Fiona Flynn
Firm Director
Fiona is a senior pursuing a major in public relations and a minor in policy studies. Fiona started her time at Hill Communications in her first semester of Freshman Year and has been a part of the organization ever since. As this year’s Firm Director, Fiona hopes to execute and deliver an experience that both clients and firm members find impactful. She’s passionate about fostering a collaborative environment, helping elevate client work and also mentoring the next generation of PR professionals. She is excited to pass down the knowledge she has learned at Hill Comm and Newhouse to all members of the firm. Fiona is so excited for the year to start and for Hill Communications to continue its exciting work!
.jpg)
Jessica Hammersley
Assistant Firm Director
Jessica Hammersley is a senior entering her fourth and final year with Hill Communications. Studying public relations and global political economy, Jessica is passionate about bringing people’s stories to life and defying global barriers of language, culture, and proximity through creative communication. At Hill Communications, Jessica has had the privilege of producing a large array of work for a wide range of clients: a website redesign for a non-profit, social media content for a book launch, research and script-writing for an investment reporting firm and everything in between. This past summer, Jessica worked as an Event Marketing Intern at Special Events Management, creating promotional communications material for large-scale events in the Chicagoland area. In Jessica’s free time, she enjoys cooking, playing guitar, and spending time with her dog Toby. As Assistant Firm Director, Jessica is thrilled to contribute to Hill Communications’ long-standing commitment of high-quality work through high-quality commitment.
.jpg)
Jamie Marderstein
Assistant Firm Director
Jamie Marderstein is a senior studying Public Relations with minors in Marketing and Psychology. This past summer, she worked with Recess Creative as a PR and Marketing intern, developing social media content and campaign strategies for a diverse range of clients. Jamie is passionate about using intentional, impactful language to inspire others and make a positive difference. Over the past five semesters with Hill Communications, she has crafted innovative strategies for clients while forming meaningful relationships with fellow students. Now, as Assistant Firm Director, Jamie aims to promote effective communication between clients and the firm and to foster a positive, enthusiastic environment within the organization. When she’s not working, Jamie enjoys learning new creative hobbies, with jewelry making, crocheting, baking, and photography among her long-time favorites.
_JPG.jpg)
Margaret Brown
Director of Development
Margaret Brown is a senior dual majoring in Public Relations and Business Management. She joined Hill Communications in the fall of her freshman year as an intern and served as Co-Director of Programming during her junior year. Now, as this year’s Director of Development, she’s eager to meet the incoming class of interns and expand the program—creating meaningful learning and networking opportunities for all firm members. Margaret has explored various sectors of PR through internships at Autumn Communications and Joele Frank, and by working as a writer for Syracuse University’s Marketing Department. She’s passionate about helping others grow and hopes to carry on the incredible experience built by the firm’s past leaders as she enters her final year. When she’s not working or brainstorming new initiatives, Margaret loves talking about her adorable dogs (shoutout to Luna, Dolly, and Benito—she will show you pictures, even if you don’t ask). She’s also a big fan of Pinterest mood boards and a good shopping trip!
.png)
Ben Bascuk
Director of Programming
Ben Bascuk is a junior studying broadcast and digital journalism and policy studies, with a financial investor communications emphasis. He joined the firm as a freshman intern in January 2024, later working as an account associate for GreenHill Investment Reporting and Princeton-Blairstown. In this role, he aims to expand the firm’s social and professional programming while strengthening connections with alumni and industry professionals. This past summer, he gained experience at WTOL and WTVG in Toledo, Ohio. Ben has a background in political and business reporting, executive producing and television news. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, traveling and going to concerts!
.png)
Ella Mathas
Director of Internal and External Communications
Ella Mathas is a Senior at Syracuse University pursuing a dual degree in Public Relations and Marketing with a minor in Psychology. She began her journey with the firm as an Account Associate in the fall of 2023. This past summer, Ella interned at The Scout Guide, a print and digital publication that highlights and supports small businesses, entrepreneurs, and local artists in cities across the U.S., helping them connect with their communities and grow their brands. As this year’s Director of Internal and External Communications, Ella is dedicated to fostering collaboration and producing high-quality work for both clients and firm members. She brings strong leadership skills from her past experiences in student organizations. Ella also serves as Vice President and Editor of If You’re Reading This Syracuse, where she helps create a compassionate mental health community through written letters. In her free time, Ella enjoys reading, making music playlists, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs.
.jpg)
Dean Lourenco
Executive Creative Director
Dean Lourenco is a senior at Syracuse University pursuing a dual degree in Graphic Design and Information Management & Technology. Since joining Hill Communications as a sophomore, he has grown into a leadership role where he blends visual strategy with client-focused thinking. As Executive Creative Director, Dean is passionate about mentoring a close-knit team, driving innovative design solutions, and fostering collaboration across the firm. He leads with curiosity, always encouraging his team to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and push the boundaries of what creative can do.
Ethan Rujak
Executive Creative Director
Ethan Rujak is entering his junior year at SU, where he is majoring in Graphic Design. Since joining the Hill Comm Creative Team as a freshman, Ethan has developed a deep passion for design and marketing. He is eager to broaden his expertise across all areas of communications and digital marketing. Ethan is interning at Lembra Digital, a digital marketing company, where he designs logos, websites, and social media posts for clients. Additionally, he serves as a Graphic Designer for the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, collaborating with the communications team to create engaging social media content. Ethan is dedicated to advancing his career in graphic design and marketing while at SU, and is currently in his second year as the Executive Creative Director for Hill Comm. Ethan looks forward to expanding the client base and further developing his creative team.