Our Team

Ryder has over 25 years of experience in government relations, technology and marketing. As president, he leads Tripepi Smith and is the ultimate project owner of its clients, which span over 200 public, private and non-profit agencies. Ryder is also the creator of the City Internet Strategies Study, publisher of PublicCEO and the Civic Business Journal and a frequent speaker on the local government circuit. Additionally, his insights have been published by industry-leading publications, such as Western City Magazine and Public Management Magazine, and local government professional organizations, such as the California City Management Foundation and Municipal Management Association of Northern California have recognized and awarded his support as a longtime partner.

Before Tripepi Smith, Ryder served as a senior vice president of operations and chief information officer for a software-as-a-service startup in the financial services sector. Prior to that, he was the technology manager for a regional staffing firm.

Ryder is a former planning commissioner for the City of Tustin. He resides in Ladera Ranch with his wife, daughter (who is currently away at college) and dog.

Fun fact: Ryder is the son of a commercial fisherman and spent several summers in Alaska working on the boat with his father. Thousands of halibut gave their lives to pay for a collection of Legos, Ryder’s first car and his college education.

Nicole has over twenty-five years of experience in accounting and financial analysis, human resources and marketing. In 2002, she co-founded Tripepi Smith and has helped build it into a statewide public affairs firm with over one hundred public agencies, as well as private and non-profit clients.

Prior to launching Tripepi Smith, Nicole worked in PriceWaterhouseCoopers’ Business Assurance group, where she focused primarily on real estate and benefit plan audits. She later served as the Assistant Corporate Controller and Senior Financial Analyst for a publicly-traded homebuilder located in Orange County, and then worked for multiple clients in the real estate and services industries as an independent accountant. She now serves as the CFO and Director of HR for Tripepi Smith.

Nicole’s alma mater is Claremont McKenna College, where she graduated cum laude with a degree in Economics-Accounting.

Nicole previously served on the board of the VISTA Irvine Chapter of National Charity League. She is a resident of Ladera Ranch, CA. She enjoys reading, working out and cooking.

Nicole is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional.

Fun Fact: Nicole grew up in local government–her father was a California city manager.

With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit advancement, Katherine is an award-winning writer and creative director whose work with municipal and higher education clients has earned accolades from the California Association of Public Information Officers, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the College Fraternity Editors Association. Her proficiencies include strategic planning, executive messaging, content development, proofreading and copyediting.

Katherine joined the Tripepi Smith team in November 2016. She previously was director of community relations for the Paine Art Center and Gardens, associate editor for The ANCHORA of Delta Gamma Fraternity, publications editor and director of creative services for Claremont McKenna College and a communications consultant for the Claremont University Consortium, Pomona College, Scripps College and the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. She currently supports administrative and creative projects for Bayshore Consulting, California Choice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Clean Energy Alliance, Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice, Mt. San Antonio Gardens, MuniEnvironmental, Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy, Pomona Choice Energy and Renne Public Law Group. Her municipal clients include the City of Saratoga and the City of Snoqualmie, Washington.

During her tenure with Tripepi Smith, Katherine has completed professional development programming including credentials for Accreditation in Public Affairs (APR); Social Marketing Certification from Hootsuite; the Local Leaders Academy at the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy; Microsoft Excel from Beginner to Advanced through Udemy; Public Relations Media Monitoring, Customer Reporting, Social Media Marketing Industry Expertise, Foundations and Advanced Boolean training, Foundations and Advanced Social Listening with Explore through Meltwater; and a J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate from CAPIO. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from Denison University, where she studied literature and writing, as well as organizational and interpersonal communication.

An active volunteer, Katherine sits on the boards of directors for the Claremont Educational Foundation and the Southern California Blind Children’s Center. She has served Delta Gamma Fraternity as council trustee: communications, regional director for California and Hawaii, regional alumnae specialist and regional alumnae programming and recruitment specialist. Katherine currently is vice-president: communications for the Glendale-Burbank Alumnae Chapter, where she also has been vice-president: programming, recording secretary and a member of the nominating committee. She also volunteers for the Denison University offices of admission, alumni relations and development, most recently as co-chair of her 25th reunion committee.

Katherine lives in Claremont with her husband, Charlie, and daughter, Charlotte.

Jennifer Nentwig is a talented, well-rounded communications professional and project manager with more than 13 years of experience serving government organizations. She has built and implemented programs in strategic communications, media relations, internal communication, community relations and social media. Her skills include website and social media management, development of content including articles, speeches, talking points and FAQs, as well as event planning and implementation. Jen’s clients include the City of Vallejo, City of Lomita, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, City of Livermore and City of Lancaster. Jen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s Degree in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego.

She is a Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional, is Facebook Blueprint certified, and has her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience in the public sector working for local government and public utilities. As a new resident to Texas, Jennifer quickly ingrained herself in the community by serving as Adjunct Faculty at Tarrant County College where she teaches Public Speaking. She also Chairs the Communication Committee for her local PTA, and joined the Board for Keller Education Foundation. Prior to joining Tripepi Smith, Jennifer spent 18 years with Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) in a variety of roles. As Public Affairs Manager, she was responsible for representing the company to many Orange County cities by maintaining government and community relations. She served on several Chamber of Commerce boards and as President for the Coastline Community College Foundation. She played an advisory role on the Asian Business Association of Orange County and the Groundwater Replenishment Program. Jennifer also managed a staff promoting energy efficiency solutions to local governments in her role as Public Sector Programs and Partnerships Supervisor before promoting to Public Policy Manager where she provided policy direction and strategy.

