Our Team
The Kingsbrae Global Leadership Team
James Savage
CEO, Kingsbrae Global
Managing Principal and Reputation/Brand/Issues Development Lead
Managing Principal and Reputation/Brand/Issues Development Lead
A trained economist and recognized communications leader, Jim built Kingsbrae after 6 years leading two major strategic firms in Dallas, Pierpont Communications and Edelman’s corporate practice. Earlier, he led communications and marketing functions at Philips Electronics, Verizon, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, among other organizations. His career also spans leadership at two international NGOs and policy analysis roles for the Government of Canada and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (APEC). Jim has a BA (Hons) from the University of British Columbia and a Masters of Science in international business economics from the London School of Economics. He is the author of The Politics of International Telecommunications Regulations and has edited six other books and two magazines. He serves on multiple non-profit Boards including the Dallas Council on Foreign Relations, the Institute of Public Relations Research Conference, and the Communications and Public Affairs Program at Southern Methodist University.
Allison Burum
CEO, Sociable LLC
Senior Principal and Communications Lead
Senior Principal and Communications Lead
Allison has developed and refined best practices in marketing and public relations through her work in both agency and corporate environments, achieving success through developing strong client trusted advisor relationships and delivering results that strategically drive business growth, enhance the reputation and build stakeholder engagement. Allison previously worked at Pierpont Communications, where she led the development of robust, forward-thinking communications programs for a variety of clients including Sabre, Ericsson, BOK Financial, and Cherokee Nation Businesses, among many others. Earlier she served in a similar role at Edelman, leading successful efforts for major companies including Samsung, Entrust Datacard, and Symantec. Before this, Allison worked in the marketing communications departments at both LifeCareHealth Partners and Haynes and Boone, LLP, and started her career at HCK2 Partners, an integrated marketing communications firm and Kingsbrae partner. Allison received her BA (Hons) from Texas Tech University and serves on the boards of The Miracle League of Frisco, North Texas Turkey Trot, and Big Brothers Big Sisters –Collin County.
Heather Capps
CEO, HCK2
Senior Counsel, Marketing and Strategy
Senior Counsel, Marketing and Strategy
Heather is the founder and CEO of HCK2, one of the largest independent integrated marketing and communications firms in the southwestern US. With more than 25 years of marketing and business management experience, Heather’s passion for building client relationships and creating new opportunities for client business expansion have led to high ROI strategies for companies such as NTT Data, Trend Micro, Safran, 7 Eleven and many other global leaders. A graduate of the University of Colorado, Heather has built HCK2 into a strong, purpose-led firm as a leader on multiple non-profit boards including the Executive Women’s Forum, Ability Connection, and the Entrepreneurs Organization.
Kingsbrae Global Functional Leads
Jason Huntsberry
Global Business Positioning and Reputation Lead; Public Affairs and Regulated Industries Strategist
Jason has a unique background in national politics, communications, policy, public affairs/communications, project management and business leadership. He served as President & CEO of Schenck Foods Company, a food distribution business based in Virginia, joining Schenck after leading the William Robert Group, where he specialized in tech executive positioning and strategic communications. Earlier, he was Senior Vice President at Hill+Knowlton, guiding an array of client and leading H+K’s single largest US client relationship – AT&T. Earlier, he advised the Pickens Plan, a $100M energy independence campaign, and was Vice President for Network Relations, LLC, where he coordinated communications and lobbying teams. Previously, he was at The Riley Group, LLC, leading efforts behind the ratification of the US-Korean Free Trade Agreement. Jason was also the regional political director for John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign and an associate director for the Office of Political Affairs at The White House in the early 2000s. Jason holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia and attended The Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University.
