Who We Are

Partner & CEO

Stephanie Grasmick

As a partner and CEO, Stephanie oversees the organizational functions of RTI in addition to managing digital media for a portfolio of political and public affairs clients, including FWD.us, DCCC, NDRC and House Majority PAC. Her work frequency focuses on the intersection of digital measurement, data visualization and automation, and she frequently collaborates on cutting-edge studies of digital media in elections. Prior to joining Rising Tide in 2011, Stephanie served as a press aide in the U.S. Senate, digital content producer at DMG World Media, and deputy new media director at the DCCC. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Journalism in Strategic Communication from the University of Missouri, and is a proud Tortilla Coast alumna, gardener, and road trip enthusiast.

Founding Partner

Eli Kaplan

Rolling Stone Magazine has recognized Eli as a millennial who is “making a mark” on how the left wins elections. That’s because for the past 12 years, Eli has been at the forefront of digital marketing innovations in Democratic politics. As a founding partner of both Rising Tide Interactive and DSPolitical, he’s pioneered some of the best practices for using “big data” in the world of online political advertising — both for email acquisition and fundraising, and for voter persuasion and mobilization. He’s helped Democrats win some of the most hard-fought political races in the country — including U.S. Senate and gubernatorial contests in Colorado, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and more. Prior to founding Rising Tide Interactive, Eli managed digital media operations for a series of extremely competitive statewide political campaigns. He’s been honored with awards by the Association of American Political Consultants and Campaigns & Elections magazine.  He’s spoken at conferences such as AdMonsters OPS, Netroots Nation, and CampaignTech, and guest-lectured at his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania.

Partner

Annie Levene

Under Annie’s leadership, Rising Tide Interactive has guided clients to develop both cutting-edge digital creative that is authentic and effective and media programs that reach, persuade, and turn out critical voters. Annie has carved a niche by building winning strategies in tough races, including executing the digital persuasion and GOTV programs for Senators Jacky Rosen, Kyrsten Sinema, Heidi Heitkamp, and Jeanne Shaheen. Annie has also run digital strategy for the successful reelection campaigns of Governor Kate Brown and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, as well as for Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Senate and presidential campaigns. Annie is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

Media Planner

Adele Ackert

As a Media Planner, Adele builds and implements media plans for a range of political candidates and advocacy organizations. During the 2020 cycle, Adele managed persuasion plans for clients including MJ Hegar, Mark Warner and Sharice Davids and GOTV efforts in the Georgia runoffs for Voto Latino. Raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Adele moved to D.C. to study political communication at American University. Outside of work Adele can be found drinking iced coffee no matter the weather.

Account Manager

Jolina Blier

As an Account Manager, Jolina works with clients to devise successful digital media strategies for their advertising and email programs. Prior to joining RTI, her career was focused on fundraising for nonprofit organizations, having most recently worked in multi-channel direct marketing for Save the Children. Originally from Massachusetts, Jolina holds a B.A. in International Business from Western New England University and an M.A. in International Affairs from The New School. When not brainstorming new digital marketing ideas, you can find her exploring the city, thinking up new DIY projects, and counting down the days until the next Patriots game.

Content Strategist

Amy Bolick

As a content strategist, Amy writes compelling fundraising and persuasion messages for our clients. Before coming to RTI, Amy worked as a program manager at a statewide nonprofit in Florida, and she spent two cycles managing campaigns in Florida, including a winning state legislative race in a conservative district. Amy is a Philadelphia native, a beagle enthusiast, and holds a Master’s in Rhetoric, Professional, and Technical Writing.

Graphic Designer

Bailey Bradford

Bailey is a Graphic Designer at Rising Tide Interactive, excited to be working at the intersection of design and politics. He is a native of Denver and a graduate of Georgetown University with a B.A. in Government and Sociology. While not designing, he’s busy daydreaming about hiking in the Rockies or trying to curate the perfect playlist.

Director of Human Resources

Touré Bridges

As the Director of Human Resources, Touré promotes and implements human resources values by planning and managing human resources programs, employee relations, the employee life cycle, benefits administration, employee programs and initiatives, compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and office management. Originally from New Jersey, he moved to Washington, D.C. to study at Howard University and has 7+ years in human resources. Outside of the office, Touré enjoys trying new brunch restaurants, playing with his cavapoo Wesley, and spending quality time with friends.

Lead Strategist

Rachel Clark

Rachel comes to the Lead Strategist role with experience developing digital fundraising, persuasion, and advocacy strategies to win hearts, minds, and elections across the country. Previously, she was a strategist at Veracity Media, grew the national digital advocacy program at the Afterschool Alliance, and dabbled in direct mail at Convergence Targeted Communications. Rachel graduated summa cum laude from Stony Brook University. As a proud Central New York native, her hobbies include bumming rides to Wegmans.

Operations Assistant

Nina Darby

As an Operations Assistant, Nina handles the daily operations for RTI. She assists with orientation, onboarding, and off boarding tasks.  She also maintains digital filing systems, current HR files, and HRIS systems.  Nina has a BA of Mass Communications from Rust College and a MS of Communication Specialist from Alabama A&M University. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and in her spare time she likes to write, go to brunch and hang out with her friends and family.

Accounting Clerk

Jackeline Denman

Hello, my name is Jackie and I am an Accounting Clerk here at RTI. I am responsible for financial recordkeeping, preparing and sending invoices, maintaining the accounting logs up to date, and recording electronic payments. Prior to working at RTI, I worked at quikrete as an AP clerk where I then decided to continue my education and get a degree in Accounting. I anticipate graduating with an Associates Degree this year. In my spare time, I enjoy watching makeup tutorials and practicing on myself and trying new places to eat.

