Team

Working as one.

Raziah Naveed Ahmad
Visual Designer
Raziah loves to create work that aims to amplify and represent diverse narratives. As a visual designer, she loves all things typography and illustration. Her recent clients include OneAmerica, Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Brad Angerman
Strategist, Of Counsel
Brad is Tlingit and an enrolled member of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. With nearly a decade of strategic communications and media experience, Brad is committed to ensuring the voices of tribes, Native organizations, and underserved communities are heard. He recently re-joined the Pyramid team after two years as the director of communications for Seattle Indian Health Board, where he led—and will continue to support—the organization’s media efforts. Brad’s current and past clients include Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Lummi Nation, Yakama Nation, Blackfeet Nation, Seattle Indian Health Board, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, Chief Seattle Club, and Sealaska Corporation.

Recent work
Gustavo Asman
Creative Director
Gustavo oversees the creative team, driving strategic thinking and creative problem solving across the firm. Having worked with agencies around the globe—from Argentina to New York City to Southeast Asia—he’s developed a habit of looking at challenges from myriad perspectives. His clients at Pyramid have included Cascade Public Media, Seattle Public Utilities, Meals on Wheels People, and Central Washington University. The work he’s led in collaboration with clients and teammates has won international awards for creativity and results, including five Cannes Lions.

Aaron Aspelund
Project Associate
Aaron is an enrolled member of the Naknek Village Tribe in Alaska. His culture has created the foundation for many of his beliefs, both personally and professionally. Aaron is currently a senior at the University of Washington in Seattle studying Communication and American Indian Studies. Aaron is determined to bring Native voices to the forefront of the public conversation.

Alex Bates
Technology Director
Alex oversees the strategic planning of technology systems, computer system deployment, and the management of Pyramid’s facilities. He also provides day-to-day technical and office support and coordinates staff training—all of which helps the Pyramid team produce outstanding results for clients.

Jill Becker
Senior UX and Content Strategist
Jill leads and collaborates on digital projects across the firm—always with the goal of creating intuitive, user-centric experiences that drive action. She also works closely with our Arts & Culture team, bringing more than a decade of experience managing communications in-house at organizations such as Seattle Symphony, Meany Center, and the University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences. Recent clients include Pride Foundation, Philanthropy Northwest, UW Husky Health & Well-Being, The Center for Large Landscape Conservation, and Seattle Chamber Music Society.

Alyssa Biebel
Project Manager

Recent work
Karis Cady
Design Director
Karis leads a team of designers in developing unique, compelling, and integrated design solutions. Her design skills span brand, print, digital, illustration, and data visualization. Her recent clients include Ploughshares Fund, Educurious, Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle Public Utilities, and the Medina Foundation.
Barbara Cairns
Strategist, Of Counsel
Barbara led Pyramid's Conservation and Sustainability practice group for eight years. Barbara specializes in helping people and communities find creative paths to achieve their aspirations. She matches her skills as a strategist, facilitator, and issue framer with extensive experience in national, state, and local political and legislative campaigns and deep issue expertise in natural resources and environmental policy. Her clients include the University of Washington College of the Environment, the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, Earthjustice, and the Wilderness Society. Before joining Pyramid, Barbara was executive director of the regional salmon recovery organization Long Live the Kings, deputy director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and legislative assistant on the environment to U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman.
Kimburly Corey
Creative Group Director
Kim brings a digital mindset to ensure all our creative strategies are thoughtfully (and optimally) distributed to the right audience, using the right message, at the right time to inspire action. She’s worked with clients like Pearl Jam and The Home Shows, Cascade Public Media, Amara, Ploughshares Fund, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and The Wilderness Society. Prior to joining Pyramid, Kim worked at Spring Creek Group (acquired by Interpublic Group) advising the social media efforts on behalf of clients like HTC, Microsoft, IHOP, and Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival, and worked as a donor communications manager and grant writer at KEXP.

Marcus Courtney
Strategist, Of Counsel
Marcus brings over 15 years of experience in advocacy and politics. He assists clients on engagement strategies, the legislative process, elections and issue-positioning in the public arena. A recognized expert on tech and labor, he co-founded the nation’s first union dedicated to representing high-technology workers and spent five years overseas directing negotiations and political efforts on behalf of national unions on four continents. He has testified before the U.S. Congress. Marcus has been widely quoted in the media by the New York Times, NPR, The Seattle Times, network TV and in foreign publications. His opinion pieces on the future of work have been published in The Seattle Times, Crosscut and the Korean Labor Institute. He recently served on the Innovation and Jobs Policy Committee for the Biden presidential campaign.
Josh Daniel
Education Director
Josh believes equitable access to quality education and meaningful work is a fundamental right and essential for a successful future. He provides a depth of knowledge in child development, education best practices, social-emotional learning, and the social determinants of health and well-being. His recent clients include TheDream.US, Educare-PSESD, Kate B Reynolds Charitable Trust, 100,000 Opportunities Initiative, Center for the Study of Social Policy, and the UW Center for Child and Family Well-Being.

