Principals
SHARON ELLMAN / FOUNDING PARTNER
Sharon Ellman's career began as a broadcast journalist with Channel 5, NYC. Although the position was fulfilling, Sharon chose to embark on a career in Public Relations and secured a place as Vice President of Media Relations for industry leader Rubenstein PR. During her tenure there, she directly handled Don King Productions, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Fox Residential Group, Ashford.com, Petrotech, and ecomplaints.com, among many others. After developing her own style of networking, Sharon branched-out and created Ellman Public Relations. Ellman PR generated business-to-business and business-to-consumer press for companies such as: Cendant Corporation, ERA Franchises, Lion Strategy Advisors, and MessageOne (founded by Adam Dell, brother of Dell Corporation founder, Michael).
Ms. Ellman holds a B.A. in Political Science from the Maxwell School of Public Citizenship at Syracuse University. She is a unit publicist for The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 600 and is a member of the Entertainment Professional Publicist Society.
DONNETTE DUNBAR / CEO
Wall Street Journal Article
Before joining Dash, Donnette Dunbar was a prominent New York journalist and television spokesperson, whose editorial resources and expertise in the luxury consumer, travel, and lifestyle markets was sought out by local, national and international press. Donnette has written and edited numerous publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Life & Style magazine, the Financial Times, the Omaha World Herald, and the New York daily Metro. She has appeared regularly on ABC, Access Hollywood, the BBC, CNN, E! and Fox News. Her longtime familiarity with the business, lifestyle, and travel press has enabled her to achieve prominent placement for a wide range of clients.
Ms. Dunbar also holds a B.A. from SUNY Binghamton and a graduate degree from the Columbia University School of Journalism. She is a unit publicist for The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 600
DAVID OWEN
David Owen began his education as a production engineer at Cambridge University. Upon graduation, David worked as a project manager, first in manufacturing and then construction, before changing careers and becoming a structured finance specialist with Barclays investment banking arm, BZW. In 1996, David set up Mersey & Metropolitan, a real estate development company and became active in the venture capital community, funding and taking key management roles in three start-up businesses. David relocated to Shanghai in 2007.
Mr. Owen received his M.A. in Engineering from Cambridge University, England and studied marketing and public relations at New York University.
PATRICK A. BERZINSKI
VICE PRESIDENT - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (TECHNOLOGY, NON-PROFIT AND EDUCATION)
Patrick A. Berzinski has worked in a variety of media during a career spanning more than 20 years. His principal medium is the written word, and his literary and expository writing have been the vehicles that have led to work in radio, video, web, public and media relations, and networking for business development. From 2000 to 2010 his work was primarily in institutional communications for Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, USA, where he most recently served as Executive Director of University Communications. He had previously acted as Associate Director for Media Relations.
He is a member and past co-chair of the board of directors of the Science Writers in New York, a member of the Public Relations Society of America, and sits on the Higher Education Advisory Board of Kulper & Company LLC. He is also a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, USA.
Berzinski’s feature articles and op-eds have appeared in The Houston Chronicle, The Los Angeles Daily News, Investor’s Business Daily, The Star-Ledger, The Asbury Park Press, SSoE InFocus, The Howe School Forum, The Innovation & Technology Management News, and TechNews NJ. He has been quoted on a variety of media topics in publications such as The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun, PR Week, and The Bulldog Media Relations Insider, and appeared as a commentator on AT&T Tech Channel. Berzinski attended Upsala College in the 1980s and was a late-night broadcaster at its legendary radio station, WFMU-FM.
KULLY DHADDA
DASH UK
Kully Dhadda started her career with the BBC in 1989 as a news journalist and presenter on national BBC-Radio five as well as presenting a daily current affairs programme on BBC Radio West Midlands targeted towards the large Asian community. Her daily shows covered the news and topical issues of the day, and involved interviews with high profile spokespeople from all walks of life, including business, politics, sports and entertainment. As editor she was also responsible for 35 hours of local adio programmes servicing the regions large diverse communities. Her special reports were renowned for providing a high level of insight and understanding on a variety of issues in the headlines.
In 1991 Kully won the highly coveted Silver Sony Award for her phone-in show on BBC National Radio. The prestigious industry award was granted in recognition of the high standard of broadcasting on the programme.
