Deane founded the firm in 1999 and serves as Chairman and CEO. Si previously served as account supervisor with Atkinson Public Relations, where he directed communications and media strategies for clients such as Columbia/HCA, Phoenix Healthcare, and the National Foundation for Cancer Research, John Templeton Foundation and the TriStar Health System. He has also served as press secretary and legislative advisor to U.S. Rep. Bob Clement, where he handled issue communications, crisis management and political strategies. Deane also managed national campaign finances and political operations for then-Sen. Al Gore, Jr., and was marketing director and Executive Director for the International Microelectronics and Packaging Society. Si is a former executive editor for Advancing Microelectronics. He holds a master’s in government and business administration (MGA) from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelors degree in economics from the University of Kentucky. He also attended The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. He was named to the Music City Future 50 Entrepreneurs to watch in 2003.

 

Smith — who serves as president and chief communications officer — is a senior level PR expert with more than 23 years experience, and specializes in public relations, marketing, public affairs, social media, government relations, branding, crisis communications, media relations & executive presentation training. A former staff writer for The Washington Times, Smith previously served on the executive team of Affinion Group, a global direct marketer, where he led all communications, marketing & advertising initiatives. He has also held senior public relations functions with Gaylord Entertainment Co., and directed all PR and marketing of conventions and trade shows for the Opryland Hotel. Smith has worked for Atkinson Public Relations, where he publicized the Nashville Chamber’s Partnership 2000, helped orchestrate the creation of the Nashville Health Care Council, and established client campaigns for the Nashville Hotel-Motel Association, Phoenix Healthcare, MagneTek, Inc. and Hickory Specialties. At HCA, Smith directed public affairs efforts and launched a national grassroots campaign that helped defeat the Clinton health care plan in the early 1990s.

 

Giermek joined DS&P in December of 2001. In his current role, Giermek manages IT needs including web hosting, server management, network infrastructure and security for both internal systems and for more than 130 client websites. He works on behalf of clients including the National Foundation for Cancer Research. Giermek is highly skilled at blending innovative technologies with distinct graphics that exceed client expectations. He is an expert at solving complex technical problems and challenges related to web application development. Previously Giermek has worked in the IT Departments at Vanderbilt Medical Center, Deloitte & Touche, MagneTek, Inc. and Acymtech, Inc.

 

Laura McClellan joined Deane, Smith & Partners in January 2010, first as an intern. After graduating from Belmont University with a degree in public relations in May 2010, she joined the team as Account Coordinator. McClellan spends most of her time at DS&P writing, which includes news releases, e-mail marketing pieces, newsletter articles, and copy for marketing materials. Other responsibilities include media relations, event planning and social media strategies and management. McClellan has worked closely with clients such as the National Foundation for Cancer Research, Healthcare Information Management Systems Society – Tennessee Chapter, the Hutton Hotel and the 1808 Grille.

 

Roy is a photographer, designer, and businessman who was brought on board in early 2011 to manage web development, graphic design, branding, ad projects, and assist with certain IT needs. Benjey graduated with a business degree from Calvin College in 2007 and went to work with Covenant Community Church of Ann Arbor as office manager and head of marketing and technology.

 

Rew is a junior level PR expert with more than five years experience in the public relations field. She specializes in entertainment and broadcast PR, having interned at New York-based firm PMK/BNC (formerly PMK/HBH) and held positions at Nashville media firms Guestbooker.com and FrontPage Publicity. Event experience includes the 2005 Tony Awards and Help Haiti Live, a concert to benefit those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Rew has also spent time integrating herself into the Nashville community by volunteering her time both through the Junior League of Nashville and at local after school program, Harvest Hands. Rew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Belmont University.