Meet the team.
Allow us to introduce ourselves. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and always eager for our next challenge. Get to know us a bit better. Don’t worry… we’ll stick with our key messages.
Kelliann Amico, APR, Fellow PRSA
Director of Everything Amico
Kelliann is a PR pro. Her work’s won the big awards, she’s traveled the globe handling media for world leaders, and counseled CEOs and entrepreneurs on how to make the right impression. Ask any client and they’ll tell you, she does it with a smile that instantly puts you at ease and can win over even the most jaded reporter. For Kelliann, it’s about doing great work with great people. And, having the experience it takes to get to the heart of the matter, quickly, concisely, and without having to fake it.
When she’s not juggling Zoom calls and strategic plans, Kelliann immerses herself in her favorite outdoor pool or takes meandering walks with her trusted pups and teenage son. And, she’s always game for a good snuggle with those fur babies - plus her handsome cat - while bingeing on the latest must-watch series.
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If you could have a glass of wine with one person, past or present, who would it be? Why?
It would definitely be Hillary Clinton. Working with the Clinton Administration, I was able to see her close-up. She is the smartest, strongest, bravest and classiest woman I’ve ever met.
What was your first concert and what about it sticks out to you?
I saw the Beach Boys in 1980 or 81 before heading off to college. I remember thinking how amazing it was to hear those awesome hits I loved growing up, and sharing that energy with thousands of people feeling the same thing.
You could have one meal with cost being no exception. Menu?
In early 2022 I was in New York with my mom. In between several Broadway shows, we had the 10-course plant-based menu at 11 Madison Park Avenue. Amazing flavors and textures that went on for hours. I’ll never forget that one.
What is the best decision you ever made in your life? If you could change one, what would it be? Taking that leap and going out on my own was a life-changer. Being able to work with people I admire is irreplaceable. I would have loved to pursue my love of the theater more and given some time to try and become a serious actress.
When you were 12, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A career woman, like my mom. She was the receptionist for Governor Tom McCall, and I just remember how cool I thought she was working in this big building and seeing important people every day (my favorite thing was sliding down the big marble banisters in the Capitol). Mary Tyler Moore was also a huge influence.
Michael Mannheimer
Director of Words and GIFs
Michael is a Portland native who has spent his career working in digital media, journalism, and the intersection of the two. Before joining Amico he spent seven and a half years at Lewis & Clark College, where he led storytelling efforts on social media and the website — creating content for Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter; writing and editing feature stories; and providing content strategy for academic departments, the law school, and the graduate school.
While living in Brooklyn for three years, Michael managed the social accounts for Togather, a crowdsourcing platform that connected readers directly with their favorite authors, and wrote for the Etsy blog. A recovering music critic, he’s a former editor at Willamette Week.
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What was your first concert and what about it sticks out to you?
Smashing Pumpkins at the Rose Garden (now the Moda Center) on January 7, 1997. A day I’ll never forget! I was in fifth grade and obsessed with alternative rock and any video played on MTV’s Buzz Bin. Our seats were terrible—literally the last row at the top of the arena to the side of the stage—but the moment Billy Corgan launched into the opening riff of “Zero” my life changed. Also, my parents (hi, mom!) were under the impression that we were chaperoned by my friend’s older sister, who instead dropped us off and told us to meet her back outside at 10 p.m. sharp. Just picture four gawky preteens singing along to every word.You could have one meal with cost being no exception. Menu?
A margherita pie from Di Fara with a Caesar salad, negroni, and a slice of my grandma’s famous icebox cake. I’m a simple guy.
Dog or cat?
I’ve always been a dog person. Growing up we had had a black lab and a crazy outdoor cat that didn’t really need affection, so I always gravitated toward the loyal, friendly companion.During the pandemic I’ve spent almost every waking moment of the last two years with dog Finn, an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix who loves to chase squirrels and bark at every single delivery driver. He’s a great hiking companion but a rather needy officemate.
When you were 12, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a sportswriter until I went to college and realized that scope was too narrow. I was the kid who read every single word of The Oregonian sports section before breakfast, memorizing basketball stats and calculating field goal percentages in my head. I did get to live that dream for a year when I was at Willamette Week and helped the paper live blog Blazers games back when that was a thing!
Greg Robeson
Director of Big Picture Thinking
Greg doesn’t like to brag; he’d rather have his work speak for itself. Beginning in the mid-1980s, he was part of a loose knit group of chefs, winemakers, brew masters, farmers, and marketing folk who helped put Portland and Oregon on the culinary map. He also built brands and PR plans for real estate projects, hospitals, law firms, tourism destinations, among many others.
Greg took a detour from his work as a creative director and marketing strategist in 2018 to create Green Whiskers, an earth-friendly mobile dog grooming business. He met his goal of building and selling that venture, and learned, without a doubt, that dogs are like kids, and people will do anything for their children. He’s back, thinking big picture, and still wondering if it’s possible to get that five-word headline down to four, or help his client get the front-page story they deserve.
Dani Guralnick
Director of Cool Looking Things
As a kid, Dani stored her markers in order and spent too much time on homework for art class and perfecting her signature. After college, she found her psychology degree less useful as a career path and more helpful in understanding people. So, she finally decided to listen to her nature, go back to school for graphic design and make making art her career.
Since that day, Dani has worked at a handful of design and advertising firms, including the legendary Wieden+Kennedy. There, she worked with such giants as Coca-Cola, Nike, Target, Starbucks, Travel Oregon and many other brands, both large and tiny. After 10+ years with W+K, Dani moved to California where she now lives with her husband, daughter, and one-eyed cat.
