Our Staff

The Smith Publicity staff brings a combined 120 years of publicity, public relations and marketing experience to the services we provide clients. A true “team,” our staff works collaboratively; sharing ideas and exploring multiple approaches to provide the absolute best client service and promotion.

Our Staff

Dan Smith
CEO/Founder

Dan Smith founded Smith Publicity in 1997, but his road to publicity was anything but typical. A former college basketball player, he spent nearly 15 years working in higher education, marketing and advertising. In "previous lives" he repossessed cars, dismissed students from college and even officiated at paintball combat games. In 1995, he began freelance promotional writing and providing publicity campaign management services for PR and publicity firms around the nation. Noted for his ability to create persuasive, attention-grabbing promotional angles and savvy media relations talent, he quickly became an in-demand freelance publicist.

After launching Smith Publicity in 1997, within 48 hours of managing his first campaign he landed an author on the "Montel" show. Since then, he has managed over 200 national publicity campaigns and placed authors, business leaders, inventors and entrepreneurs on virtually every major national TV talk show, and thousands of local, regional and national radio programs. Additionally, his polished media relations skills have resulted in feature stories and reviews for clients in over 100 national publications, magazines and top newspapers.

Known as a dedicated, creative and personable publicist, Dan is widely considered the most innovative, talented - and sometimes unorthodox -- promotional and book promotion specialist in the industry today. He speaks regularly to publishing -related groups and authors around the nation.

Dan graduated with highest literary honors from College Misericordia, where he earned a BA with majors in English and History, earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, and completed doctoral courses at Widener University.

Read Interesting Facts about Dan Smith

Our Staff

Greg Benedetti
Account Manager

Greg Benedetti has over 25 years of PR and marketing experience with independently owned and Fortune 500 companies deeply rooted in entertainment related industries. He has successfully managed over 50 book promotion campaigns for Smith Publicity. Greg is well-known for his engaging personality and personal communication skills, and a sincere desire to make the publicity process enjoyable for clients.

He began his career as a publicist for Electric Factory Concerts in Philadelphia where he cut his teeth generating publicity for world-renowned recording artists in all genres of music and entertainment. At Electric Factory he created the marketing plan for the North American premier performances of Michael Flatley.s Lord of the Dance. He also handled PR crisis management as the spokesperson for a tragic concert with the English band The Who, where 11 people were trampled to death in Cincinnati.

Greg also has marketing communications experience in broadcast television with the CBS Television Stations Group, and has also worked as a marketing communications consultant, artist manager and TV talent coordinator.

Our Staff

Sandra E.P. Diaz
President

Sandra has 15 plus years experience in marketing, communications, and public relations—including more than four years at Smith Publicity, Inc. During her career, Sandra has lead, designed and executed a variety of print ads, public relations strategies, direct mail campaigns, and videos for start up businesses, Fortune 500 companies, individuals, authors/publishers, and non-profit organizations. Highlights of her publicity successes include placing clients on the Today Show, Parade Magazine (cover), Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Self Magazine and CNN.

Sandra oversees the day-to-day operations of Smith Publicity, including forging strategic relationships, and leading customer care, account services, and sales. Sandra’s goal is for Smith Publicity’s top-notch team of publicists to exceed each client’s expectation with outstanding results.

She previously worked as Manager of Marketing Services for Thomson & Thomson, of the Thomson Corporation, and planned and implemented over 400 marketing, public relations, and image development programs. Sandra also worked for Advanced Computer Graphics in Boston, MA, servicing clients such as Reebok, wrote articles for the National Association of Desktop Publishers, and worked for Ocean Spray Cranberries of Plymouth, MA. She also has extensive experience in graphic design and website content development.

Sandra earned a Bachelor of Science in Art, and a Master of Business Administration from Northeastern University in Boston.

Our Staff

Erin MacDonald-Birnbaum
Director of Publicity Strategy
Senior Account Executive

A graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Erin MacDonald holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts/Photography, and completed special course work in journalism.

Erin has managed and implemented over 100 national book promotion campaigns, and boasts placements on scores of top radio and TV shows including CNN, Fox News, and most of the top national TV and radio talk shows. National magazines and major newspapers know Erin well from the various placements she has secured for her clients. Erin is known as "the machine" at Smith Publicity because of her unparalleled consistent track record of securing top media exposure for authors. With relationships and contacts at media every author wants to reach, she is an invaluable resource whose skills and insights are imparted to every Smith publicist as Director of Publicity Services.

Extremely creative, intelligent and with an uncanny knack for finding an angle to which editors and producers respond, clients have stayed with Smith Publicity for years because of Erin, an amazing feat in the book publicity field.

Dan Smith, CEO of Smith Publicity, calls Erin, "without question, the best book publicist in the industry."

