About

ROBERT HERTA

founder + ceo

Robert Herta, President of Herta Communications, is an award-winning global communications executive and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience. He has been a strategic communications senior adviser to the Kellogg Company, Visteon, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Spectrum Health, Indiana University Health, Gordon Foods, TrueCar, Owens Corning, American Society of Quality, Karma Automotive, U.S. Army TACOM, AxioBionics, Pay Governance and other businesses, including startups and non-profits. Prior to founding Herta Communications, Robert was the director of corporate and digital communications and global brand management at a Fortune 500 company. He also headed up media relations and launched the company’s entry in social media. Most notably, Robert held a variety of global communications positions during a 15-year career at one of the world’s largest auto companies – supporting multiple senior executives, corporate business units, global product development, OnStar, global auto shows, human resources, and customer care and aftersales.

He has been president of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Detroit Chapter twice, authored articles on strategic communications, and taught public relations and editorial/feature writing classes as an adjunct assistant professor at Madonna University. Earlier in his career, Robert was the public relations manager for Michigan’s largest home health care company. He majored in Communications and holds an MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy.

TOM PYDEN

General manager, EXECUTIVE/C-SUITE COMMUNICATIONS

Tom is an executive communications specialist with extensive experience in CEO and C-Suite communications for a Fortune 500 global sales and manufacturing enterprise. Areas of expertise include strategic planning, crisis communications, media relations, writing, editing and employee engagement. He has additional expertise in public policy matters, leadership conference planning, annual report writing and labor relations communications. Tom graduated from the University of Michigan and completed an executive development program at Kellogg School, Northwestern University. 

KIM STRICKER

SOCIAL MEDIA strategist

Kim has a solid combination of social media, advertising and marketing experience working with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and small businesses. She is an expert in integrating social media strategy into the overall marketing mix, giving brands a strong voice in the community, and optimizing content for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, blogs and other channels. Kim graduated from Siena Heights University with a Bachelor of Science degree and major in business and marketing

ARIANA HERTA-BOLLINGER

ART DIRECTOR

Ariana is a skilled graphic designer, visual marketer and storyteller with seven+ years working on the Herta team. She has the ability to bring client stories to life artistically, in addition to being well versed in digital media and branding. Ariana is the founder of Big Hearts and Crafts and previously was a graphic designer for the Madonna Athletic Department. She earned a bachelor’s of arts in graphic design with a minor in marketing from Madonna University.

COLETTE STIMMELL

HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS

Colette is an award-winning communications and public relations executive with more than 40 years of experience, including 30 years leading corporate communications and media relations programs for one of the nation’s most renowned health care systems. She specializes in the development and execution of complex, multi-audience communication plans, messaging and strategies for crisis communication or transformational initiatives; in advising C-suite executives on communication strategies and tactics to drive business results; and has led media relations teams earning hundreds of thousands of local and national news placements.

BRAD JACKSON

STRATEGIC AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATIONS

Brad brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in sales, marketing, advertising, change management and public relations in automotive, health care, consumer goods, insurance, legal, government and transportation industries. He has led corporate re-branding efforts, created successful advertising campaigns, directed crisis communication efforts, including strategic messaging and media relations. Brad has developed fully integrated public policy efforts, global Change Management programs, led fund raising campaigns and served as lead corporate spokesman for financial reporting, product publicity and global corporate issues. He has coached numerous C level executives in Fortune 50 companies, is a fluent public speaker, a media relations trainer and experienced mentor.

THOMAS LOZSER

BUSINESS STRATEGY, ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN + HR MANAGEMENT

Thomas is a senior executive consultant, board member, adviser and investor in startups, private equity companies and real estate ventures. He has extensive experience leading companies and teams in engineering, manufacturing, sales and finance – in a variety of industries, both domestic and international. ​Earlier in his career, Thomas was CEO for FLH Coatings Group in Switzerland, VP Linear Motion Sales and Product Management at SKF Magnetic NA, President of Magnetic Actuators USA, and VP Manufacuring Operations NA for Kautex Textron.​ He has an MBA from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from ETH Zürich, Switzerland.

SHARON MORTON

content development

Sharon knows how to find and write stories that get people’s attention. She links an organization’s goals with the interests of its audiences, driving engagement and action. As a content developer, she has produced and managed communication materials for global groups through meetings, work sites, websites, video broadcasts and newsletters. While on staff at one of the world’s largest automakers, Sharon used creative approaches to cut through clutter to deliver fresh and well-received communications to employees. Her work has received international-level Gold Quill Awards from IABC, the highest award given by this professional organization. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University.