Adanna Diaz-Escobar
Senior Project Manager
Adanna is the daughter of immigrants, migrant farmworkers and Latinx community advocates. She carries this lineage with her through all of her work, and is dedicated to advancing equity for Black, Indigenous and people of color. She is a strategic communicator with a background in philanthropy and community organizing. Highly organized and relationship-oriented, Adanna supports her clients in realizing their vision and goals. Her clients include Group Health Foundation, Black Future Co-op Fund, Water Foundation, and others. Adanna serves on Pyramid’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Decolonization team.

Sue Evans
Strategist, of Counsel
Sue connects people to messages that move decision makers. She specializes in building complex media campaigns and communications strategies that guide clients through crisis, issue advocacy, legislative policy, political campaigns, and high-stakes litigation. Recent clients include the Washington Student Achievement Council, newly-elected Washington state Rep. Gael Tarleton (D-36th), and Seattle Center’s P-3 Project. Sue has launched campaigns covered by 60 Minutes, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Politico, CNN, The Seattle Times, NPR, local media, and popular social media streams.

Alicia Fulton
Intern
Alicia is a member of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, and Pyramid’s newest intern. Currently a full-time student, she is studying Tribal Governance, Business Management and Coast Salish Art. She is a current member of the American Indian Business Leaders Club and Treasurer of the Northwest Indian College Scholarship Club. Her past experiences with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium brought to light the importance of representation and inclusion of Native voices driving her passion for political science.

Recent posts
Recent work
Emily Goetz
Chief Marketing Officer
As a listener and creative problem solver, Emily helps organizations sift through competing demands and goals to identify successful paths forward. She plays dual roles at Pyramid, driving business growth as CMO, while also leading multidisciplinary teams for special projects, such as Pearl Jam’s Home Shows initiative. She was recognized by the Portland Business Journal in the 2018 40 under 40 class and serves as board chair for p:ear, which works with homeless and transitional youth.

Kate Guenther
Web Content Strategist
Kate is a queer digital strategist with a storytelling background. They are a careful listener, invested in helping clients tell their stories and connect with their communities online. They draw from a range experience in creating digital spaces for progressive change-makers, with an emphasis on equity-focused healthcare. Their recent clients include Byrd Barr Place, Pacific Hospital PDA, Black Future Co-op Fund, and Friendship House.

Recent work
Tiffany Higa
Visual Designer
Tiff believes in the power of design in generating social good. With a digital-first mind, she specializes in web design with an eye on front-end web development, and works on print and branding projects as well. Tiff also loves letters and has a deep interest in creative typography. Her recent clients include the Pride Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation.

Recent work
John Hoyt
Founding Partner
John founded Pyramid based on his belief that a company could be successful working only for good causes. He specializes in communications work and high-level strategic and fundraising campaigns and initiatives that benefit from his political expertise. His recent clients include the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Earthjustice, Cascade Public Media, and Pearl Jam’s Vitalogy Foundation.

Candace Jackson
Health Director
Candace is a visionary, values-based health equity strategist committed to driving change alongside communities. With more than 10 years of experience in the government and nonprofit sectors, she is passionate about being accountable, building, and healing with her community. She co-founded the African American Health Board was a founding member of the Community Health Board Coalition. She enjoys the ocean, good food, and connecting deeply with people.

Lizzie Jespersen
Senior Strategist, Integrated Communications
Lizzie partners with clients to bring intention and clarity to every step of the communications process—from shaping the strategy to crafting the story and making sure the right people see it at the right time. Her work is focused on the climate crisis and the environment, and some of her recent clients have included the Washington Department of Ecology’s Office of the Chehalis Basin, Marine Discovery Center, Water Foundation, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Before joining Pyramid, she worked in journalism and environmental advocacy, where she translated complex environmental science and policy into language that ignites curiosity and inspires action. Lizzie is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Administration at the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, with a focus on environmental policy.

Catherine-Mercedes Judge
Project Manager, Of Counsel
Catherine-Mercedes Judge has over 15 years of experience leading programs and campaigns across multiple sectors, including labor unions, nonprofits, and government. She enjoys galvanizing diverse groups toward a common goal, cultivating talent, building capacity, and elevating narratives and actions driven toward societal change. In addition to her work with Pyramid, she is an Events Manager with The Seattle Asian American Film Festival and a member of the 2022 Build Art Space Equitably (BASE) cohort with The Seattle Office of Arts and Culture.