Our Staff

Renee Kenner
Account Manager

Renee Kenner is a graduate of Seton Hall University where she earned a degree in Public Relations. Renee has extensive experience in a variety of PR fields including music, entertainment, and sports. She has worked on accounts for notable personalities such as singer Lil’ Kim, NBA star Jalen Rose, Evian Water and Swiss Beats.

Renee has handled over 50 book promotion campaigns for Smith Publicity, and her flair and knack for finding great "hooks" has made her very popular with clients and media. The "Renee style," as it's known at Smith Publicity, makes publicity an enjoyable experience for authors. No publicity challenge is too much for Renee, and by staying keenly attuned to media needs and new communications platforms, she's established herself as a proven and innovative publicist.

Our Staff

Fran Rubin
Strategic Planning
Marketing Assistant

Fran assists with development of long-term strategic planning for Smith Publicity , and helps in the creation of marketing plans. She also reviews prospective clients for publicity/public relations viability. She has over 15 years experience in business, marketing and education.

Fran holds a B.A. from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, and an M.Ed from Holy Family University.

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Foster Winans
Book/Publishing Consulting -- Editing

Foster Winans provides a broad range of publishing services from concept to printing. He is author or ghostwriter of 20 books including eight novels and 12 works of nonfiction on subjects including memoir, business, finance, and personal growth/self-help and works closely with some of the most successful literary agents in the U.S.

He provides consulting and editing services from project concept through research, ghostwriting, editing, and preparing proposals and pitch packages for authors seeking agents and publishers.

He also provides full production services for self-publishing authors including layout, design, and book production.

Previously he was a columnist for The Wall Street Journal, and was founder and executive director for six years of The Writers Room of Bucks County, a nonprofit resource center near Philadelphia.

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Bryan Smith
Website Development
Technical Consulting

Bryan Smith is a well-known website developer who brings together teams of creative specialists to work with him on the design of eye-catching and sophisticated websites. Bryan is also world-class technical consultant on computers, networking and a wide range of Information Technology disciplines.

He works with one of the largest Internet hosting and service provider companies in the country.

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Mike Snowman
Direct Mail

Mike Snowman has over 10 years experience in direct mail, fulfillment, and distribution. He runs a major eastern Pennsylvania direct mail operation which services a wide range of clients including non-profits, retail, industrial and professional services.

He has personally overseen the distribution of many millions of mail pieces, and is an expert at securing the lowest possible bulk mail rates and matching client needs with the most cost-effective mailing plan.

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Judy Smith
Marketing
List Development and Research

Judy Smith has over 20 years experience in direct mail, marketing and mailing list research and purchase. She is widely known as a direct mail expert, teaches classes on direct mail preparation, and wrote “Guidelines for Direct Mail Preparation,” an easy to understand version of the Domestic Mail Manual.

Judy’s philosophy of positive thinking and spirituality-based business practices propelled her to successful entrepreneurship, transforming a one-person direct mail shop into one of Pennsylvania’s largest mailing firms. She sold that firm and now works as a consultant and marketing list development and research specialist.

Our Staff

AnnMarie Petitto
Account Manager

AnnMarie Petitto brings a unique background to Smith Publicity . For over six years she worked at KLIF radio in Dallas, TX; first as an Assistant Program Director then Producer and Executive Producer for the popular Ankarlo .Mornings. show. AnnMarie was instrumental in boosting the show from 30th place in the market to 7th. She also successfully coordinated major promotional events for the station. Prior to working at KLIF, Ann Marie was Assistant Director at the Southwest Conference Radio Network in Dallas.

At Smith Publicity, AnnMarie is known for attentiveness to client needs and a distinct personality and flair which clients treasure. With a legendary sense of humor and a style all her own, she becomes friends with every author she works with. She has handled over 50 campaigns, and always makes the "publicity ride" enjoyable and rewarding for authors.

AnnMarie holds a B.A., Broadcast-Journalism from Penn State University.

Our Staff

Ben Cameron
Director of Publicity, U.K.

Ben Cameron began working in the book business 14 years ago when he moved to the UK from the United States. After working for several years as the Promotions Manager at a major book wholesaler he moved to London to work for the Collins and Brown publishing group, which was bought by Chrysalis Media Group, which was bought by Anova Books (that's publishing for you!).

In 2005 Ben struck out on his own as a publishing consultant and publicist. Now, in addition to being the publisher of a small children's book imprint, he runs campaigns, tours, marketing and media management for a number of well-known publishers, including Anova Books, Anthem Press, Hodder Books, Orchard Books, Pavilion Books, Piccadilly Press and Pinwheel Ltd. He has worked with well-known and beginning authors on a wide range of subjects - everything from world economics to children's books.

