Our Authors

Matt’s Bio

Let’s start with business first…I’ve been fortunate to work with the very best media relations professionals and interesting clients as founder of Pipeline Media Relations. We are a firm focused on helping connect great stories & resources with various media outlets. Over the years our team has built a reputation and specialty with the national media ranging from Good Morning America & TODAY Show to BusinessWeek & WSJ. I’ve been in PR for 12 years with experience on both the agency and corporate side of the business. The industries I’ve served include B2B, B2C, franchising, restaurant, retail, technology and telecom.

Now the things I love: My loving wife and two kids, Ryan (3) and Charlie (10 months); being a valued resource with the media; helping others succeed; trying to play golf; keeping in shape (running my first half marathon in April); reading business books & news (junkie); most sports (watching & playing); The Office (TV show); learning new ways to be a better communicator; giving to those who can’t give themselves; taking from those who have valuable advice to give; karma; following the Cardinal Rule; our God above & making new connections.

You can also connect with me on:

StoryAssistant

Matt Batt

Amy’s Bio

I love life, and I get excited about making stars out of my clients.

As an on-air general assignment reporter at Fox News Chicago I saw opportunities daily that businesses, organizations, and individuals didn’t realize they were missing out on because they didn’t understand how the media universe works. Today’s fractured media landscape has altered the rules for good, and as a publicist named as one of Chicago’s most powerful women in the new economy I create at the crossroads where traditional media and social media intersect. What this means for the clients I consult is outside the box thinking and strategy customized to meet their needs. Some other stops along the way in my professional journey have included Cox Broadcasting’s Washington Bureau on Capitol Hill, and Ogilvy Public Relations Chicago office where I served as a vice president heading the technology practice. I also have created and run two other public relations firms prior to joining Pipeline Media Relations.

I enjoy living my life outside the box as well. My two young children are sources of constant inspiration, and my husband of twelve years whom I call “boyfriend” definitely keeps things interesting also. I’ve always been a writer and connoisseur of the good life which I find snippets of everywhere including Target. I bring those passions together on my Mommy blog at www.achicmom.com where I write about style, lifestyle and media. Downtime pursuits for me include getting out in nature, jaunts to the day spa, fun exercise, and meditation. My favorite mind candy includes shows like the new Melrose Place, Gossip Girl, The City, and of course The Real Housewives. Basically, I think if you can’t find things to laugh about everyday then something has got to change, even if it’s just your attitude.

You can also connect with me on:

Amy Hesser

Michelle’s Bio:

My many years as a Chicago broadcast reporter have led me to a great and fulfilling PR career. Always fascinated by news making strategy, I jumped at the chance to watch the “other side” in action in 1995 when offered the post of Communications Director for Mayor Daley’s 1995 reelection campaign. I never looked back, and took on several PR and marketing leadership positions over the years.

At Pipeline Media Relations I get a thrill from helping our clients tell their stories and target the right outlets for gaining maximum exposure. I get instant gratification when my counsel helps clients secure coverage in national media and trade outlets. And I’ve witnessed the value of social media and how it can deepen the interactions between businesses and their customers.

I am a huge fan of great food, especially when I make it! My recipes have been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times and on WXRT Radio. Did I mention that my husband and I have two beautiful and smart children who can define the word “ganache” and can pronounce “croissant” and “gnocchi” correctly! Want to learn more, just connect to me.

MichelleDamico

Michelle Damico

Sheri’s Bio

I’m so thankful to have met Matt Batt and be a part of Pipeline Media Relations. We share a common belief in relationship building. My role is manager of client relations. My passion is establishing great relationships with clients and contacts alike. Our focus is on the needs of our media outlets, developing a greater understanding of what they enjoy writing about and bringing those great stories of our clients to them.

My joy…first and foremost my family. I am a wife and mother of two boys, Oliver (5) and Grahme (3). I believe exercise adds greater mental health as it does physical. I truly enjoy cooking and entertaining with family and friends. I love traveling abroad, meeting new people and understanding their culture. I love good coffee, great wine, and delicious food. I enjoy seeing bands; playing tennis, soccer and golf (I’m a lefty); watching football and hockey; Mel Brooks makes me LOL, fan of Boston Legal (TV), Anthony Bordain, Jamie Oliver, most Food Network and HGTV shows. My mother taught me at an early age to pay it forward; as an adult I want to follow and pass on that rule to my children.

svalskis

Sheri Valskis

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