Beckerman Announces Four New Hires

HACKENSACK, N.J., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Beckerman, one of the largest independent public relations firms in the industry, has announced that Melissa Torra of Woodbridge, N.J.; Kaitlyn Hipshman of Bergenfield, N.J.; Tyrice Johnson of Jersey City, N.J.; and Teresa Avoglia of Rutherford, N.J., have joined the firm.

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"We are pleased with these talented additions to our expanding Beckerman team," said Keith Zakheim, president. "Our firm is in a fortunate position to be hiring during a time of great economic uncertainty in the marketplace.  This growth can be directly attributed to our strategy of reinvesting our firm to ensure we consistently exceed our clients public relations requirements."

The firm is now one of largest independent public relations agencies in the industry, employing more than 40 public relations professionals and representing over 100 clients in a wide range of industry sectors, including real estate, legal services, financial services, renewable energy, technology, health care and consumer products.  Through its recent expansions, the firm has opened offices in New York and Washington, D.C., and on several recent acquisitions as well.

Torra, who joins Beckerman as an account executive, previously worked at G.S. Schwartz & Co. Inc., a Manhattan-based public relations firm, where she represented clients in the consumer products industry, as well as in the non-profit and education sectors.  At Beckerman, Torra handles clients in the financial and real estate sectors, including New Jersey-based commercial and multifamily real estate owners and developers.

Torra is a graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communication arts with a minor in political science.  

Hipshman, who joins Beckerman as an associate account executive, previously worked as a recruiting specialist for the American Cancer Society (ACS), where she assisted with related events, including recruiting, planning, implementing, and sponsorship.

Prior to her tenure at ACS, Hipshman worked as a lifestyle account assistant for Paul Wilmot Communications LLC, in New York City, where she assisted in the coordination of events, media outreach, photo shoots and client meetings and developed press materials.

As an assistant account executive at Beckerman, Hipshman works with a diverse client base including green technology, bio-energy, non-profit and consumer-based accounts.  Her responsibilities include coordinating media opportunities for clients, conducting media outreach, press release writing and digital and social media.

Hipshman is a graduate of Rowan University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications, specializing in public relations and broadcast journalism.

Johnson joins Beckerman as an associate account executive.  He previously served as an adjunct university instructor at Miles College, where he taught public relations and media law and ethics. During that time, he also worked as a university retention coordinator, where he advised students, created and implemented public relations campaigns and planned and hosted various university showcases.

Johnson earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Miles College and his master's degree in telecommunications management from Morgan State University.  He is currently pursuing a second master's degree from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University in integrated digital media.

Avoglia joins Beckerman as an executive assistant.  She recently served as director of customer service and showroom director for Accredited Lock Supply Co., where she specialized in education and event coordination.  Prior to her tenure at Accredited Lock Supply Co., Avoglia worked as the corporate hospitality/reception manager for the Marcus Group Inc.

About Beckerman

Beckerman is one of the largest independent full-service public relations firms in the industry. Founded in 1989, Beckerman's staff of more than 40 experienced media professionals represents a distinguished roster of over 100 clients from diverse industry sectors including real estate, environmental, financial, health care, technology, consumer products, public affairs and corporate political reputation. The firm has offices in New York City, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. For more information please call 201-465-8000 or visit www.beckermanpr.com.

SOURCE Beckerman