Our Team
Jennifer Kaplan
CEO/President
Jennifer Kaplan founded Evolve Public Relations and Marketing in 2010, driven by the goal of connecting with her clients to understand and meet their needs. She brings years of start-up experience, dating back to 2005, when she co-founded PRIME 3, LLC. A Phoenix native, Jennifer prides herself on knowing the dynamics of the Valley and the deep-rooted relationships she has established. She has received numerous awards including the Inaugural Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Alumni of the Year Award (2022), Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” Award, and recognition among “The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business” by AZ Business Magazine. Jennifer has a degree in public relations from Arizona State University and is always cheering on the Sun Devils.
Jennifer also enjoys spending time with her new family and finding ways to support the community. Yoga is her favorite outlet.
Liz Renninger
Vice President
With more than a decade of PR experience, Liz Renninger has had the opportunity to help tell countless stories with the clients she has worked with. A graduate from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University, prior to her career in PR, Liz worked as a reporter at New Mexico NBC affiliate KOB-TV. Her expertise and passion for what she does every day can be seen in the work that she does with her clients and the relationships she has with the media. She also helps oversee the day-to-day operations of the business, supporting other account managers at Evolve. Liz is also a recipient of The Arizona Republic “Who’s Next?” Award for young communication professionals.
A Phoenix native, The Valley of the Sun is home for Liz and her husband, Justin, and their two beautiful daughters, Bella and Mia.
Anthony Farinacci
Chief Operating Officer
Anthony Farinacci spent nearly 28 years in law enforcement, including five years as Deputy Sheriff in Tucson and 23 years as an Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). During his tenure with the FBI, Anthony performed a myriad of investigative duties including drug trafficking organizations, public corruption, terrorism, and public/private partnership engagement. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Grand Canyon University and an MBA from the University of Arizona. Now retired from the FBI, Anthony brings his leadership, management, and extensive experience working with the private sector to Evolve.
Anthony enjoys being back home in Phoenix, where he can spend time with his daughter, family and take-in the Arizona weather.
Claire Natale
Director of Marketing
Claire Natale brings a diverse perspective to the PR team. She earned a master’s degree in food studies from New York University, but after starting her post-college career as a Registered Dietician, she quickly realized she was more interested in food communication than nutrition. So, she began working in public relations in New York City with some of the industry’s best chefs, food writers, and interior designers. With more than 12 years of PR experience Claire loves connecting with clients and the media to share memorial and informative stories. Claire also works closely with the team to train and provide support where needed.
A Cleveland native, Claire moved to Phoenix in 2014 and loves immersing herself in the local food, hospitality, and event scene.
Liesl Babicka
Account Manager
An Arizona native, Liesl earned her bachelor’s degree in sports journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. She also received minors in Tourism Management and Special Events Management from the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Upon graduation, she secured a Graduate Assistant position at Sun Devil Athletics as a public relations representative for multiple men’s and women’s NCAA DI sports programs. While a full-time Sports Information Director, Liesl attained her master’s in sports law & business from the Allan “Bud” Selig Sports Law & Business program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law from ASU. As a public relations professional, Liesl is enthusiastic about creating brand awareness for clients and connecting community members with local businesses, restaurants and/or events.
In her free time, Liesl loves attending live sporting events, traveling to unfamiliar places, exploring new restaurants, going for a run, practicing yoga, watching documentaries and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Natalie Bock
Account Manager
Natalie graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Spanish. Natalie’s previous public relations experience was in technology for a company in Chicago. Her quest for warmer weather, love of the outdoors and being closer to family brought her from Chicago to Scottsdale. She is passionate about helping create brand awareness for her clients and loves the impact PR has on a community or industry.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys reading, visiting local coffee shops, and exploring Arizona.
Alyssa Carroll
Senior Account Manager
Born and raised in Michigan – Alyssa attended Western Michigan University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in public relations and journalism. Since college, she moved to Scottsdale, Arizona and began pursuing her career in public relations. Creating meaningful relationships, building brand awareness, and implementing creative thinking are a few of Alyssa’s strongest traits she brings to the team.
On her free time, Alyssa enjoys traveling the world, trying new restaurants, and laying in the sun.
