BOULEVARD SNAPSHOT

Your Partners in PR

Founded in 2001, Boulevard Public Relations is a full-service, independent public relations and digital marketing agency.

Our impressive track record and continued growth through referral speaks to our passion for PR, our incredibly talented and highly experienced team, our deep technology and business expertise, and the strength of the partnerships we develop with our customers.

North American Focus. Global Reach.

Boulevard PR is the Canadian agency of the Public Relations Network (PRN), a global collective of creative and dynamic public relations specialists. PRN provides high level consulting and world class national support for global PR campaigns. With affiliate PR agencies in Europe, Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific, and Australasia, PRN enables Boulevard PR to provide its clients with access to a tight-knit network of PR experts around the globe.

 

Public Relations

We are the partners of choice for companies that want a PR agency that thinks strategically and executes effectively to consistently deliver results.

Content development

We pride ourselves on our business writing services, and our ability to explain technical concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.

Social Media

We help our clients build relationships with key audiences across social networks.

Integrated Marketing

We develop and execute integrated marketing strategies and campaigns that are social by design and deliver measurable success.

A Smart Choice

Since 2001, we have been the PR partner of choice for a variety of clients, from startups and mid-size businesses to global enterprises.

Our public relations, content development, digital and integrated marketing services all form part of our own strategy to help our clients achieve their corporate objectives and positively impact their bottom line.

The work we do begins with a well-defined strategy that is creative, innovative and designed to address the unique requirements of each client. We are precise in our execution, and continually fine-tune our approach to take advantage of changing market dynamics and opportunities.

A Talented Team

The success of our business is testament to the network of talented and highly experienced PR specialists, marketing professionals, digital strategists and business writers that are part of our team. We are proud to have some of the brightest stars and sought after professionals in the industry working with us to deliver world-class results for our clients. We are all passionate about the work we do, and pride ourselves on our unfailing tenacity and unwavering commitment to helping our clients succeed.

Meet the crew

Jodi Echakowitz

Jodi Echakowitz

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Jodi Echakowitz is founder and CEO of Boulevard PR, the public relations agency she launched in 2001 to work with technology startups, scaleups, global enterprises, and VC firms. Under her leadership, Boulevard is recognized as one of the top B2B technology PR agencies in Canada, is valued as a strategic partner by clients throughout North America, and has grown consistently through referral.

A tech geek at heart, Jodi’s passion for technology began at age 11, when she used BASIC programming to create simple games. It extended to her first full-time job in her native South Africa, where setting up LAN networks was among her many responsibilities. Since emigrating to Canada in 1994, Jodi has been fully immersed in the world of public relations. Prior to launching Boulevard, she held progressively senior public relations roles at companies such as Delrina, MGI Software, and Delano Technology.

Jodi is an angel investor, an Expert in Residence at the DMZ, and a VentureLAB mentor. Jodi volunteers with causes close to her heart, including ASOntario, where she is on the board of directors.

Kari Wise

Kari Wise

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Kari Wise has over two decades experience in public relations and marketing communications in both agency and corporate environments. She has been a key consultant on teams at several boutique agencies, developing and implementing campaigns that successfully increase brand visibility and market leadership for national and international clients, from small start-ups to Fortune 100 companies.

While Kari’s focus has been on telecommunications and IT over the last several years, she has also spearheaded successful PR and marketing communications programs in the security, energy, semiconductor, building, health, and agribusiness segments.

Kari’s expertise includes assisting clients develop and execute multi-faceted communication strategies with compelling messaging that capture media and customer attention. She works in partnership with her clients and uses the full range of social media, online and traditional PR and marketing communications tools to help them build brand awareness, increase market share, launch new products, and support opportunities for M&As.

Kari’s success in PR has resulted in several awards of recognition for her clients. Her Small Budget Crisis Communications program for one international client won a Stevie Award. She has helped clients win numerous prestigious awards for products, leadership, customer relations and corporate excellence.

Kari has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Phoenix.

Michelle Taylor

Michelle Taylor

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Michelle R. Taylor is a seasoned public relations and communications professional with more than a decade of experience working with companies from start-up to enterprise level. Her expertise lies in positioning brands and executives as experts in their field, as well as providers of choice. Michelle helps organizations create awareness and showcase their industry knowledge to key audiences.

She offers expertise in B2B, consumer, and corporate communications, with experience in technology, real estate, health care, finance and professional services industries, as well as trade associations and non-profits. Her specialties include thought leadership, media relations, social media strategy, speaking opportunities, event strategy, media training, crisis communications, message development and content creation.

