About us

We are communicators, creatives, connectors and coaches, helping senior executives realize their vision.

We named our agency after philosopher Marshall McLuhan’s theory that human history unfurled in ten thunderous moments. The eleventh thunder is happening right now online, and to master it you need ingenuity and an integrated approach to communications.

Capabilities

With so many media channels and so much noise, standing out takes both a winning strategy and no-nonsense execution. We pride ourselves on four pillars crucial for successful communications.

Create
Seed
Share
Protect

Create
Brand ID

Do you have your messaging down? How about your high-level positioning? Do you and your team know what to say to differentiate yourselves and make a positive impact with the media, investors, influencers, your own employees and—most importantly—your customers? We will:
- Capture your organization’s unique value proposition
- Deliver a concise, clear, and compelling messaging playbook
- Help you generate the ideal name for your new company, product, or service
- Oversee the design, look, and feel of everything you share with the world
Seed
Great Content

We’re blessed with so many media and so many ways to tell amazing stories. Writing quickly and convincingly across a variety of platforms, and helping you engage with your audience by leveraging existing outlets or creating new ones of your own, we will:
- Keep your corporate blog and social media channels stacked with timely, engaging, and well-written content
- Identify contributor opportunities with leading mainstream and specialty publications and write recurring contributions that perfectly capture your voice
- Initiate and oversee partnerships with media organizations for specific and ongoing projects
- Conceive, craft, and pitch op-eds to major national publications
- Design and execute high-impact content projects, from e-books to sponsored online magazines to compelling video
Share
PR and Thought Leadership

We believe in doing smart PR across top-tier outlets, and integrating it with social media, events, and commissioned research. We will:
- Create proactive and creative pitches landing a wide variety of substantive and unexpected top-tier media placements
- Strike partnerships with relevant national and specialty media outlets
- Conceive and execute impactful events to deliver your message to the right audiences
- Apply third-party research to support your propositions and engage the leading experts in the field to generate data-driven, credible content for publicity and, moreover, sales
Protect
Training and Crisis

Sometimes, bad things happen to good companies. To stop a ripple from turning into a storm, and to protect your brand, we will:
- Compose a comprehensive crisis management strategy, including tactics to address media, government, employees, consumers, customers, and other relevant parties
- Develop a comprehensive FAQ that addresses the full range of questions pertaining to your issues, as well as finely tuned messages for each question
- Orchestrate your internal communications outreach and social media strategy
- Author all announcements, press releases, posts, and official crisis communications
- Conceive and execute proactive media outreach to mitigate the damage and regain crucial perspective
- Train your top-level executives to communicate effectively with relevant parties, including the media, investors, regulators, etc.

Team

Marco Greenberg
Founding Partner

Marco has spearheaded marketing communications and public affairs campaigns for an array of Fortune 500 corporations, healthcare organizations, and notable venture- and angel-backed startups, and has served as a senior advisor to foreign governments, democratic movements, and NGOs. Previously a managing director at global PR giant Burson-Marsteller, he sees his role as a creative catalyst for breakthrough communications. An in-demand speaker and facilitator, he has written opinion pieces for a number of publications, including Entrepreneur, Haaretz, the NY Daily News, Pando Daily, and WeWork’s Creator.

He holds a BA from UCLA and an MA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, and has served as an adjunct professor teaching Innovations in Marketing at NYU and entrepreneurship and PR at Fordham University. He splits his time with his wife and three teenagers between the upper west side of Manhattan and Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Liel Leibovitz
Creative Partner

Liel holds a Ph.D. in Communications from Columbia University and has taught video games and digital technology at New York University and elsewhere. He has curated and moderated events for clients and friends in a host of prominent venues, from New York’s 92nd Street Y to South by Southwest, and heads Thunder11 content creation efforts.

He is the author or co-author of a number of critically acclaimed books, a senior writer for Tablet Magazine, and the co-host of Tablet’s popular podcast, Unorthodox, recently named by The Guardian as one of the 50 best podcasts of the year. He is also a frequent contributor to several national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, and others.

A believer in academic-corporate partnerships and data-driven strategy, Liel also heads Washington Square Research, Thunder11’s sister company, and has overseen major research projects for clients as diverse as Sprint and Pentagram. He lives in New York with his wife and children.
Dan Perry
Managing Partner

Dan focuses on operations and business development for Thunder11 after a career in technology and media. Dan served as the Middle East chief of the Associated Press news agency, based in Cairo, during the Arab Spring and the resultant regional upheaval – a time when the agency won two Pulitzers and other prizes for investigative and visual work in Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, Yemen and Gaza. Previously he led AP in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. During the Second Intifada Dan was AP’s bureau chief in Jerusalem and also served as the chairman of the Foreign Press Association, leading the industry’s efforts to ensure freedom of access and information with both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities.

