Austin, Texas-based anthonyBarnum is a full-service public relations and communications firm specializing in creating high-impact campaigns for companies in diverse sectors nationally and internationally.

We work in close partnership with our clients to define public relations and reputation management strategies and tactics aligned with their business objectives.

Our mandate is to provide the highest level of public relations services available today for clients in Texas and across the globe. Our priority is to help organizations communicate their offering and value to both internal and external audiences, while remaining true to their corporate mission and culture.

Melissa Anthony, Founder & President

Melissa Anthony, founder and president of anthonyBarnum Public Relations, has created and executed public relations strategies for leading international, national and regional organizations.

Prior to founding anthonyBarnum, the native Texan was in New York City for seven years. While in the Big Apple, Melissa practiced PR at the renowned firm Ruder Finn and spent several years as vice president of MacMillan Communications, a boutique firm whose clients included U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, the Hallmark Channel and leading multimedia companies.

Melissa's specialties include communicating high-sensitivity issues, working with leading regional and national media to generate coverage, and developing strategies that create industry thought leaders and roaring buzz.  Her PR expertise and commitment to excellence have been invaluable for clients ranging from CzechInvest, leading Department of Defense aerospace companies, and architecture, energy, law and commercial real estate firms throughout United States. 

Melissa is the 2012 Vice Chair of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, active in Entrepreneur’s Organization and Vistage, and a long-time board member of the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. She is also a member of the Executive Women’s Forum and the National Association of Corporate Directors.

melissa@anthonybarnum.com

Amanda Abbott, Vice President

Amanda Abbott brings boundless energy and unequalled experience in the newsroom to anthonyBarnum’s clients. A broadcast journalist for nearly 13 years, Amanda knows news and can drive home a message.

From interviewing three American Presidents to reporting from the eye of Hurricane Katrina, Amanda has covered news coast-to-coast for leading national and local broadcast stations.

At anthonyBarnum, Amanda leverages her extensive media background to help companies reach their strategic public relations objectives. Her expertise includes media training, crisis management and national and local print and broadcast visibility strategies.

Prior to joining anthonyBarnum, Amanda was a reporter and anchor for CBS, ABC and FOX news. The Emmy Award winning reporter spent many years leading investigations into controversial issues.

Amanda earned a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Texas State University. She’s active with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  She’s also a member of the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA).

Amanda@anthonybarnum.com

Darryl Frost, Account Director

As account director, Darryl Frost brings a strong focus and strategic vision to anthonyBarnum. He leads media outreach activities for several of the firm’s most prestigious clients and has garnered coverage in numerous regional, trade and national outlets.

Darryl has written and orchestrated media plans for nationally known non-profit organizations, Central Texas political campaigns, Austin-based military organizations and leading professional services organizations.

Working with diverse clients, Darryl has crafted countless thought-leadership and breaking news pieces in support of clients’ business objectives. Harnessing the power of the Internet, he has helped organizations maintain a dialogue with the public through Web stories, managed complex search engine optimization and other online public relations campaigns.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom 2010, Darryl served as a brigade public affairs officer, raising awareness of the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team's mission in Baghdad. He is currently a company commander in the Texas Army National Guard.

Darryl earned a Bachelor of Science in public relations from the University of Texas at Austin.

darryl@anthonybarnum.com

Kristin Morgan, Account Manager

Kristin Morgan brings a precise approach to complex public relations and marketing initiatives. She has over a decade of experience in strategic public relations, marketing and project management programs.

Kristin has worked with a range of professional and financial services companies during her career, including J.D. Powers and My Rewards.

Prior to joining anthonyBarnum Kristin spent seven years at Sheshunoff ManagementServices, where she spearheaded strategic alliances with national and state associations, mediarelations and marketing programs.

Kristin also worked with the United States Department of Agriculturemanaging the execution of various marketing, research and outreach programs. 

Kristin graduated from the University of Texas College of Business and is attending graduate school at Texas State University.

kristin@anthonybarnum.com

Mark Wheeler, Assistant Account Executive

As an assistant account executive, Mark Wheeler brings strong experience from his background as a writer and reporter for the Nashville City Paper based in Nashville, Tennessee.

As a former print and online media reporter, Mark covered topics spanning emerging technology to sports and entertainment.

Engaged with social media from its onset, Mark is adept with various blog formats as well as social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc.

Mark graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in English Literature.

mark@anthonybarnum.com

Shelly Pace-Creative Manager

Shelly is an accomplished designer with a unique balance of creative and technical expertise coupled with a strong portfolio in print and Web design.

For more than seven years, Shelly has helped develop corporate and brand identities, as well as market positioning strategies, for leading organizations in Texas.

With a background in marketing and a degree in advertising, Shelly understands the importance of translating a company's long-term vision into compelling design.

Before joining anthonyBarnum, Shelly was the director of marketing for Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented.

In this role, Shelly led efforts to rebrand the association, developing its mission statement, logo, marketing materials and Web site. Her experience ranges from designing annual reports, brochures, advertisements, catalogs, logos and Web sites.

shelly@anthonybarnum.com