Monica Chabot
Account Manager
For Monica Chabot, public relations is all about making connections and strengthening the community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications with a Public Relations emphasis from Brigham Young University in 2020. After graduation, she made her way to the Grand Canyon state to work with Local First Arizona as a content coordinator. This is where her love affair with local businesses and sharing their stories began. Monica was able to work with small businesses across the state, share their story and help them grow their brand.
When she’s not in the office, you can find Monica cooking or baking for her friends, at the movies or listening to a true crime podcast. You can also catch her on the weekend at a farmers’ market or on a hiking trail.
Kaylin Alexandra Dunnett
Senior Account Manager
Kaylin Dunnett earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism with a public relations focus from ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. A voracious reader with a love for telling stories that captivate, Kaylin knew she wanted to be a writer from a young age. Her work has been featured in a variety of Arizona publications, including The Daily Independent, the Glendale Star, North Central News and The State Press. Her favorite pieces (to both write and read) center around unconventional angles and thought-provoking topics. In the field of public relations, Kaylin enjoys crafting ‘out-of-the-box’ narratives that spark curiosity and showcase a client’s most positive attributes.
Kaylin is conversational in Japanese and uses her language skills to connect with a diverse audience both in and outside of the office. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, photography, exploring alternative fashion and caring for her beloved two dogs and cat.
Grace Fuerte
Senior Account Manager
Grace Fuerte graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in communications. As a Phoenix native, Grace has a deep love for everything in the desert, particularly Arizona’s sports teams. She has experience working with various agencies in the valley and her passion for writing has secured her clients opportunities with major national outlets. Grace uses both her strong story telling skills and her love for public relations to land her clients the media attention they are seeking.
In her free time, you can catch Grace outside on a patio with her friends and dog, Finley.
Amber Godbehere
Senior Account Manager
As a sixth generation Arizonan, Amber Godbehere is proud of her roots and loves supporting local businesses that are truly making an impact in our community. Amber is an ASU alumnus, as she earned both a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Arizona State University. Amber has worked in diverse public relations roles for both in-house companies and various agencies. As a public relations professional, Amber works to create strong and meaningful communication messages to positively showcase a brand’s desired image.
During her free time, Amber enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing a friendly game of golf, going shopping, and taking her three dogs on walks. She also likes yoga, traveling, dance, and photography.
Jennifer Howard
Senior Account Manager
With a passion for storytelling, Jennifer received her bachelor’s in creative writing from San Francisco State University. Throughout her career, Jennifer has grown in a variety of communications roles to include publishing, public relations and marketing. Jennifer loves to help clients with a variety of backgrounds communicate their most important work to the world. Creating a unique impact is what she wakes up excited to do!
Jennifer also loves to travel – some of her favorite destinations include Manhattan, Oahu, Southern California and the Amalfi Coast.
Alexis Huerter
Account Manager
Alexis graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a B.A. in journalism and mass communication at Arizona State University. With storytelling being a passion of hers, she has experience working with local and national clients that represent multiple industries, including fashion, lifestyle, health, music and non-profits. Alexis works closely with media and various writers, securing press coverage for her clients in multiple publications as well as broadcast. Alexis has a passion to help produce strategic messaging that will positively impact organizations, communities and consumers.
Outside of work, Alexis enjoys exercising, traveling, catching up on pop culture and visiting new restaurants and coffee shops around the area. She also loves to hang out with her friends and Bernedoodle, Waldo.
Maryia Krauchanka
Account Manager
Maryia Krauchanka graduated from the W. P Carey School of Business at Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications. Maryia’s previous public relations experience was with various agencies and industries including but not limited to interior design, fashion, technology, healthcare, human relations, and others. Maryia uses her storytelling skills and her love for public relations to secure her client’s opportunities with major national outlets.
In her free time, you can catch Maryia outside with her dog, Tango.
Kathryn Lipke
Account Manager
Kathryn graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in sports marketing. Her career experience started with six years in news production at FOX 10 before transitioning to public relations. She quickly fell in love with PR and has worked with clients in a variety of industries including entertainment, gaming, sports and hospitality. Kathryn always aims to exceed client expectations and secure meaningful coverage!
