Our Team
TARRAH COOPER WRIGHT
CEO + Founder
Tarrah strategically helps clients harness traditional and digital media for business development, reputation management and crisis communications.
DARLENE HILL
Executive VP
With more than 30 years of experience, Darlene has deep expertise in media relations, content creation and storytelling.
KIERA ELLIS
Vice President
Kiera is former senior advisor to the Democratic Party of Illinois Chair and press secretary for Senator Tammy Duckworth.
MARIA AMEZQUITA
Vice President
Maria joins rise with experience in account management, social media, and English and Spanish-language media relations.
MARY KATE FRANZ
Account Director
With nearly ten years of experience in communications, Mary Kate Franz specializes in media relations, events, and strategic partnerships.
IAN WATTS
Director, Content
Ian Watts has more than a decade of experience in communications for businesses, nonprofits and government officials.
ALESSANDRA ESQUIVEL
Senior Associate
Alessandra joins Rise as a previous intern and recent graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
CODA LEWIS
Fellow
Coda is a recent graduate of University of Miami with a strong passion for storytelling and digital media.
TARA SWORDS
Chief Content Officer + Partner
Tara is an accomplished writer who helps individuals and organizations tell the stories that matter to their stakeholders, customers and the public.
ALEX COMISAR
Executive VP, West Coast Lead
Alex, a media relations and crisis comms expert, previously served as comms director to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti for six years.
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ANNIE MCDONELL
Vice President, People & Resources
Annie is a natural leader with an innate ability to connect with people, foster collaboration, and build high-performing teams.
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ANNA BOISSEAU
Senior Director, Content
Anna is an award-winning writer with experience crafting compelling narratives for nonprofits, government entities, businesses and media outlets.
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TARA SIMPSON
Senior Designer
Tara is an expert visual problem solver who brings over ten years of design, identity and project management experience to Rise.
ILISE ANGEL
Senior Associate
Ilise joins Rise as a previous intern and recent graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
ALANNAH DAVIDSON
Associate
Alannah brings experience in social media and a strong understanding of audience behavior to her work at Rise.
CAMILLE HAINES
Intern
Camille is a journalism, political science, and international studies major with a passion for storytelling, communications, and public relations.