We are a purpose-driven team of experienced, former journalists who are committed to improving the world.
Serving our nonprofit and responsible business clients is an honor, and we are invested in their success. It’s the reason we have a 24-year history with many long-term client engagements.
As their communication partners, we help our clients get the word out and gain recognition for their roles in solving social, environmental, and health issues that impact our lives and our collective future.
Jackie Herskovitz Russell
President
Russell founded Teak Communications in 1997 in an effort to generate good news overall, and more specifically, to bring positive and revenue-generating media attention to nonprofit organizations and socially responsible companies. As a former reporter for daily newspapers, including the Eagle-Tribune and Connecticut Post, she understood the power of the media and wanted to leverage it to help nonprofits and responsible businesses grow, raise money, change public policy, and continue their good work. Setting the pace for this progressive public relations firm, Russell accepts the promotional responsibilities of companies and organizations whose ethics and values are aligned with the Teak mission. Russell holds a BA from Skidmore College and an MA from Boston University in teaching with a specialization high school English.
“Do the right thing.”
Diana Brown McCloy
Senior Vice President
McCloy draws upon her journalistic sensibilities to develop communications strategies that generate media attention, increase public recognition, and drive participation and revenue for corporate and nonprofit clients. McCloy spent the better part of her career as a journalist, writing health and lifestyle feature stories for the Boston Globe, the Eagle-Tribune, and a variety of consumer magazines. She also worked in marketing and publicity for a small Massachusetts book publisher. She brings intelligence, grace, an impeccable work ethic, enthusiasm, and creativity to Teak. Her BA was earned at Boston University.
“High thoughts yield high results.”
Allison Epstein
Vice President
Bringing a nonprofit, donor relations and event perspective to her clients, Epstein actively and passionately leads accounts and events that focus on children’s welfare, the environment, education, and health care. Epstein is an excellent writer, organizer, and advocate for her clients. She brings to Teak a deep understanding of nonprofits, as she earned a BA in media communication at the College of Charleston and a Master of Science in nonprofit management, with a concentration in organizational communication, from Northeastern University.
“Work hard, play hard.”
Deborah Halperin Colbert
Senior Account Director
Colbert has a passion for sharing great stories about people and organizations making a difference in the world. She brings to Teak more than 20 years of television journalism experience. At New England Cable News, she produced fast-paced newscasts, the New England Dream House home and garden show, and segments on news, medicine, fitness, fashion, and movies. Her love of media, learning, and the power of communication to create social change has continued to grow since she earned a BA from Brown University and a MSJ from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”
Cresonia Wong
Senior Account Director
Along with a core commitment to sustainable businesses and corporate social responsibility, Wong brings a diverse array of B2B tech and healthcare industry experience to her clients. Wong began her career in public relations at LEWIS PR, providing PR guidance to Fortune 500 companies, including Comcast and LogMeIn. Wong later transitioned to healthcare PR at WE Communications, where she aided in the communications strategy and media relations execution for two M&As, a COVID-19 test product launch, and biotech events. Prior to her PR work, Wong was a breaking news journalist at the Miami Herald. She earned a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Florida.
“A clear and innocent conscience fears nothing.”
Hannah Boutiette
Account Director
With a background in public relations and a passion for storytelling, Boutiette excels at shaping narratives that draw attention to the positive work of worthy organizations. She brings a love of learning and research to Teak Media, which empowers her to become an expert in her clients’ issues. She approaches each and every task with a can-do attitude and positive energy. Boutiette earned a BS in Journalism from Emerson College and a MS in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University.
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
Hayley McManus
Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager
With a passion for content creation and an inherently creative eye, McManus excels at curating scroll-stopping social media feeds. She has proficiency in a wide array of social marketing mediums including copywriting, graphic design, short-form video and photography to data-driven optimization, SMM strategy, and SEO. McManus contributes her fresh perspective to social media marketing campaigns, analysis, and designs having received her B.S. in Marketing Communication and Advertising from Endicott College, and her M.A. in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics from Emerson College.
“If you’re lucky enough to be different, never change.”
Sarah Zhitnik
Senior Account Executive
Passionate about making the world a better place, Zhitnik is dedicated to helping organizations promote and amplify their work for social change. She has event management, public relations and communications experience through internships and college leadership. She brings past experiences in the hospitality, environmental conservation, and real estate industries to her work at Teak and is well-equipped to drive meaningful, purpose-driven results for clients. Zhitnik earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Florida.
“Do something worth remembering.”
Jenn Seabolt
Senior Account Executive
With a background in public relations and integrated marketing, Seabolt is passionate about using the power of storytelling and relationship building to share the work and impact of her clients with the public. Prior to joining the Teak Media team, Seabolt helped to lead and execute media initiatives for organizations within the education and B2B tech industries. She will always take on a challenge and she brings positivity, enthusiasm and joy to her work. Seabolt earned a BA in Communication Studies from Northeastern University and an MS in Communications with a PR concentration from Syracuse University.
“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.“
Knox
Chief Energy Officer
With his enthusiastic and happy personality, Knox keeps a smile on the faces of the Teak team members. He enjoys attending client meetings and makes sure everyone is on task but also having fun. Knox enjoys checking in on team members throughout the day, seeing what they are working and snacking on.
“Woof. Woof.”
