Lightspeed PR/M Was Built With You in Mind

Ethan co-founded Lightspeed Public Relations in 2013, with the mission to harness the skills and learnings from all aspects of his career – while avoiding bureaucracy and unneeded overhead. Lightspeed now has more than $1 million in annual revenues, with more than a dozen clients and a team of 15.

Ethan started his communications career as a news reporter for Gannett’s metro and business desk. In 1998 Ethan began a nearly 15-year stint at Edelman. He ultimately led a team of 60 as GM and EVP, and counseled a range of clients from startups to brands like GE, Canon, HP and Motorola. He pioneered Edelman Labs, which revamped the firm’s approach to product review programs.

In January of 2011 Ethan became Director of Communications for Samsung Electronics America, responsible for external communications around all consumer products. While managing five agencies, he introduced several tools to improve collaboration and efficiency both internally and externally.

He graduated magna cum laude from the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University and completed additional course work in computer science at Carnegie Mellon University.

Ethan is regularly interviewed by the media for his views on marketing and PR. He regularly contributes to Forbes and hosts the Marketing at Lightspeed weekly radio program on the Voice America Network. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and three boys.

Amanda is a master corporate storyteller with experience in-house at American Express and agency-side at Burson-Marsteller. She specializes in executive, employee and issues communications, helping clients articulate messages that make a difference.

From 2008 to 2013, Amanda was a part of the corporate communications team at American Express where she managed executive, employee and issues communications for a major division of the company.

Previously, she spent 15 years building expertise in public affairs, corporate social responsibility and branding with agencies such as Burson-Marsteller and Interbrand in New York, and Podesta Associates in Washington, D.C.

Amanda has also served as lead writer for many of her client teams, spearheading message and content development within a wide range of industries. Her work has included speechwriting for Fortune 50 companies and ghost writing articles, blogs and presentations for senior executives and political leaders.

As a co-founder of Lightspeed Public Relations, Amanda’s clients benefit from her experience in developing and managing communications that support the full spectrum of their business.

Amanda graduated from Gettysburg College with a degree in English and Art. She has a passion for creative writing and illustrating and has had her work performed in off-Broadway theaters in New York City. Amanda is based in Hoboken, NJ.

Leigh is an Account Executive at LSPR/M. She joined the team after working at a NYC based full-service communications firm, specializing in media relations and reputation management. Prior to her work there, she interned at KCSA, a strategic communications consulting agency, specializing in public relations, investor relations and social media.

Leigh earned a degree in Public Relations from Boston University, graduating cum laude in 2022. She currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Grace is an Account Executive at LSPR/M. Before joining the team, Grace led PR strategy and execution at a leading K-12 educational technology company. Her specialties include content development for niche audiences, thought leadership strategy, and developing robust brand messaging. Grace is results driven and dedicated to crafting ‘one size fits one’ communication strategies that align with a brand’s unique story and goals. 

Grace graduated from Eckerd College and now lives in Michigan.

Kristina is an Account Coordinator at LSPR/M. Prior to joining the team, Kristina worked as a legal assistant for a personal injury law firm. During her time there, she also managed the firm’s social media accounts. Her interest in media relations and strategies led her to LSPR/M where she assists the team on client accounts and handles administrative tasks.

Kristina graduated from Marist College in 2021 and currently lives in Poughkeepsie, NY. When she isn’t working, Kristina enjoys spending time with her family and dog, exploring the Hudson Valley, and reading books. 

Alyssa is an Account Coordinator at LSPR/M. Prior to joining the team, Alyssa was a student at Gettysburg College and graduated in Spring 2023. During her time there, she double majored in Business Management Studies and Gender Studies. 

Alyssa has experience with social media management and content creation for the Gettysburg College Communications and Marketing Team. Her experience with this has inspired her to pursue a professional career surrounding brand strategy, marketing, and public relations.

Alyssa currently resides in New Jersey. During her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with her family, and trying new foods.

Michael is a public relations, thought leadership and branding expert with over a decade of experience running domestic and multi-national campaigns for companies ranging in size from startup to Fortune 500. He has been a part of the Lightspeed PR/M team since 2014.

