Client Teams

Ryan Banfill is a seasoned communications professional with more than a decade of experience in the areas of government, political and association communications; development and promotion of public policy and policymakers; and television production. Ryan brings to RSC's development of media and public affairs strategies the unique perspective of an award-winning television producer; chief speechwriter and press secretary for a governor; communications lead in the Southeastern U.S. for NFIB, the nation's largest small-business advocacy group; and legislative experience with the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate. Along with his service with former Florida Governor Lawton Chiles, Ryan has provided counsel to business leaders, state lawmakers, and members of Congress. His special interests include issue and message development, public policy, and electronic media communications.

Janelle Pepe is a senior account executive at Ron Sachs Communications specializing in legislative initiatives, political messaging and grassroots outreach. Prior to joining Ron Sachs Communications, Janelle worked in the Florida House Majority Office where she was involved in statewide issues including commuter rail, property tax reform and elections reform. She is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association, Tallahassee Young Republicans and Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals. Janelle is a graduate of Florida State University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication, with an emphasis in Public Relations. During her time at FSU, she served as the President and Treasurer of the Florida State University Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.

Longtime veteran in the field of public relations and former director of communications for Gov. Jeb Bush, Alia Faraj brings more than 18 years of experience to Ron Sachs Communications. Prior to being named to the senior management team in the governor's communication office, Faraj served as deputy chief of staff at the Florida Department of State during the 2004 presidential election. Faraj has also served as the communications director at the Florida Department of Children and Families and as public affairs director at the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Before entering public service, she was vice president for news operations at Capitol News Service for 13 years. Faraj has had the opportunity to reside in five countries overseas in addition to traveling extensively through the Middle East, Asia, South America, Europe and North Africa.

Herbie Thiele is an account executive who joined the Ron Sachs Communications team in 2009. He specializes in planning and implementing regional and statewide issue campaigns. Herbie has an outstanding ability to quickly establish positive rapport with government agencies, media outlets, community organizations and the general public. He is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association and coaches Junior Major League Baseball.

Jessica Isabelle joined the Ron Sachs Communications team in 2010. She specializes in new media strategies, branding and message development. She was deeply involved in a highly successful statewide campaign for Lauren's Kids, publicizing a walk across the state to raise awareness about child sexual abuse. She graduated from Florida State University's College of Communication and Information, earning a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations while also studying abroad in London, England. Before joining the firm, Jessica worked on political campaigns, and provided branding and new media services to health care, local government and higher education clients. Jessica has been a member of the Florida Public Relations Association since 2007 and currently serves on the Capital Chapter Board of Directors. She is a two-time FPRA Image Award winner.

As Special Projects Director, Lisa Garcia oversees national, regional and statewide campaigns for the firm's public education initiatives division. She was recently honored with an EMMY Award for her work directing a series of public service announcements on climate change. Lisa's thirteen years of management and consulting experience with private corporations and non-profit organizations provide a unique perspective on the challenges of educating the public while maintaining high visibility, ongoing publicity and leadership recognition for our partners' goals and objectives.

Prior to joining Ron Sachs Communications, Lisa developed campaigns and fundraising strategies for non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C., and has extensive experience in contract preparation, negotiation, research analysis, and event planning. Her special interests include media relations and government affairs. Lisa earned her B.A. in International Studies from Frostburg State University in Maryland.

Erica Villanueva is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual communications professional specializing in Spanish media outreach. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Journalism, and then studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, earning a Master's degree in Spanish Language and Culture from New York University. Before arriving at Ron Sachs, Erica worked for the Florida Governor's Office of Citizen Services and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs as the Cross-Cultural Media Liaison. Erica has lived around the world and had traveled extensively in Europe, and South America. She stays active in the Tallahassee community as a member of the Junior League of Tallahassee and the Florida Public Relations Association.

Lisa Nason is a highly skilled communications professional with more than 16 years of experience in public relations. Before joining Ron Sachs Communications, Lisa served as director of communications for the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development in Governor Jeb Bush's administration and vice president of corporate communications and organizational development for Enterprise Florida, Inc. She also served as special assistant to Linda W. Chapin, Orange County's first elected chairman, and worked with numerous elected officials in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including service as staff director to then ranking majority leader Senator Madison Marye.

Lisa became a resident of Central Florida in 1969, and she has deep roots within Central Florida's business and civic community. She is a graduate of the Old Dominion University School of Journalism and Communications in Norfolk, Virginia.

Beth Watson is a respected communications professional with more than 20 years of experience in public relations and corporate communications. Beth began her career at Walt Disney World Co. in Community Relations and has worked with various Orlando businesses including the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, Enterprise Florida, and SunTrust Bank. Beth has also worked as an independent consultant, providing counsel to a diverse and challenging range of local, state and national organizations with interests based in Central Florida, including the Children's Home Society of Florida and the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.

Beth is a proud Florida native and active in the Central Florida community. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Language Arts Education, and has studied not-for-profit leadership at the Philanthropy Center at Rollins College.