Our Team

We work at the nexus of civic engagement, public policy, and strategic communications — and our team reflects that rare combination.

We're seasoned professionals with decades of experience in our respective fields, bringing deep expertise in politics, policy, and communications to clients across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. What unites us is a shared passion for translating complex, nuanced ideas into clear, actionable language and visuals that move people toward understanding and action.

Lizzy Atwood-Wills is a communications strategist with over a decade of experience in health policy, government affairs, and public-sector advocacy. She has served as spokesperson, communications director, and strategic advisor for nonprofits, county governments, and state agencies — translating complex regulatory and policy frameworks into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.

Julie Beals brings 20+ years of experience crafting holistic messaging and design strategies that help organizations connect with their audiences. She champions consistency across every channel and leads each project with a user-first design philosophy.

Leslie Carlson has more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications, copywriting, and media relations to her work with clients advancing community vitality, sustainability, and public health. Her career has been defined by purposeful storytelling that connects organizations with the audiences who most need to hear from them.

Kristina Edmunson is a media publicist who helps organizations and brands across Oregon and the country build their presence and keep their leaders in the news. With two decades in public relations and communications, she has led strategy around high-profile litigation, national events, product launches, and statewide issue campaigns.

Leighann Franson is a creative strategist, storyteller, and writer who helps organizations build narratives, brands, and campaigns that move people — and the world — forward.

R.T. Ahnen has more than 10 years of experience in strategic communications, including as communications director for a range of nonprofit organizations. He specializes in public speaking, event planning, and social media strategy — using storytelling to advance organizational goals and deepen audience engagement.