Dan has co-founded and advised several technology startups and is a student of that sector, holding a master’s degree in computer science and engineering from Columbia University. He has been a regular delegate at the World Economic Forum in Davos and various other global leadership conferences, hosting panels with political and business leaders. His array of interview subjects range from Benjamin Netanyahu to John McCain, Tony Blair, Mikhail Gorbachev, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales and U2 frontman Bono. He is the author of two books and writes op-eds for Tribune, Times of Israel, Medium and other platforms.

Ryan Birchmeier
Senior Vice President, Client Relations

Ryan brings experience in government, tech, and real estate communications to his role as Senior Vice President, Client Relations at Thunder11.

In his previous position as Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Ryan managed communications for a wide range of agency initiatives, including the revitalization of the Brooklyn Army Terminal, the City's $100M cybersecurity initiative, and programs focused on growing the blockchain, virtual reality, and advanced manufacturing industries in New York City.

Ryan came to New York City by way of Philadelphia, where he served in a number of communications roles across the City government in the Office of Innovation & Technology and the Managing Director’s Office. Ryan ran Track and Cross Country for Saint Joseph's University and graduated with a degree in English.
Alyssa Meyer
Account Supervisor

As account supervisor, Alyssa is responsible for content creation, client relations and media relations for a number of Thunder11’s clients. She oversees the day to day tasks of her clients and make sure they have the resources needed to succeed, and also writes and places numerous news stories and thought leadership pieces in top tier publications. Her works is primarily with healthcare clients, but she also works with clients in the tech and ad tech industries.

Prior to joining Thunder11, Alyssa worked on the communications team at Marshfield Clinic Health System, one of the largest healthcare systems in Wisconsin, and as a reporter for the ABC affiliate TV station in Wausau, WI.

She received her BA in Broadcast Journalism from Quinnipiac University.
Caroline Glennon
Account Coordinator

Caroline is a recent graduate from Gettysburg College where she received her B.A. in Globalization Studies and Spanish. After graduating, she worked in FinTech before returning back to help run operations and communications for Gettysburg’s entrepreneurship initiative. As an Account Coordinator at Thunder11, Caroline supports all functions related to client service, from media relations to public affairs.
Sujin Lee
Director of Operations

As the Director of Operations she is responsible for the daily operations, infrastructure and project management for clients of Thunder11.

Previously, she served as the Director of Digital Ad Operations with NewBay Media, where she oversaw digital advertising operations for a network of 25 high-end B2B and B2C online sites and newsletter program.

She also worked at World Picture News, where she was able to feature coverage of Hurricane Katrina on the covers of Time Magazine and Newsweek domestically and internationally in Paris Match, Le Figaro, and Days of Japan. No stranger to staying cool under pressure, Sujin has extensive experience with the coordination and execution of high-profile celebrity events leading the Entertainment division for WireImage & Getty Images.

Sujin attended Northeastern University and NY's Fashion Institute of Technology.

Specialists

Amy Scarlino
Events and Thought Leadership

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Amy Scarlino is responsible for the strategic direction and management of Scarlino Speaker Strategies, LLC, an executive speaker placement, speaker program management, and event evaluation firm. Prior to forming the agency, Ms. Scarlino was President and CEO of The Catchpole Corporation. She held several positions within Catchpole during her more than 13 years with the company, including Chief Operating Officer, Director of Client Services, and Senior Account Executive. Ms. Scarlino has managed the corporate speaker programs and executive visibility initiatives for companies such as VMware, PBS, AOL, Trend Micro, Microsoft, BASF, and The Weather Channel.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Scarlino was a Market Manager for Group III Promotions and served as Project Manager within the brand consultancy, Ashton Brand Group.

Ms. Scarlino holds a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Marketing from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. She has spoken at several industry conferences including the CIO Global Forum, PRSA International Conference, PRSA Northeast District Chapter Annual Conference, the NVCA National Summit, Emerson College’s PRSSA Chapter Meeting; The New York Speechwriters Roundtable and Women of the Channel Leadership Summit. She serves as a judge for the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and was a founding member and event chair of the Women Advancing (formerly WIMMI) Boston chapter.
Tara Todras-Whitehill
Visuals

Tara is an award-winning visual storyteller and communications consultant based in Istanbul, Turkey. Her work is focused on giving a voice to people in the developing world who are inspiring change. As a photographer and videographer, her clients include The New York Times, CNN, UNICEF, Search For Common Ground, The International Rescue Committee, and many others.

Tara co-founded and ran a creative agency that supported the work of social impact organizations and helped them create large multimedia projects, using photos, video, data visualizations, animations, and microsites. She is also a media specialist and workshop coach who helps teams tell their stories better from the inside out.
Charles Hearn
Visuals

Charles Hearn has worked with Thunder11 on a number of projects including client websites, presentations and flyers, successfully designing digital creative content for campaigns, launches, integrations and user experiences. Charles designs for tomorrow’s media environment, creating experiences that are socially transferable, fresh, and on-brand.

