cultivating media relations in support of executive strategy, and developing tradeshow marketing events. Matt also worked public relations support for the Army Reserve’s Employment Partnership Office.

Matt completed undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Maine, Orono, in public management and public administration. He also holds a graduate degree in marketing from the University of Maryland, University College.

MIKE RIEMAN Account Supervisor

With more than a decade of experience in public relations, newspapers, radio and television, Mike has a wealth of knowledge dealing with the media. He provides media relations, collateral development and writing support for The Clean Air Campaign, Campbell & Brannon and Secure POS Vendor Alliance (SPVA).

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 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 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 and professional services to food & beverage.

At Cookerly, Beth is responsible for the development and implementation of public relations plans for new and existing clients providing strategic direction, media relations, community outreach, event planning, collateral development, and more. Current/recent clients include SunTrust Bank, U.S. Micro Corporation, Hunton & Williams, Autry Horton & Cole, American Trade Products, Stonebranch, Softchoice, Sony, Waste Management, Homebuilders Association of Georgia, Guardian Pharmacy and more.

Previously, Beth served as VP of marketing for Prentice Hall Professional Software where she managed a team of 26 professionals and was responsible for strategic planning for all existing and new products. She and her team established innovative solutions that increased company revenues in a rapidly changing market environment. 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 daughters - complete with swim meets, soccer tournaments, and basketball games.

MAMIE CARGILE Assistant Account Executive

Mamie Cargile provides media relations, research and writing support for clients including the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the University of Georgia Foundation and Power4Georgians. 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 Account Executive

Chris provides writing, media relations and social media services for clients across a variety of industries, from government and non-profit organizations to the tech startup scene. He is experienced in developing integrated, engaging media campaigns. He currently works with The Clean Air Campaign, the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign.

Prior to joining the Cookerly team, Chris worked as an editor for Charisma Media. 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 brings more than 10 years of experience in media relations, issues management, writing, marketing communications and advertising to the Cookerly Public Relations team. As vice president, Cory helps develop and implement strategic public relations campaigns, conducting media relations, directing issues management initiatives and writing press materials for accounts including Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, Power4Georgians, GreenFirst, LLC, Murray Energy Corporation and more. Additionally, he has directed media relations and marketing campaigns for clients such as Raymond James, Merrill Lynch, Hunton & Williams, Callaway Partners and Optimi.

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. At Fleishman-Hillard, he worked on the SBC Communications, Enron Energy Services, Space Center Houston, Zebec, Inc. and The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston accounts. For each account, he was responsible for writing, media relations, event coordination, and identifying sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

He 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 provides communications, media relations and social media support to The Clean Air Campaign, Arke Systems and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign.

Prior to joining the Cookerly team, Brittney studied at the University of Georgia where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. She acquired three years of PR experience while working as an intern at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Chick-fil-A, and two marketing agencies. In addition, she served as an account executive for AIDS Walk/Run Athens through Creative Consultants, PRSSA’s student-led firm. There, she drafted press materials, pitched client news to media, managed social media and website updates. She also assisted with event management and marketing campaigns.

Outside of work, Brittney spends a great deal of her time mentoring youth as a Girl Scout Leader and volunteering as a member of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

KATE GRUSICH Senior Account Executive

A former journalist, Kate Grusich has more than a decade of experience in the communications industry. Her current responsibilities include providing media relations, community outreach and writing support for the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), 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 has more than nine years of experience as a public relations professional. She implements strategic public relations campaigns and provides media relations, strategic planning, and writing support for clients in the legal and financial sectors. Current clients include Davis, Matthews and Quigley, PC; Merrill Lynch; and SunTrust Bank.

She received a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Spring Hill College (Mobile, Alabama) 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 in 2011, Emily managed media relations for The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama. After moving to Atlanta, she worked at The Marist School where she was responsible for media outreach, managing the production of the school’s magazine and contributing content to the school’s website. Emily also spent four years at Emory University where she was responsible for media relations, community education programs and outreach, event planning and creating content and managing the website within the health sciences division.

A native of coastal Alabama, Emily is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and young son, cooking, reading, volunteering and cheering on the Auburn Tigers.

LISA MOY Office Assistant

As part of the office support staff, Lisa provides assistance to the teams that work with clients including SunTrust, 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.

SARA KING Office Assistant

As part of Cookerly’s administrative team, Sara provides account support for various clients including The Clean Air Campaign, Chateau Elan and Merrill Lynch.

Sara is a North Carolina native but spent 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.

Sara is currently working towards a master’s degree at Georgia State University. In her free time, she enjoys both supporting and participating in the performing arts, practicing yoga and cheering for Trojan Football.

ANNE STANDLEY Assistant Account Executive

Anne Standley provides writing support, media relations and strategic planning services to a variety of clients including SunTrust and Autry, Horton & Cole, LLP.

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 manages the online identity of Cookerly Public Relations and provides social media, web and app development support for many of the firm’s clients. 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.

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.