Ben has a degree in Politics from The University of Wisconsin - Madison in the US (one year of which he spent at the University or Warwick in the UK) and is a member of both the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Our Staff

Corinne Liccketto
Sales & Marketing Manager

Corinne is a creative and enthusiastic professional with an uncanny knack for exceeding client expectations. In her role, she works closely with a variety of authors, publishers, business, organizations and individuals from around the world to learn about their goals, and then develop strategic plans, timelines and budget options to maximize media exposure for their projects.

Her consultative approach, insightful recommendations, and tireless work ethic make Corinne a valuable part of our clients' success as she develops aggressive, "out of the box" creative and successful media outreach plans.

A veteran publicist before assuming her role as Sales & Marketing Manager, Corinne led many of Smith Publicity.s high profile campaigns, with hundreds of regional and national media runs for her clients including placements with outlets such as USA Today, Fox News, World Net Daily, United Press International, Toronto Sun, New York Post, Martha Stewart Living Radio, Teen VOGUE, Star-Ledger, Thomson Reuters, and Newsweek On Air. Corinne has organized media tours across the U.S., during which authors were interviewed network affiliates in each location. Corinne earned a degree in English from Ursinus College, with minors in Communications and Creative Writing.

Clients who choose Smith Publicity routinely mention Corinne's forthright and collaborative sales approach as a deciding factor.

Corinne regularly represents Smith Publicity at publishing tradeshow events across the country.

Our Staff

Melissa Sileo
Director of Publicity Services
Account Executive

Melissa Sileo attended the award-winning College of Communications at Rowan University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Public Relations and Journalism. Known for her phenomenal work ethic and ability to effectively deal with media via a combination of creativity and professional finesse, she is extremely popular with her clients. Melissa has managed over 40 campaigns, establishing a phenomenal track record of success. Just a few of her top media placements include The Dennis Miller Show, Investor's Business Daily, CNN Radio, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

She has worked on books ranging from children's' and novels to self-help and business, virtually always finding a way to make authors popular with reporters and producers.

Fearless and relentless, no project is too challenging for Melissa. She has quickly established herself as a rising star in the world of book publicity.

Our Staff

Marcia Mayne
Account Manager

Marcia came to book promotion quite by accident 8 years ago when she organized the NY launch of a friend's book. Several book parties and promotional campaigns later, she has worked with well-known and up-and-coming authors, in a variety of genres and secured placements on radio, TV, and in print.

An avid reader, Marcia is passionate about books and getting them into readers' hands. She realizes now that her previous jobs -- as art gallery director, artist agent, and technical writer -- have been dress rehearsals for publicity; honing skills she draws upon for every campaign.

Marcia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada and completed graduate work in International Development at the University of Ottawa. She is also an independent television producer.

Our Staff

Sabrina Guice
Account Manager

Sabrina Guice has worked in publicity public relations for over 15 years and managed both domestic and international projects that have reached all levels of media. Of her many accomplishments, she served as the Communications Manager of a non-profit organization with offices on six continents and a television viewing audience of 1-billion people across the globe.

Her projects have included 7-time Emmy award winning film producer Bryan Hickox, Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ, 2003 Showtime Network’s Black Filmmaker’s Showcase winner Ed Banuel, as well as over 100 other PR campaigns in the entertainment and corporate sectors.

At Smith Publicity, Sabrina has managed over 50 book promotion campaigns, and her magnetic personality and infectious positive attitude routinely results in successful media placements ... and happy authors.

Our Staff

Kate Knapp
Account Manager

Kate Knapp brings an amazingly diverse background to Smith Publicity. She worked in Tokyo for the Nova International Institute as Communications Coordinator, training Japanese nationals in cross-cultural communication, and as Product Manager for Goebel of North America. Fluent in Russian and German languages, Kate was a Scholastic All-American and holds a B.A. in Political Science and Soviet Studies from Wheaton College, and a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Known for her incredible work ethic, dedication to client-service, and an unmatched wit and sense of humor, Smith Publicity clients simply love working with Kate.

Our Staff

Lynn Coppetelli
Account Manager

Lynn brings valuable experience to Smith Publicity including four years working with McGraw-Hill as a copy editor for secondary school and college divisions. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wittenberg University and worked as a paralegal on the 100th floor of the World Trade Center. Lynn consistently secures high-level media opportunities for her clients, and is known for an amazing work ethic and savvy media relations skills. For authors of books in any genre, Lynn's enthusiasm and creativity make for not only successful campaigns, but enjoyable ones for her clients.

Our Staff

Kathy Weick
Office Manager
Assistant to Dan Smith

Kathy Weick keeps the Smith Publicity "machine" operating efficiently. With extensive experience in administrative support and customer service, Kathy is often the first person prospective clients speak to, and she ensures virtually every aspect of Company operations runs smoothly and effectively.

Our Staff

Erin Flynn Jay
Account Manager

Since 2001, Erin has been a publicist and communications consultant for small to mid sized companies in all industries. Erin has expertise in getting unknown experts their first media placements.