Charles earned a BA from the University of California Berkeley, an MA from L’Accademia Di Belle Arti di Bologna, and an MFA from the School of Visual Arts. As a grad student, he designed the visual collateral for an international competition — soliciting ideas for new streetlights in New York City — rebranded the New York City Department of Design and Construction, and created graphics for major initiatives in the Bloomberg Administration.

Charles has previously served as an Interactive Art Director for Time Inc., and worked on brands like Sports Illustrated and People, among others. He also ran digital marketing in the western hemisphere for Burberry.

In addition to working with Thunder11, Charles is the owner and operator of event logistics company, Uptown Production and Breakdown. He also serves as creative lead of the Harlem Historical Society, bringing history to life through creative and educational programs.
Peter Himler
Media Relations

Peter Himler is founding principal of Flatiron Communications LLC, a NYC-based PR and digital media consultancy and serves as a strategic consultant to Thunder 11. For both, he offers traditional/digital media engagement, communications training, social media programming, event activations, and influencer and content marketing.

Prior to forming Flatiron in 2005 with its first client The New York Times Company, Himler played senior leadership roles in the media practices of Edelman, Burson-Marsteller, Cohn & amp; Wolfe, and Hill and Knowlton.

Himler serves as president of the Publicity Club of New York, is active with the New York Tech Meetup, and sits on the marketing advisory council and executive board of the Communications and Media Studies Program at Tufts University.
Sandra Correa
Media Relations

With more than 20 years’ experience handling public relations, social media and multi-cultural initiatives for leading companies (including Time Inc./Meredith, AOL, Johnson & Johnson, Vevo, Dunkin’ and AbbVie), Sandra currently specializes in media relations. Having worked across a variety of sectors, from pharma and lifestyle to tech and advertising, Sandra has a successful track record in securing top-tier media coverage in outlets such as the Associated Press, Reuters, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, TechCrunch, Adweek, USA Today, People and Refinery29, as well as on national broadcast media, including, Fox & Friends, MSNBC and NPR.

In addition, she has executed campaigns with A-list celebrities, worked with senior-level executives, and supervised international consumer projects within traditional media and the digital landscape. She also holds strong relationships with social media influencers in a variety of key sectors. Sandra holds a B.S. from Manhattan College and currently resides in Edgewater, NJ.
Cherif Barakat
Middle East

Cherif is an international public affairs and communications professional with almost two decades’ experience working with multinational corporations and advising governments throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Based in Cairo, Cherif provided strategic communications counsel to the Egyptian presidency and the UAE government.

Previously he worked on corporate communications at ExxonMobil’s EMEA headquarters in Brussels with a focus on energy policy issues. Cherif has also consulted for a range of corporations and governments in his career and his specialization is public policy.
Annie Pace Scranton
Media Relations

Annie Pace Scranton has been working with Thunder11 since its inception. Prior to forming Pace Public Relations, she worked for eight years as a seasoned television producer, with a resume that includes major networks such as CNN, Fox News, CNBC, MSNBC and ABC. Acting as a guest booker for these various networks, Annie’s brand of public relations combines her unique understanding of behind-the-scenes television with her unparalleled list of contacts. In television, it’s all about knowing the right person to pitch to, and Annie’s contacts are second to none. Recent clients have been thrilled with placements on CNBC, Fox News, HLN, MSNBC, Fox Business Network, Bloomberg TV, PIX Morning News and various print and digital outlets.

Before working in television, Annie started out at a small boutique public relations firm, Lou Hammond & Associates. There, she concentrated on local news coverage, and newspaper and magazine placements, for her clients. Annie also worked as a local reporter for the New Jersey-based newspaper, The Asbury Park Press, where she covered local politics and business openings.
Alfred Leach
Senior Advisor

Alfred Leach is principal at Leach Advisors LLC and is a trusted advisor to executives at Fortune 500 and emerging growth companies. For more than 25 years, he has held a seat at the table providing strategy and advice to companies related to growth and transformation initiatives, mergers & acquisitions, layoffs, plant closings, corporate and crisis issues, proxy fights, and Board matters. He is recognized and respected by CEOs for his keen insights to find a “path forward” for businesses through complex and challenging issues. During his career he has served in executive roles at Deloitte, The New York Times and Burson-Marsteller.

As counsel to Thunder 11, Al brings strategic communications, marketing and customer development talents. He resides in North Carolina and Connecticut, and is a a graduate of Connecticut College.
Lindsay Connelly
Digital Marketing

Lindsay has spent the last 10 years developing her expertise in the field of digital marketing, focusing on analytics, search engine marketing, and social media advertising. She’s worked with a full gamut of clients, from national and international brands with eight-figure annual budgets to start ups and family businesses. Early on in her career Lindsay developed a knack for working creatively with small budgets and learning how to scale with start ups as they grow.

In starting her company, Linden Digital Marketing, Lindsay identified and addressed the value that clients place on teams being nimble and agile. While fulfilling this need, she maximizes her client’s return on investment, and delivers results on time.

Lindsay earned a bachelors degree in marketing and then an MBA focusing on Management Information Systems, both from the Rochester Institute of Technology.