Our Team
GARY BIRD
President
Gary has over 15 years of public relations and top-tier journalism experience. Some of his campaigns include Cisco Systems, Slacker, Griffin Technology, and Smith Micro, among others. Before starting FortyThree in 2005, he held the vice president position at one of the largest technology public relations firms in Silicon Valley. As a journalist, Gary was a bureau chief for Knight-Ridder responsible for timely tech news to global markets. Before joining Knight-Ridder, he was a correspondent for The Economist covering tech and business. His articles have appeared in London Times, San Jose Mercury and USA Today. Gary earned a bachelor's degree from University of California, Santa Barbara.
ERIKA SELIGSOHN
General Manager
Erika is responsible for managing operations at FortyThree and supporting nationwide promotional and online marketing campaigns. Prior to FortyThree, Erika co-founded Noah’s Garage, a snowboarding site showcasing talented boarders and selling snowboards and other gear. She managed operations and marketing initiatives. Noah’s Garage was successfully acquired by action sports retailer HardCloud complementing its skate, snow, bike and surf offering. Erika was previously advertising director at Thrasher Magazine, the most popular skateboard magazine spanning over 20 years. Erika has a bachelor's degree from University of California, Santa Barbara.
ANNA LEE-POLI &
KERRI JOHNSON
Owl Eye Media
Owl Eye Media shares our Santa Cruz office and is our go-to team for videos. Both Anna & Kerri each spent over a decade in NYC working for networks such as ESPN, HBO, NBC and CBS before they decided to swap their bagels for the ocean and set up shop in Santa Cruz. With backgrounds in advertising, documentary filmmaking, entertainment and journalism, they have experience in a wide variety of media. When they’re not making movie magic, you can find Anna cheering on her Michigan Wolverines, Kerri cheering on her Kentucky Wildcats or both of them in search of good food…seriously, all food tips are welcome.
DAVID HAEFELE
Director
David focuses on merging the benefits of both PR and digital marketing to create a powerful, multi-faceted presence for brands in the digital space. He spent his career before FortyThree both creating digital marketing curriculum and managing digital marketing campaigns for clients of all sizes. David holds a BA in English from San Jose State University where he also ran cross country as the team captain. He now spends his free time pursuing his hobby as a semi-professional skimboarder traveling up and down the coast for competitions.
KELLY KEANE
Account Coordinator
Kelly is responsible for collecting client coverage, media analysis and managing social media campaigns. She is currently working toward a degree in Business Management Economics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Outside of work, Kelly likes to go to the beach, bake and jam out to music with friends.
HEATHER ROBINSON
Account Associate
Heather is responsible for assisting account managers with client relations, research, and preparing media materials. She is currently attending the University of California, Santa Cruz, and working towards a business management economics degree. When she’s not in the office, Heather enjoys photography, traveling, going out with friends, and listening to a whole lot of Harry Styles.
ELLA RIPLEY-RODRIGUEZ
Account Associate
Ella is responsible for assisting account managers with client relations and preparing media materials. She is currently finishing her B.A. in Economics at at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In her free time, she enjoys discovering new music, working out, and trying out new recipes.
EMELINE ROSS
Account Associate
Emeline is an account associate responsible for assisting account managers with client relations, media outreach, graphics and digital media creation. She is currently working towards a degree in art & design at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In her free time outside of the office, Emeline enjoys spending time at the beach, making friends with stray cats, creating digital art and painting.
WENDY
FRANCES
Account Associate
Wendy is responsible for assisting multiple client accounts, managing influencer contracts, and overseeing social media activity. When not working in the office, Wendy can be found developing her personal art portfolio, curating content for her TikTok following, or hugging redwood trees.
SIENA HERMAN
Account Associate
Siena is responsible for assisting account managers with client relations, including media analysis and research. She is currently finishing her B.A. in Business Managerial Economics with a minor in Technology Information Management. In her free time, she likes to explore new coffee shops, read on the beach, hike through Henry Cowell State Park and catch up on the newest Netflix series.
KING TUTTLE
Office Security
Tuttle is always on the lookout for intruders.
OTIS BIRD
Team Mascot
Otis is responsible for maintaining office morale.