MIKE MEYERAND

BROADCAST MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Mike has been working in the broadcasting and communications business for more than 40 years. The first nine years of his career were working as a TV news producer – the last five years as a news producer for ABC News in Detroit. Following his work in TV news, Mike worked on the GM Communications Staff in a variety of roles including executive speechwriter, internal communications manager, director of international communications, and his last 15 years at GM as director of broadcast media communications. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan.

MARIROSE LULA

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS / EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT (based in New York City)

Marirose has been a trusted advisor and thought-partner to CEOs and C-Suite executives for more than 10 years. With experience in traditional public relations, including crisis, as well as internal communications, Marirose drives business results through strategic, engaging, and relevant content development and experiences. During her career, Marirose has led projects for global communications firms Weber Shandwick and Edelman. In addition to her agency experience, Marirose built the internal communications department, including a global intranet for more than 12,000 associates, at Michael Kors. Most recently, Marirose drove all communications for the Victoria’s Secret Beauty business. A storyteller at heart, Marirose has provided copywriting and editing services since her time at Western Michigan University, where she earned her degree and still serves as a Alumni Ambassador and mentor.

JOE LIEBLANG

ISSUES MANAGEMENT AND MESSAGE DEVELOPMENT

Joe is a jack-of-all-trades communicator with a decades-long career ranging from writing and editing to teaching, strategic planning and consulting. He created comprehensive plans for marketing communications, employee communications and corporate objectives, all with a focus on measurable results. His interests and expertise include issues management and message development. Joe coached and guided award-winning teams of writers and editors, and he developed the mass communications policy for Michigan’s largest health care company. Joe won several awards for his work from the International Association of Business Communicators. He holds a masters degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

LONNIE ROSS

Internal Communications, Change Management, Leader Communications, Organizational Development

Lonnie has more than 40 years of corporate communications experience in the automotive and energy industries. Her expertise includes communication strategy, planning and message development for culture change, IT conversions, continuous improvement, corporate mergers, executive transition, and employee recognition and engagement. She has earned awards for executive speechwriting, annual report development, employee publications, and employee recognition programs. Lonnie has served as president of the IABC Detroit Chapter and was named its Communicator of the Year. She also served on the IABC regional board and continues to volunteer for this organization. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/PR from Bowling Green State University as well as a master's degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.

NIKKI LIVINGSTON

Corporate Communications and Digital Marketing

Nikki is passionate about mission-driven storytelling and helping organizations connect with their communities. She is a jack of all trades communicator with experience in strategy, project management, copywriting, digital marketing, graphic design and WordPress. She has developed and implemented complex communication plans and ecosystems for the largest medical school in the country and the largest health care system in Indiana. Non-profits large and small have benefited from her Communication by Design process, which helps them understand their audience, identify opportunities and create innovative communication approaches. Nikki is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Spelman College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts and Drama.

JIM BURKE

EAST COAST (based in South Carolina)

Jim specializes in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. He has more than 30 years experience in communications, human resources and labor relations. Earlier in his career, he held several executive communications roles with General Motors, Federal-Mogul and Babcock & Wilcox. Jim is president of the Charlotte, North Carolina chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. Previously, he served on the board of directors for the Detroit chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and was instrumental in establishing the chapter’s ethics program. Jim holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan.

MAXINE MOORE

COMMUNICATIONS specialist

Maxine Moore is a communications graduate from Wayne State University. Prior to graduating, she was a staff writer for the University of Detroit Mercy Varsity News and served in various leadership positions influencing local and national committees. Maxine is also a talented athlete and coach, bringing a competitive edge to our team. She assists Herta Communications with a variety of clients.

WENDY PAYNE

Media Relations Supporting Product Launch Strategy

Wendy has over 20 years of experience in product, corporate, and safety communications, working for companies such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Nissan. Her expertise in media relations allows her to connect key messages into compelling pitches that support the product launch strategy. She has received numerous industry awards including a General Motors Chairman’s Award, an IABC Detroit President’s Award, and a PRSA Gold Sabre award.  She has a Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University and is currently studying Digital Marketing at Grand Valley State University.

NOREEN PRATSCHER

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS, EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION

Noreen Pratscher is a senior communications adviser who has served as strategic counsel to the C-suite and led communications for organizations experiencing significant change and transformation based on market shifts and changing regulatory requirements.  Her body of work includes brand building in industries including environmental services, automotive, energy, healthcare, consumer goods and building products.  She also helped organizations successfully navigate through crisis situations to assure business continuity and minimize reputational risk.  Noreen holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in General Administration from Central Michigan University.