Jennifer garnered her initial city government experience with the City of Anaheim and the City of Pasadena. She managed public relations efforts for the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau (now Visit Anaheim) during a $4.2 billion renovation of the Anaheim resort. She also served as Marketing and Communications Manager for an international economic development firm that promoted the Alsace region of France.

Jennifer earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Communication from San Diego State University where she also taught public speaking.

After a passion for storytelling compelled her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Scripps College, Cameron went on to study video editing and production at the Los Angeles Film School. This education led her to acquire more than 15 years of experience in video production and she later expanded her career into other areas of marketing communications. Her previous role as Director of Creative Services at Claremont McKenna College allowed her to manage print communication pieces and social media in addition to video work. Cameron’s background includes experience in a variety of industries including higher education, entertainment and the nonprofit sector. Her client work includes City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Burlingame and City of Sunnyvale.

Cameron is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional and Constant Contact Certified Solutions Provider and has YouTube certifications in Content Ownership, Channel Growth and Creative Essentials. Her video work in Indian Wells won a 2020 CAPIO EPIC award. She is also Library Board President for the City of Rio Rancho.

Kevin Bostwick is an experienced Creative Director and manager. He delivers powerful ideas visually, distilling unexpected stories from challenging content and designing media for understanding and absorption. He directs and executes for digital, interactive and print mediums…delivering across a blend of channels, particularly for learning, data-display and presentation. His work for major clients has included digital tools, logos, presentation, interactive learning, advertising and print design. He navigates the whole ecosystem, working with high-powered stakeholders to shape concepts, UX, branding, strategy, writing, asset management, information architecture, and infographics. Kevin’s client work includes City of Aliso Viejo, City of Cupertino, Pivot Charter Schools, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority and Renne Public Law Group.

Michael Egan is an accomplished local government executive with nearly 30 years of experience capped with 20 years of City Manager responsibilities in the cities of Bellflower and Norwalk. During his tenure as City Manager, he was active in regional governance and local government-affiliated groups. He is a Past President of the Gateway City Manager’s Group and former Chairman of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments City Manager’s Committee. He also served 18 years on the California Contract Cities Association’s Liability Trust Fund Oversight Committee and Claims Boards.

Michael’s many accomplishments include balanced budget management; multiple successful bond issues and improved agency bond ratings; implementing and expanding community policing programs, including the opening of a local Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station; expanding recreation facilities by developing new parks, bicycle and walking trails, and public aquatics center; upgrading water and sewer infrastructure; successfully implementing local revenue measures; and executing on multiple economic development projects. Michael is passionate about local government and effective, ethical leadership.

He is an alumnus of Cal Poly Pomona, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science and was a founding member of the Cal Poly Chapter of Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology.

He lives in La Habra with his wife of 34 years, Teresa, a public schools administrator. He has a daughter, Jennifer, a local government professional; son-in-law, Nick, a Structural Engineer; and a granddaughter, Ellie, a curious and busy toddler.

Christine brings over 20 years of experience in the public sector, providing exceptional service to local government. Prior to joining Tripepi Smith, Christine was the Assistant City Manager for the City of Livermore. She worked for Livermore for 21 years, serving in the City Manager’s Office for seven years and as a planner in the Community Development Department for 14 years. Christine is a courageous, solutions-oriented servant leader. She has strong political acumen and a positive, can-do work ethic. In her role as Assistant City Manager, she established and oversaw the city’s communications and emergency management programs, created and implemented the city’s first-ever five-year strategic plan and served as liaison on council subcommittees, including a complex, controversial equity and inclusion subcommittee with elected officials and community members. She was also responsible for the city’s legislative platform and represented the city as a member of the Tri-Valley City Council legislative coalition. Christine built successful relationships in the region and served as chair of the Alameda County City Managers Association. In her role as a senior planner, she spearheaded the city’s first comprehensive zoning code rewrite which resulted in an award-winning development code including form-based transect districts specifically created to protect the historical downtown area. She also led complex annexations and large-scale development projects. In her role as a planner, she also served as president of the city’s largest bargaining unit helping to bring transparency and effective communication from the executive team to the unit of line-staff employees. Christine is also a graduate of the ICMA High Performance Leadership Academy where she honed her leadership skills in organizational development and change management, negotiation and collaboration, and effective communication.

Melanie is a talented professional with a diverse skill set in graphic design, WordPress website design and development and project management. With a keen eye for aesthetics and graphic design, she creates visually captivating designs that capture a client’s vision. Her proficiency in web design, complemented by a deep understanding of HTML, CSS and industry trends, allows her to craft great websites that engage audiences. As a skilled project manager, she ensures seamless execution from start to finish, while her expertise in account management enables her to meet client expectations and build strong partnerships. Her versatile skill set and dedication to client success with efficient project execution provide exceptional results and client satisfaction.