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If you could have a brew with one person, past or present, who would it be? Why?
So many to choose from… Lincoln, Steve Jobs, DaVinci. But, I’d have to go with Sinatra, because he had it all, and changed the way popular music would be forever. Just give me one night at the Sands in early-60s Vegas with a full orchestra, Dean and Sammy in the wings, and “Under My Skin” as the lead number, and that’s all she wrote.What was your first concert and what about it sticks out to you?
Beach Boys, 1977 at the Portland Coliseum. The heavy blanket of blue smoke that hung above the stage.Who do you think most changed the course of world history?
Johannes Gutenberg. The printing press is the foundation of democracy, and the root-seed of all media.
What is the best decision you ever made in your life? If you could change one, what would it be? Going out on my own nearly 35 years ago and not having a boss ever since. Give myself five years post-college to pursue being a rock star.
You can only watch one movie for the rest of your life. What is it?
No competition… Godfather I and II back-to-back, as Coppola intended.
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What was your first concert and what about it sticks out to you?
I saw Chicago in concert when I was probably about 6 years old. I remember when the arena got dark and everyone held up their lighters it felt really magical. but I did wonder what the heck everyone was doing.Name a place on your bucket list that you haven’t visited. What intrigues you about it?
The Galapagos Islands. I want to see untouched nature. I'm not sure if it will live up to what it used to be - I think tourism might have changed things since I set that goal, but I love exploring new places. I think next up on my list is Greece.
What is one thing you can’t live without in your refrigerator?
Mustard. I like all the flavors and I don't trust people who don't like condiments.
When you were 12, what did you want to be when you grow up?
A dancer! I eventually was on dance team, and did gymnastics for many years.
Bob Hastings, FAIA
Strategic Advisor, Transportation and Built Environment
Amico is pleased and proud to welcome Bob Hastings to our team as a strategic advisor for our public infrastructure, transportation and built environment practice area.
In 2021 Bob retired from TriMet, where he managed the agency’s Transit-Oriented Developments and other initiatives for 21+ years. Acting as the agency’s “imagineer,” he led the effort to leverage transit investment in the Portland metropolitan region to shape livable communities. This included overseeing the agency’s station area planning, Smart City initiatives, and architectural and urban design for all the MAX Light Rail alignments. He also championed the agency’s sustainability initiatives and renewable energy program.
Bob is currently the Director of Oregon|By Design, an independent initiative to support communities seeking to foster economic, environmental and social development.
Josh Kulla
Director of Literary and Colorful Creative Content
Josh grew up on the Oregon coast and attended the University of Oregon and Queens University-Belfast, in Northern Ireland, where he received a master’s degree. The journalism world beckoned after that, and Josh has spent the last 15 years in the Portland metro area working as an editor and photographer for publications that include the Portland Tribune and Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon.
Josh joined the Amico team in April 2021 and has worked with a variety of clients since then. When he’s not working, Josh enjoys landscape photography, guitar and his fabulous kids.
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What was your first concert and what about it sticks out to you?
My first concert of note was Neil Young and Crazy Horse with Sonic Youth as the support. It was at the Memorial Coliseum. And being too young to even drive myself to the show, I was blown away by all the long-haired dudes smoking weed in the men’s room. That and the volume level was something I had also never experienced before - or since, to be honest.When you were 12, what did you want to be when you grow up?
Probably a professional BMX racer.Name a place on your bucket list that you haven’t visited. What intrigues you about it?
I think that would have to be Iceland. As a longtime landscape photographer, there is hardly another place in the world that offers so much variety when it comes to imagery. Waterfalls, rivers, ice beaches, mountains, rocky canyons, amazing light, volcanoes, the aurora borealis, picturesque fishing villages – Iceland has it all.
If you could have a brew with one person, past or present, who would it be? Why?
I think it would be Michael Collins, one of the key figures in the fight for Irish independence. Why? Because he never got the chance to see the towering influence he ultimately had over the country and republic he loved. I’d enjoy telling him a little bit about it.You have your choice of superpower. Which one?
Give me the ability to fly, baby!
Stu Holdren
Director of Social Pondering
Stu has been scrolling through social media feeds for 15+ years now. That’s a good thing, because now he develops social media strategies to help each client tell their story in an effective way. From defining areas of focus for each platform, planning campaigns, and mapping out content, Stu loves bringing clarity and structure to any social approach. He also freely recommends increasing the frequency of publishing puppy pictures whenever possible.
Stu has been actively engaged in social media since MySpace reigned supreme and reminisces about the days of sending texts to tweet from his flip phone. Since then, he has helped notable clients such as Jordan, Nike, Microsoft, JBL, and Tuft & Needle leverage social platforms to drive their brands forward.
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Denim, khakis, or something else?
Denim. Life is too short to wear pants that require regular ironing.You have your choice of superpower. Which one?
Teleportation. I’ll be working from a tropical island today, and will be home in time to make dinner. Perfect.What was your first concert and what about it sticks out to you?
My first concert was the Hard Knock Life Tour featuring Jay-Z, DMX, Method Man, and others. Sadly, I failed my driver’s license test the day before, and my mom had to drive me and my friends up to Portland for the show. Best mom ever.
When you were 12, what did you want to be when you grow up?
When I was 12 I still had hopes that I would become a professional basketball player. Unfortunately, that monumental growth spurt never occurred. *shakes fist at genetics*If you could have a brew with one person, past or present, who would it be? Why? - Barack Obama. I’ve always admired his poise and thoughtful leadership. I’d love to hear behind-the-scenes details on his historic presidency, what he values in daily life now after holding one of the most prominent positions in the world, and hear his views on current issues.
