Our Team.

One team. Infinite possibilities.

We bring together top talent with the expansive category experience you need and the expertise you deserve.

We assemble the best talent to exceed your expectations. 

Leadership Team

Paula Yakubik

CEO & Founding Partner

With over two decades of experience, Paula Yakubik has established herself as a trusted advisor to organizations of all sizes, spanning small, mid, and large-cap companies across diverse industries. Her expertise lies in helping clients identify their communication goals and challenges while developing and implementing comprehensive plans tailored to their specific needs.

Public Relations and Corporate Positioning
Paula excels in crafting and executing corporate communication programs that drive tangible business outcomes. By leveraging strategic messaging and effective communication channels, she empowers clients to achieve their unique objectives with confidence and impact. Her unwavering focus on client success ensures that each program is skillfully devised to support clients in achieving their business goals.

Crisis Management
With a wealth of experience in crisis management, Paula has guided numerous organizations through complex challenges at the C-suite level. She adeptly handles a broad spectrum of issues, including accounting fraud, misconduct allegations, ethical violations, cybersecurity threats, regulatory investigations, litigation, workplace incidents, and leadership transitions. Her expertise extends to advising clients facing federal investigations, regulatory inquiries, harmful legislation, facility disasters, workforce reductions, employee misconduct, and unplanned leadership changes.

Real Estate
Paula’s extensive involvement in the real estate sector has seen her provide valuable counsel to clients engaged in various transactions and situations. Her expertise spans areas such as land use, large-scale sales transactions, and broker messaging. From local and national commercial real estate developers to recognized attorneys and lenders, Paula has consistently delivered strategic guidance to help clients navigate the complexities of the real estate landscape. It is worth noting that Paula’s career started as a distinguished real estate reporter, earning her numerous awards.

Healthcare
Paula has been a trusted advisor to over 15 local and national healthcare companies, offering her insights on a range of critical issues. Her expertise covers areas such as insurance/payer contract disputes, messaging strategies, positioning, and service line growth. She has worked with esteemed organizations such as Optum, Humana, Healthcare Partners, DaVita, Iora Healthcare, and Ascension Healthcare, providing them with invaluable guidance to navigate the dynamic healthcare environment.

Paula Yakubik’s extensive experience, strategic counsel, and track record of success make her an invaluable partner for organizations seeking to elevate their communications strategies and achieve impactful results in today’s complex business landscape.

Georgeann Pizzi

Partner

A seasoned leader, Georgeann has spent her career building and developing high-performing agency teams. With a focus on business growth and driving results, she provides strategic counsel to CEOs and business owners across the country and in diverse industries. Highly regarded in her field, Georgeann is an Addy Award and PRSA Pinnacle Award recipient many times over. She has been named to VEGAS INC’s 40 Under 40 List and was honored as Las Vegas Review Journal’s Advertising Executive of Year.

As a chief marketing strategist, Georgeann spearheads integrated planning initiatives, ensuring collaboration across the agency’s disciplines to deliver meaningful insights and marketing solutions that work cohesively to accelerate business growth. Dedicated to keeping the agency at the forefront of emerging trends and technology, Georgeann and her team have continued to bring new and innovative campaigns to the market on behalf of their clients, resulting in higher ROI, business growth, and strong client retention for the agency.

Lisa Montague

Partner

Lisa has been working in the advertising industry for more than 10 years, starting off as an Account Executive before finding her true passion of media buying in 2007. She knows what it takes to get her client’s message out and in front of potential consumers. She has worked with a variety of industries, including casinos, car dealers, and insurance companies in Las Vegas and major metropolitan areas across the country. Lisa has put together the right media mix for clients with minimal budgets and for those who had millions to work with.

She provides clients with the strategy of a media buy and follows up after the buy is over to make sure the client is satisfied. If there is a problem with the buy, Lisa also works with the medium to make it right for the client. She has been described among her media outlet peers as a tough but fair negotiator who works hard to make sure her clients get the best deal.