Temryss Xeli'tia Lane
Indian Country Director
Temryss comes from a long lineage of Lummi fisher people. As a tribal member of the Lummi Nation, Temryss advocates for Indigenous visibility, tribal engagement and reciprocity. Her work in global football, media, and academia has guided her career from being a defender on the soccer pitch to a strategist in communications, defending tribal sovereignty and Native lifeways. At Pyramid, Temryss leads multi-disciplinary project teams in delivering strategic insight and partnership to advance Native-led initiatives that support tribes and Native organizations in telling their stories to accomplish their goals. Some of her current clients include Lummi Nation, Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, and the Native American Rights Fund. Temryss holds a master’s degree in American Indian Studies from University of California, Los Angeles, and is a board member of The Chief Seattle Club.

Recent posts
Recent work
Carly McCarthy
Senior Project Manager
Carly is a project manager of two minds, one linear and one creative. She has mastered tracking project details while contributing to or leading strategic content, design, and planning work. Her thoughtful approach to managing information, integrating research, and developing meaningful content drives projects toward achieving her clients’ goals. Carly is deft at coordinating large, multidisciplinary projects and focuses on work that improves health and well-being. Before joining Pyramid, Carly worked at the Washington State Commissioner’s Office helping to advocate for consumer’s rights.

Lauren McGee
Project Manager
As a project manager, Lauren oversees the day-to-day work and contributes to strategy, content development, and planning. Her determination and commitment to mission-driven work fuels the success of her projects across the firm. Her recent clients include the Water Foundation, Impact Alamance, Earthjustice, and the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation. Lauren also holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.

Mae Moldenhauer
Finance Director
Mae keeps Pyramid’s financial wheels turning, and also leads the operations team. Before Pyramid, she fortified her business acumen at the Rockey Company, a storied firm in Northwest public relations, where she was responsible for accounting across three offices.

Recent work
Chris Nelson
Editorial Director
A reporter by training, Chris loves collaborating with clients to identify the “lead” of their stories. What’s the heart of their work, and how do we best share it? He works with clients focused on a range of issues, including Seattle Theatre Group, Seattle JazzED, Earthjustice, Ploughshares Fund, the Burke Museum, and Cascade Public Media. He’s placed client stories with The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, CNN and NPR, as well as local outlets across the country.

Recent posts
Recent work
Kara Palmer
Philanthropy Director
Kara is passionate about working collaboratively to advance equity in health, education, conservation, and justice issues. She does that through the lens of philanthropy, which has the funding, influence, and networks to make it one of the most impactful sectors for improving lives and creating change at every scale. Kara excels at developing and executing high-impact communications strategies and campaigns. Her clients have included Group Health Foundation, Northwest Indian College Foundation, Philanthropy Northwest, Raikes Foundation, Women’s Funding Alliance, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Vivian Phillips
Strategist, Of Counsel
Vivian is an experienced communications professional, known for her collaborative style in building partnerships and engaging communities. She is an independent theatre producer and co-founding member of the Hansberry Project, and produces television programs on arts and heritage for 4Culture. She previously served as the director of marketing and communications for the Seattle Theatre Group, and managed all marketing and communications activities for Seattle’s historic Paramount, Moore, and Neptune Theatres. She was a primary spokesperson and representative to the Africa Contemporary Arts Consortium, a national initiative to promote African artists interpreting contemporary life through traditional, popular, or contemporary forms. She has served as director of communications for Mayor Paul Schell and as an interim executive director of the Seattle Parks-operated Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center. Vivian is a Leadership Tomorrow alum and graduate of the Alki Foundation Political Involvement Institute.

Eric de Place
Strategist, Of Counsel
Eric is a researcher whose nearly two decades at the Sightline Institute think tank have proved him an effective advocate for shaping public policy with careful analysis and thoughtful communication. He’s published more than a thousand pieces of popular writing and technical analysis on sustainability issues. His work has appeared in hundreds of news media stories, including The New York Times, Washington Post, and Fox News. His clients include the Carbon Leadership Forum at the University of Washington, Forterra, and Landesa.

Ellie Probus
Senior Project Manager
Ellie is passionate about amplifying the voices of communities across Washington state. She collaborates with grassroots organizations on strategy, creative, digital, and traditional media. Her primary client is the Washington Community Alliance, a statewide coalition of organizations of color that are demanding racial and economic justice together. Prior to joining Pyramid, Ellie built communications and sales resources for Microsoft.