Having spent six years corporate-side managing the global PR and thought leadership programs for audio technology giant, DTS, Inc., Michael has had the privilege to work hand-in-hand with some of the CE and Entertainment industries’ biggest names to launch and create ongoing buzz for new gadgets and products, content services, apps and emerging technologies.

Michael was also involved managing PR for corporate mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, he was instrumental in growing DTS’ social media following to over 1 million strong.

Before his corporate work, Michael worked agency-side with a leading southern California technology PR firm. Working directly under the agency vice president, he was involved in managing and servicing nearly a dozen accounts, interfacing daily with executives from each.

During his time working agency-side, he noticed tremendous benefits in utilizing social media for PR and was instrumental in building the agency’s new digital media group. Prior to that, Michael founded a PR consulting group where he worked with local non-profits to amplify exposure of their campaigns. Outside of work, you’ll find him spending time with his three Labradors, and turning wrenches on his project cars.

Sarah Thorson is a public relations expert with two decades of agency and in-house experience. Specializing in B2C and B2B communication initiatives, her expertise spans from consumer products to artificial intelligence. Sarah’s work in the beauty industry particularly shines through her notable engagement with Willie Nelson’s CBD line, Willie’s Remedy. In the B2B realm, she has made her mark by collaborating with Red Points, a fraud detection platform designed to identify counterfeit beauty products sold online. Leveraging her deep understanding of the media landscape and wide network, she consistently secures national and industry-specific coverage. Sarah’s also a skilled spokesperson, with notable appearances on Good Morning America and The Today Show.

Vijay Lalwani is a results-producing public relations & marketing communications professional with over 20 years of experience. With a strong background in publicity & media relations, corporate communications, digital/content strategy, and celebrity relations, Vijay brings valuable expertise to drive business growth and brand reputation.

Vijay has worked across various industries including tech, beauty, health/wellness/fitness, entertainment, web3/crypto, food/beverage, fashion, edtech, travel/hospitality, startups, and more. His deep understanding of diverse markets, audiences and the overall media landscape has demonstrated the ability to create impactful PR and marketing campaigns that drive engagement, increase brand visibility, and deliver measurable results.

A veteran of some of the top agencies, Vijay spent most of his career at reputable organizations in New York City. He holds a track record of building strong relationships with clients, media, colleagues, and industry professionals. With a passion for staying at the forefront of global industry trends, Vijay consistently delivers innovative strategies that drive business growth and create a lasting impact.

Vijay is now based in Miami, FL.

Brittany is known for her ability to grow social media communities, and create edgy viral video content. She also has a proven track record of securing key traditional media placements. She has a genuine passion for PR and social media, and is continuously coming up with innovative ideas that push the barriers of this ever-changing industry. She has been a part of the Lightspeed PR/M team since 2014.

Brittany founded social media consultancy bSocial in 2012, and has also worked with The Business Council of Westchester, Team Detroit, Senator Greg Ball, Robin Leedy & Associates, and many others.

She began her career in journalism and served as on-air talent for News 12 Brooklyn, WPTZ Vermont, WSEE Washington DC, and others, as well as a print journalist for the Hartford Courant, Norwich Bulletin, and others.

Brittany received the 2012 Mercury Award from PRSA for her creation of a viral video for a client, and also was winner of the Fox News Channel Challenge in 2007.

Patrick is a results-oriented marketing and sales leader with a track record in delivering bottom-line results for both established and startup companies. He has extensive senior-level experience in B2B and consumer marketing in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Patrick’s superior analytical skills combined with natural creativity, enable him to have great success driving growth and profitability. His specialties include consumer behavior analysis, SEO (local, global, on-page, link building), Search Engine Marketing (Google AdWords) and analytics reporting.Patrick is a results-oriented marketing and sales leader with a track record in delivering bottom-line results for both established and startup companies. He has extensive senior-level experience in B2B and consumer marketing in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.Patrick’s superior analytical skills combined with natural creativity, enable him to have great success driving growth and profitability. His specialties include consumer behavior analysis, SEO (local, global, on-page, link building), Search Engine Marketing (Google AdWords) and analytics reporting.