From 1992-1994, she was a senior journalist with National BBC Breakfast Television. She began to focus on producing and editing programmes whilst still reporting for a daily news programme with a pro-active and aggressive news agenda. this involved interviewing politicians and business leaders on breaking news.
EDWIN J. RAMIREZ
VICE PRESIDENT
Edwin Ramirez has worked on the national and international scene organizing events and managing publicity for high-end restaurants, fashion houses, and celebrities. A Vice President at Dash, Edwin brings enviable media resources and contacts to the agency. These make him a kingmaker in the world of promotions.
Edwin's background includes a client roster of renowned fashion houses such as Calvin Klein, Valentino and Gucci as well as famed designers, Reem Acra, whose dresses have molded the bodies of numerous celebrities from Halle Berry and Star Jones to Reba McIntire and Queen Noor of Jordan. Within months of securing bridal designer, Reem Acra as a client, Edwin secured features in several fashion and shelter magazines including Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Allure, Elle Décor, and Cosmopolitan.
Edwin has played a key role in organizing and managing runway shows for Rebecca Moses in Milan as well as ‘7th on Sixth’ catwalk shows for Vivienne Tam and Tuleh. He has extensive experience in event planning, having organized successful celebrity-studded parties that have drawn hundreds of New York tastemakers and media.
CHRISTINE BATTEN
MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT
Christine Batten the founder of The Media Incubator (www.themediaincubator.com), a marketing group specializing in branding, marketing strategy, social media campaigns, graphic & web design, and website development. At the helm of this group, Christine continues her career assisting businesses to positively impact their bottom line through comprehensive markeing plans that integrate the latest online and new media trends. As a media and marketing consultant with Puris Bernbach Partners (f/k/a Not Traditional Media), she advised advertisers and marketers as well as media and technoogy start-ups, gaining an understanding of the unique persepctives of both. Over the past six years, Christine has met with and researched upwards of 700 start-ups and major players alike in the areas of new media, emerging technoogy and non-traditional marketing & advertising. Beyond direct relationships, she has extensive knowledge of the market and is familiar with thousands of associated entities. Christine has translated this knowledge of many media platforms into pertinent forecasts and strategic recommendations for Fortune 500 companies across many categories.
She continues to work with company principals Martin Puris and John Bernbach, serving as the Media and Market Trends Analyst for Engine USA, an American subsididary of UK-based integrated communications company The Engine Group.
Christine is a graduate of NYU's Stern School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with honors. In addition, she has pursued both graphic design and software certifications at NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies and at the Meridian Technology Center.
YAEL BAKER
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Yael Baker serves Dash Media, LLC as a Senior PR Consultant. Previously, she worked for Ruder Finn’s Travel & Economic Development where her travel and leisure clients included the Jamaica Tourist Board, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, EL AL Israel Airlines, Travel Alberta, Frank Publishing, Barbados Tourism Authority, South African Airways and the University of Johannesburg. Yael had previously worked as an Account Executive at Rubenstein Public Relations where she handled consumer, hospitality and entertainment accounts. Her clients there included Patsy’s Restaurant, Hospitality Holdings, The Friars Club, NexMed, Inc., greetNwin.com, Exude, Inc. and The Amazing Kreskin, among many others.
Along with public relations, Yael’s background consists of extensive experience in broadcast and print journalism. Before arriving at Rubenstein, Yael served as a writer for NY1 News, where she compiled daily news segments for broadcast. Previously, her journalism background afforded her many internship opportunities in broadcast news, including ABC NEWS PrimeTimeLIVE, 20/20 and Woman’s Day Television.
Born in New York City, Yael graduated with honors from New York University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communications with a concentration in Journalism. Yael is a member of New York Women in Communications Industries (NYWICI), American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) and North American Airlines Public Relations Association (NAAPRA). She has traveled extensively for business and leisure throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Israel, the Caribbean and the United States.