From 2002 to 2005, Erin worked as an in-house consultant for a literary PR agency in New York City, where she booked city tours, radio tours and speaking engagements for authors in addition to placing them in newspapers and magazines.

In 2001, Erin wrote extensively about a variety of workplace issues for careerbuilder.com and MSN Careers. Her articles have appeared in diverse publications including Brandweek, Costco Connection, Military Information Technology, Opportunity World, Sales and Marketing Excellence, The New York Enterprise Report and Wealth Manager.

Erin received a B.A. in Communication from the University of Scranton in PA.

Our Staff

Marissa Eigenbrood
Account Manager

Marissa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Public Relations from Marist College.

Through her experience at public relations firms as well as the Campbell Soup Company and The Olana Partnership, Marissa excels at translating potential promotional angles and ideas to effective reality. A perpetually positive attitude and sense of humor make her popular not only at Smith Publicity, but with every client she services. Marissa is also an exceptionally talented writer with the ability to concisely and effectively create powerful press materials which prompt media response.

Our Staff

Lonnie McCullough
Account Manager

A true renaissance man, Lonnie McCullough has worked as a television reporter, news anchor, sportswriter, coverage writer for Universal Studios, and Creative Director/Co-founder of a theatrical production studio. To add to his diverse experience, Lonnie was also an actor who starred in TV shows including As the World Turns, One Life to Live, and All My Children.

Known for his extraordinary attention to client service, Lonnie's experience "on the other side" as a reporter and anchor enables him to deliver to the media the kind of stories they want and need.

Lonnie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journal-News Writing from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Our Staff

Janet Shapiro
Account Manager

Janet has extensive and impressive experience as a professional in various fields including executive recruiting, business development, training and development, sales, and marketing. She also directed the international organizational restructuring of a leading pharmaceutical company.

Janet has earned a reputation as an incredibly high-energy publicist for Smith Publicity, whose drive and determination is unparalleled. She has managed dozens of publicity campaigns and developed a stunning track record of success.

Janet earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration and a B.A. degree in French, with honors, from Albright College.

Our Staff

Kristiane Hughes
Account Manager

Kristiane has over 15 years experience in public relations, strategic communications, marketing, and television show production. Known for her creativity and polished media relations skills, she has generated over $1 million worth of media placements in a single year. Kristiane has received numerous professional awards including the Women of Achievement Trailblazer Award from Colorado Women in Technology, the Advocacy Award from Enterprising Women magazine, the National MIBN Create Your Dreams Award, and the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Women in Communications. She earned a BA in Humanities from Villanova University.

Our Staff

Dina Barsky
Account Manager

Prior to joining Smith Publicity, Dina Barsky served as an executive for several prominent public relations agencies. She has implemented publicity campaigns for a wide array of projects including Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the New York City Triathlon, the Tribeca Film Festival and Top of the Rock -- the Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. With a track record of top-tier media placements, Dina excels at strategic planning and multi-level campaign implementation. She earned a BA in Public Communication for American University.

Our Staff

Staci Smith
Account Manager

Staci Smith has been media relations since 1998. Known for finding inventive ways to help clients reach a wider audience, Smith has arranged placements in such outlets as The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, New York magazine, Surface magazine, ZinK magazine, Bust magazine, HX, Time Out, WABC-TV's The Early Show, Fox Good Day New York, and CBS Sunday Morning.

Smith began her career with the specific purpose of working in various industries in order to widen her knowledge base and develop an understanding of the synergy inherent across media platforms. She has worked to great success on projects ranging from Community Health Outreach events to Arts Non-Profit fundraisers. In the course of her career she has handled all facets of publicity in addition to becoming well versed in the areas of marketing and events. Working on such varied projects and in many related capacities, has allowed Smith to develop a multi-faceted approach to publicity.

Our Staff

Michelle Conron
Account Manager

Michelle Conron has extensive experience in public relations, event management and production, and media branding campaigns. She has worked on a variety of projects including lifestyle and entertainment, restaurants, retail, non-profits and artists, and secured many high level TV interviews. Michelle developed and implemented public relations programs for notable companies and events including NBC Universal and The Black Lily Film & Music Festival. She also has significant expertise in social media and SEO.

Michelle earned BS and MBA degrees from Philadelphia University.

Our Staff

Helen McCusker
U.K. Account Manager

Helen McCusker worked for several years managing the in-house publicity department for an independent publisher. She is a trained journalist with a background in radio news, with the depth and breadth of media contacts which make high profile coverage achievable. Helen has managed hectic newsrooms, and knows exactly what producers and editors want, and need.

She has experience promoting a wide range of book genres including finance, political, business, lifestyle and biographies, and adapts her trademark client service and media outreach skills for any title.