Her clients include the cities of Palmdale, Tracy and Daly City, as well as the Santa Clara County Fire Department, California Association for Local Economic Development and Rowland Water District.

Melanie is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional and Constant Contact Certified Solutions Provider and has completed the University of Southern California Executive Education Forum for Local Leaders and the University of California, Irvine Public Policy Making Academy II.

Sara Madsen has a skill set that is simultaneously wide and deep, ranging from graphic design to website development to account and project management; she is one of Tripepi Smith’s most trusted ‘Swiss Army knives.’ With a formal education in marketing and environmental sustainability from San Diego State University, Sara brings technical prowess and creative savvy to the clients she serves. Her work as a Senior Business Analyst includes providing key account management support and project leadership, while concurrently delivering on a variety of creative projects.

Her clients include City of Laguna Hills, City of Lomita, City of Paramount, City of Orange, City of Yucca Valley, City of Indian Wells, City of Pico Rivera, Clean Energy Alliance, CalChoice, Pomona Choice Energy, Palmdale Energy, Pivot Charter Schools, California Urban Forest Council, Renne Public Law Group and TS Talent Solutions.

Sara is certified as a Google Analytics, Constant Contact Certified Solutions Provider and Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. She has also completed the Public Policy Making Academy II at the University of California, Irvine and the Executive Education Forum for Local Leaders at the University of Southern California.

Sydni is a strong project manager with a background in public policy and local government. After studying Sociology at Boston University, she went on to receive her master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach. Sydni further developed her leadership skills at the City of Gardena, where she supported several municipal departments and gained extensive experience in intergovernmental relations, emergency management, community outreach and content creation. As a Business Analyst for Tripepi Smith, Sydni manages a wide range of projects and continues to produce content, provide communication insights and develop outreach strategies for clients.

Sydni’s clients include the cities of Atascadero, Malibu, Renton, Richland, Santa Paula, San Luis Obispo, Stevenson and Vacaville as well as Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District.

Sydni is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. She also earned her Sprout Social Platform Certification in 2021.

Allison Molnar brings a strong background in human resources and recruiting with extensive experience in the restaurant and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries. Throughout Allison’s career, she has supported employees across the United States and among all levels. She has spearheaded corporate projects, such as revamping the performance appraisal process and developing appraisal forms. Allison has also filled a variety of positions including Director/Manager-level positions, Engineering/Scientific positions and hourly positions. She enjoys developing working relationships and supporting business needs.

Kjerstin is a Senior Graphic Designer with Tripepi Smith. After studying Business Administration at both the Ecole Supérieure Libre Des Sciences Commerciales Appliquéesis in Paris and Concordia University in Irvine, Kjerstin went on to receive her Advanced Production Certificate in Graphic Design from Golden West College in Huntington Beach. She began working as a freelance graphic designer in 2012 and joined the Tripepi Smith staff in 2015.

Kjerstin has advanced knowledge of various creative platforms including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign. Kjerstin has experience leading an array of creative projects including layout, graphic design, illustration and creative concept development. Her client work includes: City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Culver City, City of Walnut, City of Cupertino, City of Saratoga, City of Livermore, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority and Costa Mesa Sanitary District.

Kjerstin is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. She also completed the University of Southern California Executive Education Forum for Local Leaders and the University of California, Irvine Public Policy Making Academy.

Sean is a Senior Graphic Designer and brings a diverse set of skills and experience to the creative team. His expertise includes graphic design in print and digital mediums, branding, art direction, illustration, product development, project management and marketing. Sean has worked with a wide range of clients and stakeholders in a variety of industries throughout his career, from television to fashion to local government agencies. He graduated in 2011 from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in Product Design, and continues to bear his Duck colors with his team at Tripepi Smith.

Kaitlyn Wu is a seasoned outreach professional with more than seven years of experience in public sector communications and higher education outreach. Throughout her career, Kaitlyn has spearheaded content strategy and copywriting for newsletters, annual reports, websites, social media, op-eds and more. In addition, she has managed water education programs and workforce development initiatives for K-12 students and beyond. Through strategic communication efforts, Kaitlyn helps organizations educate stakeholders and produce positive change within their communities.

Kaitlyn is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional and holds the J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications from the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO). In addition, she has completed CAPIO’s Emergency Communications Academy, hosted in partnership with CalOES. Her clients include the City of American Canyon, City of Costa Mesa, City of Jurupa Valley, City of Napa, City of Orinda, City of South Gate, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Del Paso Manor Water District and Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency.

Devyn is a detail-oriented and results-driven communicator, who is committed to understanding an organization’s mission and values to craft key messaging that aligns with organizational objectives. She graduated from Cal Baptist University with a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication. Equipped with a strategic communication mindset, Devyn brings comprehensive experience in developing engaging content for traditional and social media within the local government sector. She began her career in local government with the City of Flagstaff, and continued to strengthen her skillset with the City of Fontana and City of Jurupa Valley. Devyn is recognized as a go-to resource for social media trends, website management, and creative brainstorming techniques, instrumental in fostering effective communication and engagement through successful campaigns and outreach events.
She is certified in Crisis Communication through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and Social Media Marketing through Hootsuite.

