In 2007, she established Live Oak Communications, Elon’s student-run communications agency. She has published papers on student-run agencies, written professional articles on brand marketing, and conducted ethnographic research on surfing women. Prior to joining Elon, her professional experience included 20 years as an advertising and public relations agency executive. Most recently, she was senior vice president of Ketchum Communications in Chicago, and senior vice president of Ogilvy PR in Chicago and London. Her clients have included Kimberly-Clark, Con Agra, Jim Beam Brands, Quaker Oats, Wendy’s, BP Amoco and Snap-on Tools.