Karla Knecht

Chief Marketing Officer

Karla joined Mass Media Advertising + PR in June 2025 as Chief Marketing Officer.  Prior to this role, she created Knecht Solutions, LLC., a strategic consulting practice and spent over 29 years serving in various roles within Starcom, a Publicis Media Agency. She served as the Chief Operating Officer, where she drove operational excellence both internally and with clients.  She also oversaw the Starcom US Analytics & Technology practice, new client onboarding, and served as the connector for Starcom clients into the Publicis Media Operating System.  Her role was to ensure that people, processes, and technology were optimized to meet client needs.  Formerly as the Chief Client Officer, she had client responsibilities for half of the Chicago-based clients and executive oversight for the Starcom NY office.  During her tenure, she worked across various categories including: Consumer Packaged Goods, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, Entertainment, Insurance, Restaurants, Airlines, Government, serving tops clients: Novartis, Lowes, Mars-Wrigley, Luxottica, Alcon, Fairlife, Paper & Packaging Board, Altria, Blue Cross Blue Shield, PUIG, ESPN, Grupo Bimbo, Wingstop, Olive Garden, Allstate, Esurance, Abbott, Applebee’s, ComEd, Delta Air Lines, Heinz, Maytag, Oracle, Sealy Mattresses, American Egg Board, Keebler.  She is a master of collaboration, partnering with clients and their marketing agencies to implement business-building ideas that generate cost-efficient results. She is no stranger to recognizing the power of precision marketing and the influence of data on the industry.  Under her leadership, Keebler undertook its first digital foray. Applebee’s was a first mover in the addressable TV space, and Allstate benefited from her leadership in developing a one-of-a-kind cross-channel attribution beta test that linked first-party transaction data to media exposure.

 She builds teams that foster innovation, exemplified by launching the Effie-winning Allstate Mayhem campaign, winning the first Gold Lion for Starcom via the Allstate Save 11 campaign, and receiving an award for Ad Week’s Media Plan of the Year for the best use of Programmatic for Mars Petcare. She was also recognized in 2018 as a She Runs It Working Mother of the Year.

Jessica Guffey

SVP, Integrated Marketing

Jess is a seasoned marketing professional with a robust background in developing and executing strategic brand and marketing initiatives across industries.

Currently serving as the SVP, Integrated Marketing for MassMedia in Phoenix, AZ, Jess oversees comprehensive marketing plans and brand strategies, as well as agency growth. Previously, Jess held the role at O.H. Partners, where she oversaw marketing strategy and client teams for clients in consumer-packaged goods, alcohol, quick-service restaurants, lottery, and sports marketing sectors.

Prior to her role at O.H. Partners, Jess held key positions in Arizona, including Director of Brand Communications at Design Pickle and Manager of Corporate Partnerships at Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. At Design Pickle, she oversaw in-house brand campaign development, public relations, and social media strategy. During her time in the role, she was a recipient of the Association of National Advertisers Rising Marketing Star Award. While at Barrett-Jackson, Jess managed multimillion-dollar corporate partner accounts and drove additional revenue growth through innovative activation and experiential strategies. Jess’s career journey also includes extensive retail experience as a District Manager at ALDI and corporate partnership marketing with the Chicago Cubs.

Jess is a graduate of Northwestern University. She furthered her education at the Arizona State University College of Law, earning a Master’s degree in Sports Law & Business. She currently serves as an Adjunct Marketing Professor for the program.

Matthew Swope

VP, Public Relations

Capitalizing on his curiosity, overactive imagination and love of storytelling, Matt Swope has spent nearly a decade funneling that creative energy into public relations and marketing campaigns for some of the most beloved and respected brands, thought leaders and organizations. With a focus on the latest trends in internet and pop culture, Matt serves his clients and teams developing and implementing communication strategies that demand attention and drive results. A Swiss Army Knife, Matt’s supported a wide array of brands and organizations, from education to hospitality, to defense contractors, tech companies and automotive OEMs.

Brand & Consumer Storytelling

At the heart of any successful public relations and marketing strategy is a strong, compelling story. During his time at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Matt played an integral part in developing, operating and managing a PR newsroom on behalf of Mazda North American Operations. Fueled by uncovering the quirky, niche and most compelling stories and turning them into fully-integrated communication strategies, Matt leaves no stone unturned when storymining. Matt also served as the Trends & Culture Manager on Spotify’s consumer comms team at H+K, keeping a close eye on pop culture moments and concepting eye-catching media moments, stories and experiences leveraging Spotify’s wealth of insightful consumer data.

Mobility & Transportation

Having played a crucial role in translating brands into experiences, Matt has contributed to the ideation, promotion and executive of numerous brand events and product launches on behalf of Mazda for media, influencers and consumers alike. From global product launches to media ride and drives, Matt operates at the intersection of creativity and strategy, helping craft experiences that quintessentially reflect a brand not only enhances the storytelling opportunities, but allows for consumers, media and influencers to connect with the brand or product in an entirely different way. Matt also served as the corporate communications manager for Autonomy, the nation’s largest electric vehicle subscription service founded by serial entrepreneur Scott Painter.