Sienna Boyd is a strong people and project manager with a background in sales and customer experience. After studying Political Science at California Baptist University, she went on to enter the marketing and sales space, constantly shattering sales and retention records. Sienna believes that solid storytelling is the key to an empathetic communication ethos. She has over a decade of team building and interpersonal communication experience and is passionate about communication strategies individualized to context, need, and community. As a Senior Business Analyst for Tripepi Smith, Sienna manages a wide range of projects, continues to produce quality content, provide communication insights, and develop outreach strategies for clients.

Kaetlyn Hernandez brings an inventive and supportive spirit to the Tripepi Smith team with a background in several industries, such as public affairs, entertainment and non-profit. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Entertainment Arts with a minor in Public Relations. She developed her skills in leadership, event planning and marketing while involved in student government and other clubs, and with off-campus internships with the Alzheimer’s Association and NBCUniversal.

Her client work includes: City of Culver City, City of Indian Wells, City of Oakley, California Contract Cities Association, Municipal Management Association of Northern California, Municipal Management Association of Southern California, National Demographics Corporation and Claremont McKenna College’s Rose Institute. She also leads Tripepi Smith’s internal marketing efforts.

Kaetlyn is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing and Sprout Social Professional, Constant Contact Partner and has completed the following Udemy courses: ‘Ninja Writing: The Four Levels of Writing Mastery‘, ‘Writing with Flair: How to Become an Exceptional Writer’, ‘The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners’ and ‘ Writing Tools Hacks.’

Melanie is a driven and detail-oriented team player with a background in financial research and marketing. She graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Before joining the Tripepi Smith team, Melanie strengthened her policy skills in research and data analytics while working for the Financial Economics Institute on an accounting labor market issue. As a Senior Business Analyst at Tripepi Smith, Melanie works to share the stories of her clients through managing project and client needs, developing unique communication strategies and drafting targeted content.

Melanie is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional and is Sprout Social certified. Some of her clients include the City of Bell, City of Burlingame, City of Hayward, City of Livermore, City of Menlo Park, City of Renton, City of Sunnyvale, City of Tustin, Clean Energy Alliance, Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department and Town of Los Altos Hills.

Kylie Sun brings a diverse skillset to the team from her experience in several industries, such as litigation services, academic administration and music marketing. She graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Management. She has a strong background in social media strategy, website development, writing and scheduling and high-volume operations due to her experiences as Administrative Assistant at Biola University, Marketing Intern at Transparent Productions, Social Media Marketing Manager at TSE Worldwide Press and Operations Associate at TSG Reporting.

Kylie is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. She is working closely with clients on communications related to municipal district formation and Senate Bill 1383. She also takes lead on recruitments for Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions. Her clients include City of Cypress, City of Downey, City of Lynwood, City of Orange, City of Paramount, City of San Clemente. City of Santa Paula, Town of Yucca Valley and Independent Cities Finance Authority.

Peter Johnson brings nearly a decade of media experience to the Tripepi Smith team and expertise in writing, community relations, and local government policy. Prior to joining Tripepi Smith, he spent five years as the assistant editor of a San Luis Obispo County newspaper, honing his skills in communicating the ongoings of local government and politics to the public through his award-winning journalism. Peter possesses a diverse skillset which he deploys creatively with a strong drive to produce quality and impactful results for clients. He graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. During his time in college, he worked with department chair James T. Hamilton on his 2016 book, Democracy’s Detectives, which won the Harvard Kennedy School’s Goldsmith Book Prize in 2017.

Peter is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing.

Dana Sovinec is a public affairs and communications professional with focused expertise in local government. Prior to joining Tripepi Smith, Dana served as Public Information Officer to Stockton Mayor, Kevin Lincoln. In this role, she managed all written and visual communications, media relations and crisis communications in support and on behalf of the mayor. She is most proud of the role she played in forming community partnerships and strategically increasing civic engagement through organic social media content, newsletters, citywide events, ad-hoc committees and earned media. She graduated from Sacramento State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a minor in Sociology. After college, she gained foundational government experience working for Governor’s Schwarzenegger and Brown and then continued her passion for serving the public in her role as Creative Productions Coordinator at a local church, putting to use her creative design, event planning and leadership skills.

Dana is certified in Emergency Response Planning and Communications, Hootsuite Social Marketing, Sprout Social.

Brandon brings nearly two decades of experience in broadcast journalism to the Tripepi Smith team with a strong background in communications, strategy and public relations. He graduated from University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism. Brandon developed his skills in public relations, copywriting, crisis communication, strategic planning, brand and social media management through his work as an Emmy Award-winning multimedia journalist and national investigative journalist. Brandon holds certificates in Public Information Officer Awareness and Social Media in Emergency Management. He serves as account manager across several clients overseeing strategy, budget, and execution of communication initiatives.

Cailyn Thompson brings a strong work ethic and open-minded dynamic to the Tripepi Smith Team with a background in recreation, collegiate athletics and event management. She recently graduated from St. John’s University (SJU) with a Master of Business Administration degree in Strategic Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management with a minor in Business Administration. She developed her skills in leadership, organization and event management in her time at SJU with on-campus internships, the graduate assistantship program and summer employment with the City of Cypress Recreation.