Darren Grubb
Executive and Corporate Communications Lead; Public Affairs Strategist
Darren is the Principal of Clarendon Public Relations and is a veteran strategic communicator and media relations professional with diverse global experience. His government service includes DC-based roles at The White House and U.S. Department of Commerce in the early 2000s followed by senior corporate communications positions including executive communications lead at Citibank during the height of the 2009 financial crisis, chief of staff for communications at Bloomberg LP in New York, Senior Vice President of Communications for the Dallas Regional Chamber and as head of communications at a large national hospital system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Darren’s expertise spans speechwriting, executive positioning, crisis communications, media relations, and executive media training. He holds a B.A. from Texas Tech University and an Executive MBA from the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, and serves on the advisory board of the SMU School of Communications and Public Affairs, previously serving on the boards of VisitDallas and Wings for Warriors.
Sean Williams
Global Strategy and Internal Engagement Lead
Sean Williams is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Bowling Green State University. Previously, he held senior communication positions leading internal communications and employee engagement with KeyCorp (Key Bank), National City Corporation (now PNC Bank), Goodyear, True Digital, and Communication AMMO. He has developed successful internal communications programs for clients of some of the world’s largest communications firms and consultancies. He is also a member of the Institute for Public Relations Measurement Commission, the board of directors of the International PR Research Conference, PRSA Employee Communication section, and AEMJC. Sean has a B.A. from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Mass Communications from Kent State University.
Kim Commerato
Engagement and Culture/Compliance Change Management Lead; Cybersecurity Crisis Counsel
Kim Commerato has a deep background in developing strategic external, change, and talent development communication programs. Most recently, she worked with Stroz Friedberg, a leading cybersecurity consulting firm, to navigate the company’s final integration phase with Aon, plc. Working with a talent development partner, she used insight from Aon’s employee engagement survey to plan and execute a colleague communication and culture program to ensure awareness of key integration initiatives and build employee commitment to the new company’s structure and vision. Kim’s work also includes projects with American Express in which she conducted primary research to understand the new executive orientation and transition process across the American Express global network, and then developed a strategy to retain and develop talent. She works with businesses of all sizes, from early-stage to global, matrixed organizations. She has a BS from the State University of New York Geneseo and a MA from New York University.
Jason Jarrell
Public Affairs and Global Risk/ESG/Sustainability Lead
Jason has extensive success advising senior-level corporate and association executives, helping organizations strengthen risk management and business performance in an increasingly complex world. He has deep experience in diplomacy, corporate public affairs, trade, knowledge management and executive coaching. Jason recently led one of the largest global networks of public affairs firms, covering 70 markets worldwide, as well as the Washington practice of an international public affairs firm, crafting and implementing successful programs for Fortune 500 companies and international associations. Previously, Jason served as a senior-level executive at the Public Affairs Council in Washington and has worked internationally holding senior-level positions in corporate affairs, strategic communications and government relations across Europe and Asia. Earlier in his career, Jason worked at the U.S. Department of State, serving at the US Embassy in Moscow, and for the Russian American Pacific Partnership, a trade and economic development forum.
Mike McCalley
Client Business Growth/Demand and Lead Generation/Product and
Service Marketing Lead
Service Marketing Lead
Mike’s success in developing sales and profitability across businesses in unparalleled, and he has a global reputation as a revenue growth engine. Most recently, for Vixxo, a $500m SaaS leader, as VP Marketing he increased lead volume 66% in 6 months, increased awareness by 66% and customer engagement by 19%. In a similar executive role at CECO Environmental, the clean energy and air quality giant, he drove 140% Y/Y income growth and 20% Y/Y orders growth, with a 61% Y/Y increase in marketing revenue. Relentlessly results-driven, he led global marketing and product management at Flowserve Corporation, the $5 billion flow control leader, and held multiple leadership roles at General Electric’s $25 billion Power & Water unit and GE’s Energy Management division, where he drove 46% CAGR EBIT improvement and 4.5% CAGR revenue growth while lowering costs by $700k/year. Mike built his GE reputation on earlier success at Dresser, Crane Corporation, Danaher/Gilbarco Veeder-Root, Newell Rubbermaid and Ingersoll-Rand. Winner of several awards, Mike has a BA from Gardner Webb University, an MA from Regent University and an MBA from Pennsylvania State University.