Hospitality & Food and Beverage

The convergence of Matt’s love for influencer and media relations sits squarely with his work in the hospitality space. In close partnership with hotel and casino properties, Matt has created highly-curated and bespoke experiences and FAM trips that resonate with influencers and most importantly, their followers. Matt’s work on San Manuel Casino–now known as Yaamava’ Hotel, Casino & Resort–ushered in a new era for the property as it scaled and prepared for its premium rebrand. Now working in Las Vegas, Matt’s work across Circus Circus Las Vegas and Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino continue to drive awareness of the properties and their distinct offerings.

Corporate, HR & Internal Communications

Putting creativity and innovation at the forefront, Matt has pushed corporate comms, HR comms and internal comms to the next level, maximizing engagement and reach. Working closely with CEOs, CFOs, COOs and CHROs, Matt has been able to elevate the reach and effectiveness of internal and external comms on behalf of the c-suite at Mazda, Spotify, and Autonomy. Doubling down on highly-creative communication strategies that leverage earned media, speeches, presentations, bylines, blogs and social media, these thought leaders are able to more effectively communicate with their target audiences.

Kristen Carter

Media Director

Kristen Carter is a seasoned media professional with more than 18 years of experience designing and executing integrated campaigns that deliver measurable impact. She has led efforts for top-tier brands such as Marriott, Allegiant Airlines, Wynn Las Vegas, The Borgata, and Gila River Resorts & Casinos, consistently building strategies that elevate brand presence and deepen audience engagement.

Kristen oversees multi-million-dollar campaigns, guiding clients through the full spectrum of media from traditional channels l to advanced digital solutions. Her strength lies in blending these disciplines into cohesive, data-driven strategies that not only capture attention but also convert audiences into loyal customers. Kristen is known for her innovative approach, leveraging emerging platforms, performance analytics, and consumer insights to stay ahead of industry trends. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure campaigns are creative, integrated, and aligned with broader business goals. Beyond campaign delivery, she builds strong relationships with clients and media partners, ensuring every dollar spent drives maximum value.

As a leader, Kristen manages a high-performing media team, mentors rising talent, and plays a vital role in agency growth. She has spearheaded new business wins, shaped internal processes, and contributed to a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Her expertise across both traditional and digital channels, paired with her deep understanding of the travel and hospitality landscape, makes Kristen a trusted partner for brands looking to break through the clutter and achieve meaningful results.

Mariana Weber

Senior Social Media Strategist

Mariana is a senior social media strategist with extensive experience developing and managing social media and influencer campaigns, strategies, and content that deliver results for clients.

She’s driven by curiosity and a desire to understand what motivates people and culture—both online and offline. Mariana has built and engaged communities for brands like PetSmart, HarperCollins Leadership, Gila River Resorts & Casinos, Visit Chandler Tourism, and Women & Hollywood. Her work spans various industries, including film and entertainment, gaming and casinos, tourism and hospitality, luxury automotive, and more.

Mariana takes pride in understanding her clients deeper by diving into research, industry trends, and analytics that build up to overall brand objectives. She also enjoys taking the time to truly understand how her clients speak with their audiences and finding the best ways to humanize their messaging in a way that’s relevant and resonant on social.

Jenn Smulo

Director of Consumer Public Relations

Jenn brings a decade of public relations experience to her role as Director of Consumer PR at MassMedia. Throughout her career she’s led brand campaigns for everything from billion-dollar resorts to boutique popsicle brands. A lifelong artist, Jenn is always looking for creative solutions and out of the box ideas to help set her clients apart from their competitors.

As PR is always shifting and evolving, Jenn is always searching for new ways to drive attention and coverage. Beyond placements in traditional media like The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America, and CBS Sunday Morning, she’s worked on impactful placements in newer media like Substack newsletters and podcasts as well as collaborated with some of the most successful YouTube creators like Binging with Babish and Joshua Weissman.

Food & Beverage

Jenn grew up in the kitchen, bonding with her classically trained chef father over a shared love of cooking. Throughout her career, she’s opened restaurants from beloved chefs like José Andrés, Roy Choi, Masaharu Morimoto, and Wolfgang Puck as well as celebrated brands like Major Food Group, NoMad, and The h. wood Group.