Cailyn is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. Her client work includes the City of Renton and the City of Downey.

Kayla Cao brings a strong writing background to the Tripepi Smith team with experience in newspaper journalism, blog writing, and marketing. She recently graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Writing and Publishing. She developed her writing and leadership skills through her time as a section editor and staff writer for the university newspaper, The Chimes and her internships at Biola’s Center for Marriage and Relationships and the Orange County chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. After graduating, Kayla gained additional marketing experience at Mark 1 Mortgage and Wealth Academy, where she regularly wrote, designed, and published local real estate content.

Kayla is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing professional. Her client work includes the City of Paramount and ProcureAmerica.

Valerie Nevarez is a strategic and detail-oriented individual with a background in public relations and social media management. She graduated from California Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations in 2019 and a Masters in Business Administration in 2020. Valerie developed and strengthened her skills during her time at Loma Linda University Health. She was charged with content development, writing, and project management.

Valerie holds a certificate in principles of public relations and is Hootsuite Social Media Marketing.

Abby Romano brings a strong writing background to the Tripepi Smith team with experience in Journalism and leadership in the higher education setting. She graduated from California Baptist University with B.A. degrees in Public Relations (Conc. International Public Relations) and Spanish. Abby was very active in CBU’s journalism program as a student as she was the Managing Editor of the award-winning Banner Newspaper and managed a staff of over 40 photographers, writers and designers. She later returned to the program as staff and oversaw the 5 student publications and their socials as the Assistant Director of Lancer Media Group – Student Publications. She has internship experience working in International Communications for Steiger International – a global non-profit organization and has enjoyed studying abroad in Granada, Spain and service projects working with refugees and teaching English in Poland and England.

Abby is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing professional.

Nolan Voge offers creative insight and technical solutions to the Tripepi Smith team with extensive knowledge in video systems, creative media projects and venue production. As a graduate of San Diego State University (SDSU), he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Television, Film and New Media with an emphasis in Production and a minor in Theatre Arts. He displayed his strong work ethic outside of the classroom by participating in nearly sixty projects relating to production. He further enhanced his experience as a content creator for the College of Education at SDSU, followed by employment in the government space. He previously practiced event videography, project management and his knowledge of video systems, computer systems and software with Empire Media Productions.
Nolan is Hootsuite Social Marketing and Sprout Social certified and holds a certification in Dante for audio solutions in production work. He is also FAA certified to conduct commercial operations with drones.

His client work includes: City of Bellflower, City of Fullerton, City of Huntington Beach, City of Menifee, the California JPIA, Town of Yucca Valley and City of Villa Park.

Josh is a driven creative professional with over 7 years of experience in the audio/visual and TV production industry. Josh attended Saddleback College where he participated in the Cinema/Television/Radio Department to strengthen his skills in TV production, directing, storytelling and video editing. He started his career in local government as a graphic designer for the City of Aliso Viejo and then furthered his experience in council meeting broadcasts with the City of Santa Ana and the City of Huntington Beach. He has also practiced his skills for companies, like Microsoft, Paul Mitchell, School First and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Josh is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing professional, as well as FAA certified to conduct commercial operations with drones. His clients include the City of Huntington Beach, City of Bellflower, City of Fullerton and City of Santa Ana.

Jeremy Camp is a skilled filmmaker whose expertise spans advertising, marketing and social media production. He launched his career in Los Angeles after graduating from Full Sail University, where he gained experience as an assistant on major commercial projects for renowned brands such as Army, Jack Daniels and Restasis. Through these experiences, Jeremy acquired valuable techniques for achieving a high-end production aesthetic. With an extensive client portfolio including Wendy’s, Levi’s and Keds, Jeremy consistently delivers top-tier production quality regardless of budget constraints. He prides himself on fostering collaboration, welcoming input from all team members involved in each project.

A strategic thinker, fast learner with a strong work ethic and passion for graphic design, Jenni Wechsler brings experience in graphic design and video editing. With a degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California, she knows not only how to tell a story, but how to creatively tailor it to convey the vision and values of an organization. She enhanced her graphic design skills during her time freelancing at Relationship Cubed, where she designed branding, course materials and photo assets. In addition, she is versed in the nuances of the psychology world.

Jenni is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. She offers creative services to various clients.

Madeline is a marketing professional with a versatile set of skills including social media management, marketing strategy, copywriting, and more. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Marketing and is passionate about using her skills to educate. Madeline developed her skills in a variety of industries including non-profit, technology, and local government, and has been a key player in expanding the reach and effectiveness of communications for small businesses.

Madeline is a certified Hootsuite Marketing Professional.

Morgan is a results-driven digital media strategist with a unique blend of creative expertise and technical skills. Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from California Baptist University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, Morgan seeks to combine her creative inclinations with tenacious drive and adaptive leadership. Beginning her career in higher education, Morgan gained public speaking, networking, social media strategy, event planning and website development experience through her role as a Career Counselor at California Baptist University. She then took those skills to a nonprofit, faith-based institution, Sandals Church, for over six years. In this role, she excelled at creating and directing content strategy that was contextualized to various audiences and grew a global community that spanned six continents. During this tenure in pioneering work, she further grew skills in data analysis, strategy building and execution and team collaboration while achieving incredible success in growing viewership, engagement and revenue.

