OUR TEAM
We love when a client walks in with a glint in their eye and a challenging goal in mind.
Even better is the feeling when we make that goal reality.
Founded in 2016, Golden Word is the boutique public relations and communications consulting firm based in Richmond, VA.
We focus on brands we believe in, across industry and stage, and we make powerful, meaningful connections on their behalf with media, partners and consumers.
Our strategy is always tailored and always the same:
We help clients shape their message, then thoughtfully share their story via earned media.
MEET THE TEAM
Jennifer Salo
Managing Director
I am so proud to lead a team of PR and social media professionals who are passionate about our clients and the results we deliver. After studying PR at school, I’ve been fortunate to have had progressive roles in corporate settings, not-for-profits and agencies over the past 25 years. Food and beverage, security, hospitality and tourism, building products, refrigeration, IT, cyber security, automotive, social issues and more. Every single category I’ve worked on, has great stories to tell.
I’ve always loved learning about what makes clients’ offerings interesting and driving more depth into why they should be the preferred choice for their customers. It’s amazing the great stories that you can generate in any category when you’ve got a great client partner who understands the power of modern media.
Ashley Mills
Director, Client Success
Born and raised in New Jersey, I studied communications at Radford University in Virginia and never left the state for lovers. I got my first real taste of PR working for an agency outside Washington, D.C., where I discovered my knack for connecting brands to consumers through thoughtful storytelling and meaningful media relationships.
I strive for those quality mentions over quantity - press that moves the needle and powerfully spreads the word on behalf of my clients.
Erin Bagnell
Senior Publicist
With an English degree from the University of Virginia, I kicked off my career in Washington, D.C. and learned how PR and advocacy go hand-in-hand to effect change.
Prior to joining the team at Golden Word, I worked in tourism PR, collaborating with writers and content creators to push Richmond, Virginia, to the top of travelers’ must-visit lists. My work has sent me all over the media map from travel and lifestyle to food and beverage and arts and culture. I love sharing stories and watching the results unfold.
Jenna Weston
Social Media Manager
I have wide range of experience — from copywriting, to podcast production, to social media marketing. The common thread through it all? Storytelling. I love learning what sets people and companies apart and sharing that uniqueness with both editors and audiences.
I was born and raised in the mountains of Colorado and pursued a Journalism degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in California.
Jean Luther
Publicist
I’m a graduate from James Madison University, where I majored in Media Arts & Design with a concentration in Journalism & Communications. After living in Chesapeake, Virginia, my entire life other than my time at JMU, I picked up and moved to Richmond to start my PR path at Golden Word.
I love learning from people and companies alike. I strive to really get to know our clients' stories to help secure the press coverage they deserve.
Melina DeNunzio
Publicist
After completing my Master’s in Communication + Business Leadership at High Point University, I moved back to my hometown of Richmond, Virginia, to pursue my career in PR! Golden Word has given me the perfect opportunity to apply my experience in communications to the thrilling world of PR.
I love working with new businesses and learning the ins and outs of what makes our clients thrive. Helping clients reach their goals is an exciting challenge!
Elisabeth Edelman
Founder & New Business Lead
I founded Golden Word with a vision for creating a powerhouse little agency that chases doing good work with good people. We want working with Golden Word to be impactful and fun for both client and team.
I studied journalism at the University of Richmond, cut my teeth on PR with five action-packed years in NYC, and broadened my marketing grasp in-house at Ledbury. After running Golden Word for eight years, I am now focused on new business development, applying my two decades of experience to partner exciting potential clients with our ace team to create game-changing results.
CULTURE: THE COMMON THREAD
This is where #teamgoldenword lines up.
NO. 1
First-Day Read:
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
NO. 2
Ice cream:
appropriate for all moods, whether celebrating or stress eating.
NO. 3
Grateful
NO. 4
Holding ourselves to high standards
NO. 5
Optimistic
NO. 6
“If you work really hard and are kind, amazing things will happen.”
(affectionately stolen from Conan O’Brien)
It looks like a quote—we see an equation. Hard work plus kindness generate a chemistry leading to greater results than you could manufacture alone.