Geoff Mogilner
Global Financial Communications and Investor/Special Situations Lead
Geoff is a senior leader with extensive experience in strategic communications, counseling corporations successfully through transactions, issues, and reputation challenges. Mogilner formerly led the financial communications team at BCW Global’s (Burson-Marsteller) Corporate Practice in Chicago, with responsibility for the firm’s capabilities in investor relations, transactions and IPOs, financial media relations, shareholder activism, and innovative investor engagement. His experience spans corporate and financial communications, investor relations, sell-side equity research, management consulting, and product PR and brand marketing. Earlier, Mogilner was the Senior Director, Global External Communications at Baxalta, where he led external communications through the creation of a $6 billion global biopharmaceutical enterprise. Prior to joining Baxalta, Mogilner was a Senior Vice President at Edelman, leading the agency’s Chicago-based Financial Communications/Investor Relations. He also served in senior roles at FTI Consulting and at Midway Games as Head of Investor Relations, Public Relations, and Strategic Planning. Mogilner started his career as a sell-side analyst with Decatur Jones Equity Partners. He has a BA from Tufts University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Dale Roskom
Risk Management and Mitigation Lead
Dale brings unparalleled expertise in capital and financial planning, enterprise risk capabilities, and credit risk management, culminating in his former role as Chief Operating Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, where he led the payments and operations functions for member banks and the Department of the Treasury as well as leading the finance, planning, risk and administrative functions for the bank. These responsibilities included extensive engagement in systemic risk issues impacting all the Federal Reserve Banks. Before joining the Federal Reserve, Roskom served in executive-level risk, credit, and finance positions at National City Corporation (PNC Bank), Barclaycard’s the UK and European operations, the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group in Melbourne (ANZ Bank), and with Chase Card Services. Mr. Roskom began his banking career at what is now U.S. Bancorp (US Bank), gaining extensive experience in credit risk management, consumer lending and payment systems, mergers and acquisitions, finance, and strategic planning during his 14-year tenure. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA, both from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
Chris Wailes
Global Media Engagement Lead
True influence with global media is now a rare find, and Chris’ success is built on deep relationships with leading business and mainstream media editors and journalists, a network built through over 20 years of worldwide commitment and success. Chris most recently led global media engagement for Weatherford International and earlier managed the global media relations practices at Pierpont Communications, as well as holding various senior media strategist roles at Ketchum and Edelman, as well as working with media on the Hill in Washington, DC in the offices of several House and Senate members. Chris has a BA from Denison University and additional media-related qualifications from New York University and the University of Houston.
Martin Liptrot
Economic Development/Innovation Lead
Martin Liptrot is a global public affair and communications leader. A former CEO of PR and marketing for Ogilvy & Mather, Martin has more than two decades of experience working with some of the world’s largest multinational companies to deliver winning strategies and outcomes. With a background in political campaigns and effective lobbying, A graduate of Wolverhampton University with comprehensive global experience, Martin has helpedMayors, Councils and Regional Authorities in multiple countries and regions work with developers and investors to drive regeneration, attract inward investment, and deliver economic development.
Martin Waxman
Digital/Social Communications Strategy Lead
Martin Waxman, MCM, APR, is a digital communications strategist, leads social media workshops, and conducts AI research. He is the co-founder of two PR agencies, president of a consultancy, and a LinkedIn Learning instructor. Martin teaches social media and digital marketing in the McMaster-Syracuse MCM program, the Schulich School of Business, and at Toronto’s Seneca College. He developed a Certificate in Digital Strategy and Communications Management for the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, where he teaches a course on digital reputation management. He regularly speaks at conferences and events across North America. Martin is also a member of the AI in PR Panel and one of the hosts of the Inside PR podcast. He has a BA from York University and a Master of Communications Management from McMaster-Syracuse Universities and was the 2019 recipient of the Institute for Public Relations Makovsky Best Master’s Thesis Award. He was also the 2020 recipient of the Canadian Public Relations Society’s Outstanding Achievement in PR Award.
In addition to the team leads, there are 14 other Kingsbrae Global associates and partner firms on tap for expert services ranging from cybersecurity to supply chain management to full-service marketing. This team of experts can deploy across North America and globally to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art solutions driving awareness and corporate reputation.