LARRY ENGLISH / ATTORNEY
MEDIA AND LEGAL CONSULTANT
The Chairman of New York City's Community Board # 9, Larry English is the founding partner of English & Associates. He has established himself as one of the Louisiana’s most prominent civil rights attorneys, organizing local and state political campaigns. Mr. English first came to prominence as the as youngest president in the history of the Shreveport NAACP. He was the youngest and first African-American chairman of commissioners of the Shreveport Housing Authority (1988-1990), and served as charter member of the Council for a Better Louisiana’s Leadership Louisiana program (1989) and Leadership Shreveport/Bossier.
In 1989, Mr. English was named one of the most influential individuals in Louisiana by Louisiana Political Review. He is a former weekly columnist for the Shreveport Journal, with published articles that have appeared in USA Today, The Baton Rouge Business Report, and The Shreveport Times. Along with his work in print media, Mr. English has provided political commentary on Louisiana Politics for the McNeil Lehrer News Hour on PBS, as well KSLA and other local radio and television stations.
Mr. English is an expert in the impact of the media in litigation and legal affairs. Among his clients are General Motors and Harrah's Entertainment.
Attorney English received his Bachelor of Science in management from Louisiana State University Shreveport in 1987, earning his Juris Doctor from Tulane State University School of Law in 1993
NATHAN JOHNSON
BEAUTY, FASHION AND EVENT CONSULTANT
Nathan Johnson is a trained film, television and celebrity personality. As a make-up artist, his most notable credits include Project Runway (Season 4 and 5), Big Gay Sketch Show, The Tony Awards, The Early Show and Good Morning America. Nathan has worked on over 50 famous faces ranging from Annette Bening to Alan Cumming. His work has appeared in the pages of elite publications such Rolling Stone and Elle.
As a writer, he has contributed to Glamour, Harpers Bazaar, Sephora and Running With Heels. In addition to private consultations with several major make-up and skin care lines, Nathan has also helped coordinate events for Tamara Tunie, Doris Panos Jewelers, Citigroup, Sprint, Elan and many others.
Mr. Johnson received his Bachelors from Marymount Manhattan College; earned a Masters Degree from Columbia University and his formal Make-up training from Make-up Designory.
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Clients
ENTERTAINMENT
Broadway Production of "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell " by Tucker Max, Opening in Fall 2010
Gorilla Repertory Theater - NYC
The International Theater Academy of Norway / TITAN Teaterskole
The Moscow Ballet
Simcha Jacobovici / Associated Producers - (The History Channel’s Naked Archaeologist)
LK Management - Bobbie Grei - Singer / Actress
Oxford Film Festival
Teatro Circulo Reparatory Theatre
Puris Entertainment
LUXURY
Roger Dubuis Watches and Jewelry
John Sitaras and Sitaras Fitness
Ad Notam, LLC - Mirror Image / Mirror TV
FOOD AND WINE
Golden Krust Bakery and Grill
Voyant Chai
The Fresh Diet, Inc.
Portionpals
EDUCATION
Stevens Institute of Technology
LIFESTYLE / CONSUMER
Poppy King / Lipstick Queen. LLC - Beauty Entrepreneur
Tummy Tub / IDfixed BV
Dr. Seema Ram-Charitar - Podiatrist
Dr. Adam Mauer- Lipodissolve expert
Trillium – Premiere NYC Hair Salon
OIL / GAS / ENERGY
BP Oil Spill Disaster / Petroleum expert - Bernard Charbonnet
Natural Energy Corporation
Petrotech - Petroleum Leakage Cleanup company
RGS Consulting- Petroleum / Environmental Mitigation company
NON-PROFIT
Child Development Support Corporation
Brotherhood Sister Sol Organization - Annual Fundraising Gala
REAL ESTATE
Fox Residential Real Estate
Cendant Corporation (Century 21, ERA)
Dawnay Day Real Estate Developers
Drew Kessler Real Estate Expert
TECHNOLOGY
Weatherbill.com
Ando Media, LLC
Kashless.org
Triton Media
Drop.io
Eloda
Dr. Karen Sobel-Lojeski
CORPORATE / FINANCIAL
Human Capital Consulting
CMC Markets
POLITICS / GOVERNMENT
Louisiana Congressional Campaign
Louisiana Mayoral Campaign
LEGAL
English and Associates - Attorneys-At-Law , New York City and Louisiana
EVENTS
Consulate of Jamaica - NY
© DASH 2007
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