Beyond restaurants, she’s worked extensively with bars and spirits, from launching new products with Metallica’s highly decorated BLACKENED Whiskey to activating bar clients at major industry events like Tales of the Cocktail and Worlds 50 Best Bars to announcing a partnership between Tipsy Scoop, a boozy ice cream brand, and Playboy timed to the brands 70th anniversary.

Hospitality + Travel

Jenn has led PR campaigns for legendary hospitality brands like Wynn Las Vegas and MGM Resorts International to boutique hotels like The Joule, a luxury property based in Dallas. Her work with a collection of independent properties in St. Croix, USVI led to increased awareness to the island overall in an effort to boost tourism to the lesser-known Virgin Island. She’s worked on major property openings, from Circa Resort & Casino, the first ground-up resort in Downtown Las Vegas in 40 years, to MGM National Harbor, a $1.4 billion property outside of Washington, D.C., to Todos Santos Boutique Hotel, which received 1.7 billion impressions and 140 press hits in the first six months.

Entertainment

Jenn’s experience in the entertainment industry has spanned a range of clients, from working with the American Gaming Association and Global Gaming Expo to the world’s largest permanent circus, Circus Circus Las Vegas. While leading the transformation of Monte Carlo Resort and Casino to Park MGM, she opened Lady Gaga’s first ever residency, a duo of shows dubbed Enigma and Jazz & Piano that was covered by publications from around the world. While working with Spiegelworld, a modern circus and hospitality company, Jenn led the opening campaigns for productions and F&B concepts in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, announced their purchase of the small town of Nipton, CA, and secured numerous thought leadership pieces for the creative team.

Rob Benson

Director of Corporate Public Relations

With over two decades of experience in marketing and communications, Rob has earned the trust and recognition of colleagues and industry peers for his strategic insights and impactful messaging. His work spans a wide range of industries, allowing him to approach challenges with a broad perspective while maintaining a keen eye for the details that drive successful campaigns.

Public Relations & Corporate Messaging

A strong advocate for storytelling that resonates with audiences, Rob has consistently developed and executed communications campaigns that deliver measurable results. His strategic approach has garnered extensive media coverage and tangible outcomes for clients across various industries, including public safety, broadcast media, legal services, commercial real estate, energy, and finance. By crafting targeted messaging and leveraging effective media outreach strategies, Rob has successfully elevated brand presence and awareness.

Commercial Real Estate

Rob’s journey in commercial real estate began in 2006 in the Las Vegas market, during a period of rapid development. As Director of Marketing and Communications for one of Southern Nevada’s largest commercial developers, Rob spearheaded campaigns focused on master-planned community developments, commercial leasing, and consumer outreach. His work helped drive growth and positioned the company as a key player in the local real estate market, including the launch of its first mixed-use flagship property.

Hospitality & Entertainment

Rob’s career began in the entertainment and hospitality sectors, where he honed his skills in marketing, promotions, and public relations. He developed successful campaigns for live music venues nationwide, securing media interviews and driving ticket sales for over 300 events annually. In addition, Rob organized memorable media events for a major Orlando-based theme park, further establishing his expertise in creating unique experiences that capture the public’s attention.

Broadcast Media

Rob has a deep understanding of the broadcast radio landscape, having developed successful branding and promotional campaigns for radio stations across multiple markets. His creative marketing initiatives earned national and regional recognition, helping stations stand out with unique and newsworthy programs.

Rob’s diverse background in marketing and public relations, combined with his strategic thinking and industry expertise, makes him a valuable partner for developing and executing thoughtful, results-driven communication strategies.

Core Values

01

Accountable

We are transparent and responsible to our partners and colleagues.

02

Result Obsessed

We create meaningful results that deliver transformation, brand growth, and long-term success. 

03

Innovative

We seek creative and effective ways to solve complex challenges. 

04

Agile

We navigate change with speed and proactively respond to your business needs.

05

Collaborative

We know that the best ideas come from many perspectives, not just one.

Our Culture

is dynamic and high-performing. We are…

 

Partners.

 

An extension of your team.

 

Authentic.

 

Genuine and kind. 

 

Growth-focused.

Your success is OUR SUCCESS.

 

Transparent.

 

No hidden agendas.

 

Proactive

 

A step ahead to avoid challenges and over-deliver results. 

Join Our Team

Check out our latest openings and future opportunities.