JAVIER GUZMÁN BÁRCENAS

Global Manufacturing Communications and Employee Advocate

Javier has over 16 years of internal communications experience in the automotive industry, serving both manufacturing and non-manufacturing audiences. He has worked at GM Global HQ, GM de México HQ, and 16+ manufacturing facilities, and has supported Hispanic Media at auto shows. Javier is an advocate for employees, a natural relationship builder, and helps strengthen engagement between management and different organizational levels. He is passionate about technology, languages (Spanish and German), and electric vehicles (EVs). He holds a Master of Arts from Wayne State University in Detroit, a BA in Communication Sciences, and an associate degree in International Business from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Estado de México. Javier is the former VP of Social Media for the IABC Detroit Chapter and collaborated with Wayne State University on a World Health Organization project: "Communicating Uncertainty During Public Health Emergency Events: A Systematic Review.”

CATHERINE WANTUCK

Digital Marketing, Multimedia Design, and Technology Solutions 

Catherine is an accomplished marketing leader with extensive experience in digital transformation, strategic marketing, and brand management. From the age of dial-up modems to artificial intelligence, she has navigated the evolution of emerging digital technologies, continuously training and adapting to each medium. Catherine has pioneered and transformed websites, emails, digital ads, SEO tactics, and social media implementation for organizations of all sizes. With a highly analytical mindset, she processes campaign metrics to understand audience needs, providing organizations with the strategies necessary to meet their objectives and audience demands. As a classically trained artist and award-winning designer, Catherine can seamlessly craft visually compelling designs across print and digital media, ensuring a cohesive brand experience. From complex corporate rebranding projects to simple presentations, she brings her fine attention to detail and desire to exceed expectations every time.

PETER J. TERNES

LISTENING FROM FACTORY FLOOR, TO CONSUMERS, TO C-SUITE

Pete is a Communications professional and strategist. He has nearly 40 years of experience working for two major Fortune 500 companies in the energy and automotive industries. His well-rounded background in all forms of business communication (media, social media, HRM, investor relations, marketing, governmental, regulatory, crisis, etc.) provides a foundation for sound communications counsel and support. From the factory floor to the field, to the C-Suite, Pete can listen to the communication goals and needs of an organization and offer guidance to achieve organizational goals. Pete’s communications work has been recognized with awards from both DTE Energy and General Motors as well as the International Association of Business Communicators at the local, regional and international levels.

CONNIE BURKE

Multicultural, Diversity, Corporate Marketing/Communications and C-Suite Support

Connie is an experienced, forward-thinking PR pro with more than 35 years of expertise in automotive Corporate Communications, specializing in Multicultural, Diversity, Corporate Marketing/Communications and C-Suite support. With an extensive background in cross-functional collaboration with partners in Marketing, Creative, Tech, Business Units and more, Connie has a knack for building and maintaining successful client, partner, and internal relationships. She’s also adept at building partnerships, productive relationships and engagement in any given community. In particular, Connie’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) impact at a Fortune 100 company’s Global Diversity Team helped the company think creatively about and innovatively respond to the ever-changing demographics and needs of customers and employees worldwide. She specializes in LGBTQ+ outreach and is a member of Pride Alliance of Livingston (PAL), a community action committee of the Livingston Diversity Council that ensures all residents, employees and visitors feel safe and welcome in the community.

MARK SCHURMAN

Corporate Communications, Media and Public Relations

In Mark’s three-decade career as communications lead and counsel to the c-suite in large B2B and consumer-facing companies, private and public, he’s delivered difference-making results with external and internal audiences. Spanning public and media relations and internal communications, he’s supported high-impact domestic and global events including leadership succession, acquisitions, divestitures, new products, the launch of brands and businesses, as well as investor communications, and the management of myriad crises. A proven source for corporate communications strategy and execution (as well as fishing stories), Mark’s particular work history includes the Industrial and Product Design, Interiors and Architecture, and Food and Distribution industries.

JACK RILEY

CREATIVITY, ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Jack led sales and marketing teams at Pepsi Cola, RL Polk and Fifth Third Bank over his illustrious 40 year career. Known for his creative approaches to strategy and leadership development, he is now sharing his insights as part of his exploration of creativity journey. Jack’s specialties are corporate film creation, strategy and leadership retreats and event and meeting production. Always interested in how he can serve his community, Jack serves as Chairman of the Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition, is Co-Chair of Preview Night at the Michigan State Fair and is a past board member of Special Olympics of Michigan.

JULIE LICHTENBERG

NON-PROFIT AND PHILANTHROPY

Julie’s entire career has been in the nonprofit sector, with over 25 years in the philanthropic arena. She has a passion for bringing together individuals, families, foundations and companies as investors in nonprofit organizations that reflect their values and community aspirations. Her expertise includes strategic planning, program and proposal development, capital campaigns, major gifts fundraising, volunteer and board development and C-suite engagement. She has served in leadership roles at major educational and healthcare institutions in California and Michigan, including 13 years at Michigan’s largest healthcare system where she was vice president of major gifts during a multisystem merger. Julie earned her bachelor’s degree of music at Michigan State University and a master’s degree of social welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles.