Morgan is certified in WordPress, Canva, Constant Contact and Mailchimp.

Amy Gallagher is a detail-oriented individual with a background in journalism, photography and social media management. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. During her time in college, she gained experience with writing, photojournalism and content creation. She developed her marketing skills through her internship at Segerstrom Center for the Arts where she worked alongside the Center’s marketing team to effectively communicate with their audience through social media.

Amy is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing professional. Her clients include the City of Culver City, City of Manteca, City of Duarte, California City Management Foundation, ICMA and ICFA.

A skilled communicator with a strong work ethic and passion for public speaking, Morgan Mock brings experience in social media account management, graphic creation, marketing and event coordination. With a degree in Communication from San Diego State University, she knows not only how to tell a story, but how to creatively tailor it to convey the vision and values of an organization. She enhanced her marketing skills during her internship with CalAmp, where she designed infographics, created media press kits, wrote bylines and headed the company’s 40th anniversary celebration. In addition, she is bilingual in the Spanish language.

Morgan is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing and Sprout Social. Her clients include the City of Twentynine Palms, City of Carson and City of Culver City.

Devin Antonio is a driven and creative individual with a background in photography, social media management, brand partnerships, and customer relations. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Marketing.  Throughout college, she gained experience with content development, market research and writing where she found her passion in storytelling. She enhanced her photography and marketing skills through freelancing and her marketing internship.  As a Business Analyst, Devin is inspired to help her clients with marketing to communicate creatively and informationally.

Devin is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing, and Search Engine Optimization through HubSpot Academy.

Quentin Ferrante is a talented technical writer and editor with a background in account management and inside/outside sales. He graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in English, focusing on literary analysis. During his time at UCSB, he mastered analytical writing techniques, developed strong research methodology, and honed his ability to produce structured arguments supported by credible references and source material. At CamNet, Inc. he refined his RFP/RFQ response strategy by converting technical information into value propositions aligned with end-user specifications, while his account management experience gives him an advantage in understanding unique client needs and delivering targeted solutions.

Ethan brings an array of experiences and skills to the Tripepi Smith team. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science from Biola University, he honed his analytical and logical talents while learning courses in computer science, data science, statistics, abstract mathematics and more. Throughout his collegiate career, he became an experienced video editor, photographer and videographer, and practiced graphic design, media relations, content creation, media management and motion graphics. He grew his leadership skills as one of Biola’s Student Missionary Union’s volunteer group leaders and New Student Orientation coordinator.

Ethan is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. His client work includes City of Huntington Beach, City of Lomita, California Contract Cities Association, Town of Yucca Valley and OneDigital Health and Benefits.

Audrin is an accomplished video editor with a wide variety of skills including marketing, content writing, production and more. He received a B.S. in Psychology and Statistics from the University of New Mexico and a B.A. in Audio Engineering from the Los Angeles Film School. Audrin is passionate about AV production, with a demonstrated history of creative media versatility in both the music and finance industry. He further pursued the field by editing for various outlets in social media and worked as a virtual conference operator by coordinating video and livestream production. Audrin has an extended international background, having lived abroad in both the Philippines and Singapore throughout his collegiate years.

Audrin is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional and has YouTube certifications in Content Ownership and Asset Management. His client work includes the City of Paramount and the City of Fullerton

Daniel is a video production specialist with a wide array of experience and skills in narrative and live video production, writing, editing, graphic design and more. Daniel has built his expertise throughout his educational path after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Central Florida and a Master of Fine Arts in Film Production at Chapman University. In his career, he has built a passion for effective storytelling and visual communication.

Daniel is a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional. He offers both creative and writing services to various clients.

Max Weirauch brings a diverse and dynamic skillset to the Tripepi Smith team, specializing in WordPress website development, data analytics and photography. With a primary focus on front-end design, Max also excels in configuring scalable systems in backend development environments. His websites are meticulously crafted to be responsive, search engine optimized and easily maintainable. Leveraging his mastery of data analytics and technical know-how, Max delivers comprehensive web solutions that drive measurable results for clients.

Max holds Bachelor of Art Degrees in Economics and German Studies from Claremont McKenna College. During his studies, he developed a deep understanding of local government marketing trends, particularly within Southern California communities. Max approaches every project with a solution-oriented mindset, leveraging his creative marketing expertise to drive positive impact and achieve client objectives.

Mia is a community-oriented writer and public speaker with a background in the arts supported by strong organizational and communication skills. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in philosophy from Scripps College, Mia is now pursuing an MBA at the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University to further her knowledge of leadership and business. Mia is enthusiastic about serving the public through effective communication and informative storytelling and is proud to do so with Tripepi Smith.

Mia is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing and Sprout Social. Her clients include Renne Public Law Group, City of Menlo Park, City of Hercules, and City of Martinez.