Recent work
Jaline Quinto
Strategist, Of Counsel
Jaline combines more than 15 years of experience in communications, media, government, and conservation to achieve the goals of tribes and Native organizations. She enjoys developing communications strategies, writing, editing, and creating marketing campaigns. Known for her quick wit and powerful writing skills, Jaline is also a skilled media professional and has earned thousands of stories in national and international outlets. Jaline previously served as director of council relations for former Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. Prior to that, she served as communications manager at the Pew Environment Group’s International Boreal Conservation Campaign and as communications director for DC Vote, an organization dedicated to securing a vote in Congress for DC residents. Jaline holds a degree in communications and American Indian Studies from the University of Washington and is of Tlingit and Colville descent.

Majestik Remmu
Creative Associate
Majestik is a Seattle-born artist with a passion for youth empowerment and youth-led advocacy. He currently heads research for multiple projects, and develops content and creative products that serve client goals. He's inspired by his peers and is committed to capacity-building to strengthen their voices and apply pressure to oppressive systems. His recent clients include the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, King County Stormwater Services, Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County, and the Black Future Co-Op Fund.

Recent work
Denise Rhiner
Health Director
Denise helps nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies devise integrated communications campaigns, tackle systems change, and capture the attention of targeted audiences. In addition to her focus on health and healthcare, she works with a variety of organizations addressing homelessness and affordable housing. Her recent clients include Society for General Medicine, Neighborcare Health, MacColl Center for Healthcare Innovation, Solid Ground, and Capitol Hill Housing.

Kira Shea
Designer
Kira is on a perpetual search for clear communication solutions. She views the field of design as a multimedia opportunity to improve systems and clarify the complex. Her drive to help others began with a decade-long career in healthcare as a Registered Nurse. At Pyramid, her clients include Arts Corps, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Philanthropy Northwest, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Marc Shor
Web Development Partner
Marc believes a website can indeed change the world. At Pyramid, he's responsible for building sites, maintaining existing sites, and keeping the interactive process flowing smoothly. He's happy creating sites in WordPress, Squarespace, or whatever tool best fits a client’s needs. Marc began his tech career at Microsoft when it was a relatively small company. His clients include Group Health Foundation, Ploughshares, Pride Foundation, Center for Large Landscapes, and the University of Washington - Wellbeing.

Ruby Stacey
Senior Project Manager
Ruby is an enrolled member of the Quileute Nation. Indigenous ways of knowing are foundational to her belief that storytelling and communications play an essential role in creating positive change. She’s passionate about centering Native voices and supporting Native-led projects for clients such as the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Seattle Indian Health Board, and Lummi Nation.

Sarah Starr
Senior Project Manager
Sarah’s keen eye makes sure that every detail of her clients’ projects are in place, and she strives to help tell their stories in a way that is universal and impactful. Sarah has worked in communications across a wide range of industries and cities and puts that diverse experience to work for a variety of clients. Her recent clients include Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Amara, the Burke Museum, Pride Foundation, and Washington Innocence Project.
Anne Tillery
Managing Partner
In addition to serving as Pyramid’s managing partner, Anne leads strategic planning efforts, provides organizational and leadership development support, and works across issue areas to help our clients define and maximize their impact. She brings deep listening and an interdisciplinary approach to her clients, which have included W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the University of Washington School of Public Health, and the Burke Museum.

Stephanie Velasco
Project Manager
Stephanie aspires to take her passion for creativity and strategy to make a difference by amplifying the unique missions of organizations that are making an impact while centering the voices and needs of our communities. Prior to joining Pyramid, she led marketing and communications efforts for a community-based health organization with 100+ clinics and programs across WA. Her current clients include Byrd Barr Place and BIPOC Executive Directors Coalition of Washington State.

Alex Withrow
Project Manager
Alex has an infectious passion for fueling the success of clients and co-workers. She develops multi-disciplinary content and strategies for clients including Crosscut, the Museum of Flight, and Path with Art. Before coming to Pyramid, Alex worked for Pearl Jam's Vitalogy Foundation—creating internal systems and developing messaging and cross-channel content focused on the areas of homelessness, the environment, arts, and education.

Izabella Zucker
Senior Project Manager
Izzy approaches challenges with relentless optimism and grit, diving wholeheartedly into clients’ missions, listening deeply and moving swiftly to find creative solutions. As a project manager, she works proactively to deliver exceptional work with a smile and easygoing attitude. Her diverse professional background ranges from managing multimillion-dollar campaigns at Publicis Groupe to writing grants with local biologists in the Peruvian Amazon. Her clients include Landesa, Forterra, the Carbon Leadership Forum, and the Southeastern Council of Foundations.
Pyramid is a certified B Corp
We seek to continually measure and improve our commitment to social responsibility. It’s yet another step in our journey of doing good for our world. That's why we became a certified B Corporation.