Laura Scholz, President

Social media maven Laura Scholz is a passionate people person and natural connector whose energy, networking savvy, vibrant personality and entrepreneurial spirit make her the go-to public relations and communications professional for creative sector entrepreneurs in Atlanta and beyond.  In addition to her work at Scholz Communications, Laura is the Managing Partner of CRAVE atlanta, a social and business network for the city’s premiere female entrepreneurs.  An expert on integrating social media into traditional media campaigns, she is a regularly engaged speaker, including a recent keynote at Tory Johnson’s Spark & Hustle conference in Atlanta.  She is also popular blogger and was invited to attend the annual Martha Stewart Blogger Show last January for The Weary Publicist, her blog that explores the ups and downs of entrepreneurship in a digital world.  In addition, she has written guest posts on current topics in public relations, communications and entrepreneurship for PR Breakfast Club, Elizabeth Potts Weinstein and the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur.

Prior to starting her own firm, Laura worked with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, where she managed public relations campaigns for over 300 annual performances and events, and with MS&L Worldwide, where she developed and managed internal marketing communications campaigns for Fortune 500 companies such as Home Depot and SunTrust Banks, Inc.

Laura is an avid runner and volunteer for the Georgia Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where she regularly mentors marathon runners and serves on the PR Committee for Team in Training.

She’s a graduate of Furman University, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and received her master’s degree in arts policy and administration from The Ohio State University in 2004.

When not running or working, she enjoys traveling, Pilates, writing, retail therapy and discovering new restaurants.  She lives on the Westside with her husband, Tim Long, and their two “babies,” border collie Zoe and cat Daisy.

Brittany Silberman, Account Manager

Atlanta native Brittany is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina where she excelled in marketing and public relations.  Brittany manages client services, social media content, media outreach and special events for both Scholz Communications and CRAVE atlanta.  She began her career with the company as an intern and quickly impressed with her drive, enthusiasm and expert project management skills.

Before joining the Scholz Commincations team in September 2009, Brittany worked for Career Sports and Entertainment, where her love for social media was born.

A resident of Brookhaven, Brittany loves exploring the city and finding the newest hot spots with friends and family.  A life-long fitness lover, she enjoys karate, kickboxing, and any form of challenging exercise.  A devoted wine enthusiast and aspiring foodie, Brittany likes to spend her free time in the kitchen creating and tasting.

Melissa Bennett, Account Coordinator

A recent graduate of the University of Georgia, with degrees in public relations and history, Melissa joined the Scholz Communications team as an intern in June 2010 and was promoted to account coordinator in August 2010.  Melissa’s background in public relations includes internships at the University of Georgia Press and the Atlanta History Center, serving as the public relations chair for her sorority, and being an account executive for Creative Consultants, a student-run public relations firm through PRSSA.

Originally from California, Melissa now considers herself a Georgia native and resides in Woodstock.  She enjoys trying new restaurants, watching movies, traveling, and exploring historic sites and museums.  Her attention to detail, expert research skills and passion for media relations make her an excellent addition to the Scholz Communications team, where she works on the CURE Childhood Cancer, M&M Consumer Products and Songbird & Twig accounts.

Kaitlin Kelly, Intern

An Atlanta native, Kaitlin is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia where she earned a degree in Marketing.  Kaitlin joined the Scholz Communications team in June 2010.  With a previous internship in the advertising arena, she discovered the world of social media and a new love was born.  Kaitlin also has a passion for event marketing and planning and is a huge asset in event planning and editorial planning and writing for CRAVE atlanta and other Scholz Communications client.

A resident of Dunwoody, Kaitlin is an avid runner and enjoys all things cooking and food and writes all about it in her blog, Kitchen Kait’s Healthy Plate.   She hopes to soak up all that Atlanta has to offer now that she has the opportunity.

Katie Christof, Intern

A recent Army veteran, Katie is currently enrolled in her last semester at Georgia State University.  She will be graduating in December with a BBA in Marketing and certificates in International Business and Professional Sales.  Katie joined Scholz Communications after distinguishing herself in class while developing a strategic marketing plan for a local art gallery.  She plans on a future career in PR or brand management.

When this social media addict isn’t in the GSU Library, she can usually be found playing trivia with friends in East Atlanta or Decatur, attending local beer festivals and getting her scuba diving certification.  Katie loves traveling, especially to NYC, and her other interests include fashion, swimming and trying desperately to replicate her mother’s apple pie.