Pairing her commitment to community service with a strong public speaking presence, Olivia Rizzuto brings experience in communications, event planning and research to Tripepi Smith’s public clients. Olivia graduated summa cum laude from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Sociology. During her time in college, Olivia was a leader in the SDSU Ambassadors program where she enhanced her presentation skills by leading campus tours and new student orientations. She knows how to deliver clear messages and ensure there is purpose in every interaction. Olivia is passionate about having a positive impact in the community and applies her tenacious work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility to making a difference.

Olivia is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing.

As a strong communicator with a passion for both writing and public speaking, Sydney Fitch understands the role language plays in successful communication. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Communication and minors in Spanish and Digital and Social media studies from San Diego State University. During college, Sydney developed her interests in social media management, public relations, and intercultural communication. She grew her leadership skills throughout numerous executive board positions in college, and prides herself on being adaptive and able to work with all types of people. While holding her leadership positions, Sydney gained experience with event planning, correspondence and networking. Additionally, Sydney is bilingual in the Spanish language. 

Sydney is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing, Sprout Social, and Constant Contact.

Alexis Mendez is a visual communicator and problem solver, specializing in motion graphics, illustration, layout, and brand identity. He graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a B.F.A. in Visual Communication Design. During his time in college, he developed his skills as a graphic designer during his internship at Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). During his time as an intern, he designed digital and print materials to produce flyers, brochures, posters, and advertisements that reached over thirty cities. Additionally, he worked on creating work for the California Express Lanes, including reports, charts, forms and maps.

Kara Cato is both an analytical and creative writer with a background in marketing services including, social media management, market research, and account management. She graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Legal Studies sequence. She served as the Media Manager for the Lowe Institute of Political Economy, gaining experience with content development, editing, and social media management. She further developed these skills through her role as an account manager for the Claremont Marketing Group, a pro bono marketing service. Within this role, she created campaigns for local businesses including website design, social media content, and event planning. 

Kara is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing.

Jenna Haubruge is a devoted and detail-oriented individual with a background in content management systems, typography and illustration. She graduated from California State Polytechnic University Pomona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design.
Jenna’s undergraduate degree gives her a wide range of expertise in graphic design using the Adobe Creative Suite, print and digital media production, brand development and UX/Ui design. She developed her organization and digital marketing skills through her internship at Monster Energy. She has experience in customer service which taught her communication, collaboration and project management skills.
Jenna is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing.

A strategic communicator with a passion for community engagement, Hannah Wedepohl has experience in social media management, digital media design, and client-relations. Hannah brings an interdisciplinary perspective with a degree in Educational Studies and minors in Communications and Political Science from Denison University. During her time at Denison, Hannah co-led a nonpartisan civic engagement initiative that registered students to vote and conducted civic education events. She also has broad experience managing social media accounts and designing content for higher education, non-profits, and philanthropy.

Hannah is a certified Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Professional.

Dominick Beaudine is a critical thinker and quick learner with a background in communication and rhetoric. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in English and his Master’s in Rhetoric and Composition from Loyola Marymount University. While obtaining his Master’s, he served as the English graduate assistant for LMU Library’s Archives and Special Collections Department. Additionally, he taught rhetoric to LMU’s undergraduate students as a rhetoric professor for both of his years in the Master’s program. After graduating, Dominick spent three years at the immigration firm, Global Immigration Partners, as their technical writer where he specialized in the “extraordinary ability” visa types. Dominick was also captain of the LMU Men’s Water Polo Team and earned the Kyle Testman Award for outstanding character. Dominick is also an Eagle Scout.

Dominick is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing, Constant Contact and Sprout Social.

Christina Haverilla is a passionate and detail-oriented videographer with a background in social media management, video production, and photography. She graduated from University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Arts in Video and Film. During her time in college, she gained a plethora of skills in video, design, and overall media. In her experience as a videographer, she has refined her editing skills in the realm of short-form videos crafted for social media platforms and advertisements, as well as longer-form content such as music videos and documentaries. Christina is certified in Hootsuite Social Media Marketing. She is proficient in Adobe editing software such as Premiere and After Effects, as well as Davinci Resolve Studio.

As a result-driven professional, Julia Gale is dedicated to driving efficiency and success through her experiences in communications and marketing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Digital Arts from the State University of New York at Oneonta. Julia further developed her skills in email marketing campaigns, detail-oriented writing and event planning while working for a commercial real estate firm in New York. She built a strong foundation in social media management and general communications through internships with The Metropolitan Golf Association and Fashion in Action.

Julia holds a certification in Hootsuite Social Marketing.

Emma Totaro is a talented creative writer with a drive to tell stories using her various writing skills. Emma gained countless editing, writing, communication, analysis and research skills at California Baptist University while working toward her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. During her college career, Emma helped students become better communicators through writing at the university writing center. Furthermore, she honed her editing, communication and research skills as an editorial intern for Penn State University Press. In her endeavors to become more well-versed, she became social media manager for the writing center where she curated content to inform students about the offered services and create a welcoming student community. Emma works to tell the stories of her clients over many platforms to effectively inform the public.

Emma is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing and Sprout Social.

Sarah Klem is a critical thinker and devoted team member with a background in social media management and administrative support. She received her Associates of Science in Health Science from Irvine Valley College. Sarah values the importance of hard work, time management, and the high-quality work product.  Sarah enjoys monitoring social media, as it is a key source of communication in local government. She seeks to use her skills to aid her teammates wherever she can.