Michelle is active in Chicago’s non-profit community. She is member of the Junior League of Chicago, and served as social media chair from 2016-2018. She is a former board member and past president of Wish List Chicago, an independent non-profit benefitting Chicagoland children’s hospitals. Michelle is an essential part of the senior leadership team for the advocacy coalition #FreeSyria (formerly #StandWithAleppo), bringing global awareness to the Syrian crisis. She also sits on the advisory board for Sustainable International Medical Relief Organization (SIMRO).

Michelle holds a master’s degree in public communications and public relations from The University of Westminster in London and a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Marymount Manhattan College in New York.

Lisa Ballard

Lisa Ballard

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A graduate of the Wharton School, Lisa Ballard has public relations and marketing communications experience across the spectrum of the marketing mix in the technology sector. For the last two decades she has focused on public relations and content marketing for a range of agencies and companies including Barco, Philips, Cox Enterprises, Motorola and numerous B2B software providers.

She was the Senior Vice President and technology practice leader for Manning Selvage & Lee (MSL Group) Atlanta office and has worked with other top agencies such as Fleishman Hillard, Burson Marsteller, and Ogilvy/Alexander.

Prior to concentrating on public relations, Lisa was marketing director for various software and hardware vendors. As the Senior Manager of Partner Development for Earthlink’s business development team, Lisa managed strategic content and commerce partnerships valued in excess of $2.5 million annually with companies such as Google and Vonage. In less than six months she doubled annual revenues from search on the ISP’s site.

Lisa’s dual degrees from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and the School of Engineering and Applied Science combine to provide a unique perspective from which to solve communications challenges.

Caroline McGrath

Caroline McGrath

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Caroline McGrath is a multi-disciplined marketer and award-winning communications strategist who helps build brands. She brings 15+ years of experience helping organizations reach customers and stakeholders with messages that educate, inform, influence and engage. She has a proven track record developing content-driven PR strategies that build brand awareness, engage audiences and expand customer channels. She specializes in B2B and B2C markets including telecommunications, information technology, energy, mining/minerals, CleanTech, sustainability and CSR.

Caroline’s experience includes roles in corporate, government and agency environments, with integrated skills that cross owned, earned and paid platforms. Her corporate background includes senior roles with global industry leaders and innovators such as Seiko Epson, Tektronix and Xerox. She has worked with government and not-for-profit organizations such as the AGCO (Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario) and Skills/Compétences Canada. In 2007, Caroline launched CMM Communications Inc., a network-based consultancy that provides strategic PR planning and communications services for clients in enterprise, industrial, public sector and consumer markets. Brand portfolio includes Bell Sympatico, Globalstar Canada Satellite Co., SPOT LLC, Fluke Electronics Canada, Fluke Networks, BioteQ Environmental Technologies, CentriLogic, and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Caroline works with boutique and leading PR agencies, providing freelance consulting services.

Caroline is a recipient of an ACE Award from the Canadian Public Relations Society. She has served on the Board of the Internet Advertising Bureau of Canada, and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Carleton University.

Kathy Hughes

Kathy Hughes

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Kathy Hughes brings several years of administrative experience in public relations and the financial services industry to the Boulevard team. A detail-oriented person with strong analytical skills, Kathy is focused on a combination of editorial research, database development and management, and administrative support.

Prior to her work in public relations, Kathy was with Sprott Securities Ltd., a boutique institutional brokerage firm, where she assisted the President and CEO. She was previously a retail investment advisor assistant with Nesbitt Burns. During her time there, she dealt with all aspects of retail brokerage services, from client trading to reports. She began her career in client relations with a mutual funds company after graduating from Queen’s University.

Tonja Aldis

Tonja Aldis

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Tonja Aldis is a results-driven marketing and public relations consultant with extensive experience supporting the needs of companies in the high tech sector. Her marcom and PR expertise includes working with Silicon Valley-based startups looking to expand their reach in North America and beyond.

With a primary focus on media relations and community management, Tonja has secured coverage in many top tier media outlets and blogs, and has managed social media programs to help companies build their communities and maintain a consistent presence across social channels. Tonja also has experience with uncovering and securing many speaking opportunities at high profile industry conferences.

Prior to joining the consulting world, Tonja worked at various startups in the San Francisco Bay Area running marketing programs and events, lead generation, marketing communications, and website projects. She has worked with early stage startup companies, as well as small, and medium sized businesses. Tonja holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Carleton University.