In her free time, Kathryn loves to travel with her husband Cole and golden doodle, Benny. She loves sports and you can always find her cheering on her favorite teams: The Chicago Cubs & The Chicago Bears. Finally, Kathryn is a foodie who loves to cook and try new restaurants around town!
Kwyn Lowe
Senior Account Executive
A Montana-native, Kwyn Johnson came to Arizona on an athletic scholarship to play volleyball at Arizona State University. Two years into her collegiate career she also became a member of the newly sanctioned beach volleyball team while earning a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s in sports law & business. Before graduating, she secured a position with the Vegas Golden Knights as their first Communication & Content Intern, establishing her love for public relations. Since then, she’s worked in the Phoenix valley managing public relations and marketing efforts across industries.
When she’s not working, Kwyn enjoys being outdoors, hiking, paddle boarding, exploring new places and reading by the pool.
Emma Mannal
Account Manager
Emma, a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the University of New Mexico’s Honors College with a B.A. in Communication, blends her expertise in both digital marketing and public relations to deliver client-focused, creative results. Her journey began as a social media manager where she helped small businesses establish a meaningful presence on social media. Before joining the Evolve team, Emma discovered her passion for strategic communication while working at an Albuquerque-based public relations firm. Emma prides herself on being her clients ‘biggest cheerleader’ and ensuring their voice is heard.
As an Arizona transplant originally from the East Coast, Emma can be found exploring all Arizona has to offer or curled up with a good book and her three-year-old pug, Theodore.
Ivana L. Morales
Senior Account Executive
Ivana Morales views public relations as a platform to learn about different people, products, and events. Born in Uruguay, she lived in Brazil and New Jersey before moving to Arizona and earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University. Fluent in Spanish and conversational in French and American Sign Language, Ivana finds power with words and has been published in several newspapers and magazines including the Arizona Republic and the Phoenix Business Journal.
Outside of work, Ivana enjoys exploring different restaurants across the Valley, watching movies of any genre, and easily getting lost in any book.
Alyssa Pillar
Account Manager
Alyssa (Aly), an enthusiastic Arizona native, loves writing and crafting compelling narratives. Graduating with summa cum laude honors at Arizona State University, Aly channels her passion for storytelling into generating media coverage and key exposure for her clients. Committed to fostering brand awareness, Aly executes impactful campaigns that leave a lasting impression.
Outside of work, Aly loves traveling and dining in Phoenix’s incredible restaurant scene.
Megan Sawyer
Senior Account Manager
As an Arizona native, Megan earned her bachelor’s in strategic communication with an emphasis in public relations from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. Following college, Megan dipped her toes into the sports industry working as a Community Relations/Foundation Intern with the Arizona Coyotes while simultaneously gaining her first agency experience working as an Account Coordinator at a boutique PR firm in town. As an avid travel junkie, Megan then found herself launched into the field of travel and tourism, working on the Communications team at Scottsdale’s Destination Marketing Organization – Experience Scottsdale, before joining the Evolve team.
In her free time, Megan can be found in the stands at a sporting event, exploring a thrilling new destination, singing at the top of her lungs at a concert or cozied up with a good book.
Aspen Stanton
Senior Account Manager
Aspen Stanton graduated with a bachelors in journalism and mass communication from The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, at Arizona State University. Growing up near Sedona, she has found a true appreciation for local businesses and how they build a strong foundation for the community. During the pandemic, she helped small businesses in her town with all things public relations and marketing. She believes that everyone has a story to tell and loves to showcase the heart of her clients in her work.
Outside of her professional life, she loves trying new restaurants, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Krista Tillman
Senior Account Executive
Krista Tillman is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, and Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University. With a background in book publicity, Krista has a passion for helping clients share their message/brand with the world. For her honors college thesis, she focused her research on media relations and finds delight in collaborating with journalists on intriguing, relevant coverage.
Krista is also a certified 200-hour yoga teacher who has taught a wide variety of classes, including prenatal yoga. As an Arizona native and yoga teacher, she enjoys trips to Sedona, hiking and early morning yoga classes.