LEON LEBEAU

VIRTUAL EVENTS AND CREATIVE STRATEGY

Leon has led overall creative, technical production and management for auto shows, press events, and industrial and commercial film/video productions. From the raceway to the runway, he has been the creative driving force behind domestic and global media launches of vehicles and key technologies for General Motors, including the Chevrolet Corvette and Volt, the Cadillac Escalade, OnStar, night vision and various advanced propulsion technologies. Press events range from intimate product backgrounders to major product unveilings before audiences greater than 2,000 people. Leon is a trusted consultant and producer for dozens of internal and employee events annually, working with Fortune 500 CEOs and other top leadership. Clients have included Magna, Yanfeng, Chevrolet, OnStar, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.

MIKE DERGIS

MANAGEMENT RECRUITING AND LEADERSHIP ADVISORY

Mike has more than 25 years of experience in operational management, executive recruiting, organizational development, and international strategy consulting. Having served in senior management positions in industry and consulting, he has a well-rounded understanding of organizational strategy and recruiting. Mike helps clients increase their profitability by leveraging his unique skills and experiences to create pragmatic solutions. In addition to organizational development, Mike is passionate about connecting people. He enjoys bringing together people who should know each other and is always looking to grow his network.

KRISTI STEPP

MANAGEMENT RECRUITING AND LEADERSHIP ADVISORY 

Kristi has over 25 years of experience in human resources across the automotive, healthcare and workforce solutions industries.  Her experience includes strategic planning, change management, operational excellence, and team collaboration. Kristi is passionate about education and learning.  In addition to her professional experience leading global learning organizations for Fortune 500 companies, she is board vice president of the Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass K-8 school board and sits on the board of the historic Pewabic Pottery, both based in Detroit, Michigan.

ERIC BURCH

WRITING AND STORYTELLING

Eric spent 25 years as a broadcast journalist at the local, regional, and national level. An award-winning storyteller, Eric worked in radio news in markets such as Houston, Denver, and Phoenix. At the national level, he worked for the fledgling Unistar Radio Network (now part of Westwood One) and developed the programming for the successful Business Radio Network. After leaving the broadcast world, Eric began working in communications, primarily in the energy sector. His focus has been on renewable and sustainable energy systems as well as focusing on Organizational Change Management and culture-shifting concepts and projects.

GEORGINA VARGAS

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS AND CORPORATE REPUTATION (based in Mexico)

With 25+ years of experience in public relations and communications, Gina has led high impact strategic development for internal communications and corporate reputation initiatives with national and international brands in pharma, financial, automotive, IT and education sectors. She has managed media relations for governmental visits in Mexico, including the Queen of Netherlands and Norway Prime Minister. Gina believes that having strong relationships with national and international media are key for the work she does. Gina has powerful negotiation and problem solving skills and a thorough understanding of information analysis focused on results. She graduated from Anahuac University with a degree in Communications and completed marketing training in Tec de Monterrey.

JEFF MACKEY

WEBSITE STRATEGy, IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEment

Jeff has been making and managing websites since 1999, helping businesses meet their online marketing objectives. He has successfully delivered projects for over 125 businesses in and around the Detroit area and country, and has partnered with multiple agencies to expand their capabilities. Many designers focus on the technical or latest trend — Jeff realizes that the technology implemented is just a means to an end, and he makes sure that the work delivered is chiefly aimed at making clients more profitable.

STEVEN SINGLER

TECHNICAL WRITING, CREATIVE WRITING AND COMMUNICATIONS (based in Atlanta, GA)

Steven is a certified technical writer, creative writer, and a marketing and communications professional with 20 years of experience across both public and private sectors. Adapting his traditional journalism and public relations background into a more modern ‘communications’ approach, he led a rebranding effort and content creation at Powell & Edwards – Gwinnett County’s oldest law firm, worked for the Secretary of the Georgia Senate, and managed media relations for the southeast’s pre-eminent video game industry trade organization, the Georgia Game Developers Association. Alongside his technical writing certification through the University of Georgia, he also holds a master’s degree in English from UGA and a bachelor’s in creative writing and communications from Georgia State University.

ALAN ADLER

TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS

Alan is a news, feature, and technical writer for a variety of outlets following a 20-year career in domestic and international communications at General Motors. He is a former reporter and editor at The Associated Press and the Detroit Free Press. Alan writes about technology, autonomous and electrified vehicles, transportation, sports, real estate development, and other subjects.