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.

James VanLandingham is a graduate of the University of Florida, with degrees in Journalism and Political Science. As a reporter for the Independent Florida Alligator, he covered criminal justice and also served as the paper's Capitol Bureau Chief. As an avid news reader, James specializes in tying client issues to emerging trends to support issue development, advocacy on public policy matters and strategic messaging efforts. A talented writer, researcher and analyst, James is currently studying Policy Evaluation and Analysis at the Reubin Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University.

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.

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.

Ivette Marques comes to Ron Sachs from WCTV, Tallahassee's CBS affiliate, where she worked as a producer and reporter in both Thomasville and Tallahassee. As a general assignment reporter, Ivette covered news ranging from crime and politics to health, education and human interest stories. Ivette is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor's in Mass Media Studies and a minor in French. She is fluent in Spanish and French. Ivette serves on the board of the Florida Public Relations Association's Capital Chapter, is a member of the Junior League, serves on the board of the Chamber's young professional group, Access Tallahassee, and is a member of Connect Florida. Ivette is an FPRA Image Award winner and was recognized in 2008 as one of Tallahassee's 25 Women you need to know.

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.

Jessica DaSilva is a recent graduate of the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and political science. She is a former editor-in-chief of The Independent Florida Alligator where she worked for three years as both a reporter and editor. Jessie has held internships at Roll Call Newspaper in Washington, D.C.; The Tampa Tribune in Tampa, Fla.; Sen. Bill Nelson's press office in Washington, D.C.; and the City of Gainesville's Communications Department. Through her education and internships she developed an array of media skills including news writing, Web and Flash design, and video production.

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.