Sarah is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing and Sprout Social.

Courtney Koç has meticulous attention to detail, strong work ethic, and a natural affinity for interpersonal dynamics. Graduating with top honors in Business Administration Marketing from San Diego State University a year ahead of schedule highlights her academic rigor and commitment. She brings a robust skill set in communication, client management, and marketing strategy to the team. Courtney has experience in diverse tasks including content creation, account management, social media coordination, and copywriting, showcasing her versatility and adaptability in professional settings.

Courtney is certified as a Hootsuite social marketing professional.

Ted is an adaptable and detailed-oriented individual with a background in marketing and business development. He graduated from Pomona College with a Bachelor of Arts in economics, and gained experience in digital design, writing, and project management with the Claremont Marketing Group, primarily working with tech startup clients. His experience also includes customer outreach and support for a Los Angeles real estate tech startup. His client work includes the Clean Energy Alliance, Pomona Choice Energy, San Gabriel Valley City Managers Association and California Choice Energy Authority.

Ted is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing.

Erin Pinkelman is a versatile and dedicated individual, bringing a unique background in research, data analysis, and statistical modeling. She graduated from Scripps College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Mathematics. During her college career, Erin took a wide range of courses, enhancing her skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing. Erin brings to the team experience in safety management, research and sustainability.  Additionally, her work at Seattle Humane Society sharpened her skills in communication and database management skills, and deepened her understanding of team collaboration and efficiency.

Erin is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing and Sprout Social.

Jessa Laboissonniere is a passionate and dedicated graphic designer with Tripepi Smith. She holds a degree from San Francisco State University in Visual Communication Design, as well as Theatre Arts, with emphasis in Technical Design. Prior to joining the Tripepi Smith Team, Jessa served as Senior Graphic Designer with Associated Students of San Francisco State University, where she supported 13 student run programs with marketing materials. In addition to her graphic design background, Jessa also worked as a Scenic Designer on a variety of theatrical productions across the Bay Area. Her background in theatre has given her an audience-centered approach to her work. She is thrilled to be using her skills while supporting clients with Tripepi Smith.

Erica Chandler is a results-driven marketing professional with a keen understanding of client relations and a passion for creativity. Graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Marketing, she combines her academic foundation with practical experience in sales, customer service, content creation, and more. Erica excels in writing, public speaking and event coordination, always ensuring that client needs are met with speed and precision. She has honed these skills through many work experiences from serving as the Director of Marketing for the San Diego State Choral Department, to her volunteer work for Madd Mutts Dog Rescue. Her client work includes the City of Orange and Disneyland.

Erica is certified in Hootsuite Social Marketing, Sprout Social, and Google Analytics.

Ervin Velasquez is a skilled analyst and graphic designer who uses his knowledge of both fields to successfully execute on his deliverables and client projects. Ervin has experience in marketing with a specialization in the government and public sectors. With over a decade in the field, he’s passionate about working with complex systems, strategic analysis and driving initiatives to engage communities and make a difference.

In addition to his analytical skills, Ervin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Los Angeles Film School. He enjoys designing compelling visuals to reinforce his communications and also fulfill his creative side.

Nicole is a writer and creative strategist with a passion for data-driven storytelling. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, earning a degree in Sociology along with a Graduate Certificate in Business and Entrepreneurship. On campus, Nicole was a writing tutor and a five-year varsity member of the rowing team. In her professional work, she aims to leverage her collaborative mindset and sociological insight to positively impact clients and communities. Her experience with media and analytics, combined with her academic training, allows her to effectively bridge the gap between data and storytelling.

Nicole is certified in Canva, Hootsuite and Sprout Social.

Cameron is a graduate from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. During her time there, she developed strong skills in crafting clear and effective messages for different audiences and platforms. With a focus on creativity and detail, she is passionate about using communication to connect and engage with others. She then strengthened her marketing skills as a social media intern for Travel Vibes, a luxury travel agency, before joining Tripepi Smith. There, she created content for social media, researched current travel trends and destinations, and managed the social media calendar. Cameron brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to every project.

Cameron is certified in Canva, Sprout Social and Hootsuite.

Sofia Gonzalez is an energetic team player with experience in advertising sales, marketing strategy, social media management, and marketing communications. She graduated cum laude from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. While in college, she worked in the advertising department for the university newspaper, The Daily Aztec, and developed her sales and customer relationship skills immensely. Sofia gained valuable marketing skills during two internships with Axos Bank, where she became skilled in brand image, content writing, and consumer engagement.
Sofia is a fluent Spanish speaker and a certified Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional.

As a highly adaptable and goal-oriented individual, Ava brings a strong background in communication strategy, social media management, and copywriting. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Media and Technology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. During her time at the university, she honed her skills in organizational management and client collaboration while serving as president of Net Impact Consulting. She excels at creating customized content for a wide variety of clients, ensuring each message reflects their unique voice and vision. She also gained valuable experience as a Communications and Graphic Design Intern for the City of Santa Rosa. In this role, she strengthened her passion for creating content that drives engagement and supports community development.

Ava is a certified Hootsuite Marketing Professional.