Meredith LeJeune

Meredith LeJeune

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Meredith LeJeune is an award-winning public relations professional who has developed and executed numerous high-impact media relations and social media campaigns. A 13-year industry veteran, LeJeune has served on the boards of journalism and public relations organizations including the Hampton Roads chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Black Public Relations Society Atlanta and New York chapters, and the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals, a local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. Recognized as one of PRSA New York’s 2017 Top 15 professionals under 35 to follow and a member of the chapter’s Young Professionals Advisory Committee, Lejeune is founder of Thought Bubble Communications. In this role, she frequently partners with other agencies to develop and launch national marketing and public relations campaigns for leading brands such as The National Black MBA Association, Coca-Cola and Toyota.

Eden Spodek

Eden Spodek

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As a digital communications and social media marketing strategist, Eden works with startups, agencies and top-tier companies, helping them cut through the online noise and create programs that are engaging, inspired and different. She believes in the power of online conversations and experiences, and how they can challenge people’s perceptions of brands.

With 25 years of communications experience, including 19 years in digital, Eden has a knack for integrating online campaigns into overall marketing plans in a way that is seamless, smart and strategic. From concept to execution to monitoring and measurement, Eden helps companies develop programs that transform brands, build relationships and grow businesses.

In 2012, Eden added curriculum developer/instructor to her role with the launch a Digital Strategy and Communications Management certificate program at University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. She has also co-developed a course for Humber public relations BAA program and has been a frequent guest speaker for journalism, business and public relations classes at several Ontario universities.

Eden is an active participant in the Canadian digital community, she volunteered as lead co-organizer of PodCamp Toronto for five years. A sought-after speaker, Eden is frequently invited to join panel discussions and speak at workshops and conferences for a variety of companies and organizations including the Ontario Government, the Canadian Public Relations Society, mesh conference and Social Capital Conference.

Eden is based in Toronto, Canada, and can be found on many places online including TwitterFacebookPinterest and
Instagram where she loves sharing photos of her adventures.

Lizanne McReelis

Lizanne McReelis

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Backed by over 12 years of experience, Lizanne McReelis develops and implements effective, integrated business-to-business marketing communications programs that strategically map back to clients’ business goals and deliver high-impact results.

Lizanne has worked in both agency and corporate environments. Before establishing her own consulting practice, Lizanne was at an award-winning PR agency, Strategic Objectives, where she managed the Interac Association account and exceeded client expectations by delivering unprecedented results within an extremely short time frame.

Prior to this role, Lizanne was at Ingram Micro where she led the Fortune 500 Company’s marketing services department and developed targeted marketing communications programs for IT vendors and resellers in Canada. In addition, Lizanne has held senior communications roles at Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co., Porter Novelli Canada, and Hummingbird Communications.

Sumeeta Kohli

Sumeeta Kohli

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Sumeeta Kohli has over 12 years experience in the telecommunications and IT industry. Her particular area of focus is strategically-driven B2B and B2C marketing programs and campaign management in key verticals such as retail, partner and c-commerce based marketing. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive expertise in strategic development, management and execution of global partner online portals and marketing program management, with a focus on acquisition and retention-focused campaigns.

Sumeeta was most recently a Senior Program Manager with Research in Motion (RIM), where she was responsible for global marketing management. Prior to that, she was a Small Business Channel Manager with Rogers, where she led strategic development and execution on small business distribution channels to drive profitability and performance growth. Sumeeta began her career with North America’s top IT Distributor, driving both b2b and b2C reseller-based marketing programs and campaigns.

Shari Cogan

Shari Cogan

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Shari Cogan has worked in the public relations industry for over 25 years with extensive experience in media relations including media training and strategic planning.

Her passion for public relations and results-oriented attitude is evident in her proven record of accomplishments.

Shari has represented clients from a variety of industries including consumer goods, technology, health & wellness, entertainment and media. In addition, she has worked closely with company CEOs to help launch products and services across North America ranging from start-ups to medium and large size businesses.

Working at the frontline of media relations, Shari understands the importance and power for “out of the box” thinking. With her incredible media contacts and ability to create newsworthy stories she has the ability to generate the buzz companies are looking for. Having worked on the client and agency side, as well as managed internal PR teams and PR agencies around the world, Shari understands the need for good strategy, the importance of client service and imperative to deliver outstanding results.

Shari holds a Public Relations Certificate from Humber College and a H.B.A in Communications and Psychology from York University.