Associate Director, Client Strategy

Steph Densberger

Steph finds innovative offerings to help her clients raise money, make an impact, and win. She has worked with advocacy organizations, nonprofits, and many red-state Democrats. Steph is originally from Indiana and prefers walking as a form of transportation.

Digital Consultant

Cassie Doyle

Digital Production Manager

Samreena Farooqui

Sam ensures email campaigns at RTI go off without a hitch. She got her start in the progressive sphere through grassroots issues organizing for reproductive justice, mental health advocacy, evidence-based policy, and the separation of church and state. Before coming to RTI, she worked in digital, writing emails and/or managing social media for several organizations in the nonprofit sector. In her free time, Sam likes to patronize local establishments, go to shows, do various art things, and talk too much (or just enough?) about psychosociological/sociopolitical phenomena.

Vice President, Creative

Amanda Gravely

Amanda leads our Content, Design, Video, and Production teams, managing projects from concept to execution. With a background in graphic design and creative direction, she specializes in high impact digital-first creative that drives people to action. Amanda has led creative for 15+ Senatorial candidates, 15+ Congressional candidates, 10 Democratic party committees, 15+ non-profit organizations, and 40+ GOTV efforts since 2014. Most of her time outside of work is spent managing her cat Pepper’s social media presence.

Senior Account Manager

Jordan Harris

As a Senior Account Manager, Jordan is an experienced digital media strategist for online advertising and email programs. Jordan has worked on top-flight digital programs for the Democratic Party of Virginia, Mark Warner for Senate, Amy for America, the DCCC, and an independent persuasion experiment that helped flip Wisconsin in the 2020 presidential election. Prior to working at RTI, Jordan worked on a congressional campaign in Virginia’s 5th district and interned at the Virginia General Assembly. Out of the office, he enjoys playing sports, cooking new meals, and watching UVA basketball games (Go Hoos!).

Senior Graphic Designer

Krista Hunsicker

Krista is a Senior Graphic Designer on our Creative Team who believes in using clever solutions and great design to influence people for the betterment of society. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Central Florida. Krista is a cinephile (lover of films) and enjoys watching the Oscars every year and being inspired by the title sequences. She is a proud geek and thinks that trivia knowledge is a superpower.

Graphic Designer

Jacqueline Juengst

Jacqueline is a designer on the creative team who strives to engage audiences with compelling graphics across platforms. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design. When not visiting museums around town, she enjoys curling up with a hot cup of tea.

Media Planner

Nina Kaplan

Nina is a Media Planner at RTI. Prior to working at RTI, she worked at Amedia Strategy focusing on multi-medium media planning and buying. Born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, Nina moved to D.C. to study public relations and strategic communications at American University. Outside of work, Nina enjoys hiking with her dog, cooking, and traveling.

Junior Accountant

Maggie Kasa

Associate Director of Client Strategy

Neeraja Koneru

Neeraja has led strategy and execution of digital campaigns for clients in both the non-profit and for-profit worlds for years successfully executing on a range of strategies including: sales growth, email list growth, and fundraising. As a marketing thought leader, she’s also led educational webinars with SEMPO, and published blog posts with a number of organizations including Marketing Land. Neeraja is from Austin where she received her B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. She enjoys reading, Scrabble, standup, & spicy food.

Vice President, Client Strategy

Brian Krebs

Brian helps clients achieve their goals by tapping into his expertise in fundraising, media, and integrating staff into organizations. During his two-cycle stint at the DCCC, Brian created a first-of-its-kind ads team for the historic 2018 cycle and also built the committee’s inaugural team of regional digital directors. Brian has worked on the ground on top-tier U.S. Senate races in Colorado and Missouri; and prior to his career in politics, he was an editor at The Huffington Post’s Patch.com. He holds a Bachelors of Journalism from the University of Missouri. Offline, Brian enjoys spending time outdoors and trying not to kill his houseplants.

Creative Traffic Manager

Sara Loeb

Sara has over 6 years of experience in project management and creative scheduling. As Creative Traffic Manager, she manages the graphic design, video production, and content strategy teams’ workload and schedules. She also works to optimize the internal process to create a better workflow experience. You can usually catch her hosting a board game night with friends or reading her next book club pick in her free time.

Content Strategist

Colton Long

As a content strategist, Colton writes spicy copy for RTI’s clients. He’s worked for presidential, senatorial, gubernatorial, and congressional campaigns, as well as the Democratic Party of Georgia, the DCCC, and House Majority PAC. Previously, he was a writer at a consulting firm during the 2018 midterms. He also interned in the U.S. Senate, where he spilled pizza sauce on his tie in front of Jon Tester. Originally from the Philly suburbs, Colton holds undergrad degrees in political science and philosophy and a M.A. from American University. Outside RTI, you can find him in the gym, writing fiction at 2 a.m., or promoting the Gospel of Gritty.

Senior Content Strategist

Helen Luryi

As RTI’s Senior Content Strategist, Helen conceptualizes campaigns and produces content for progressive candidates and organizations. At RTI Helen has worked with presidential, gubernatorial, Senate, and House campaigns. She got her start in the digital political space as a Senior Writer for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Previous to that, she worked for a series of policy and advocacy organizations focused on women’s and workers’ rights.

Senior Digital Production Associate

Alexandra McCabe

As a Senior Digital Production Associate, Ali’s role at RTI is to take the final step from digital strategy to what you see in your inbox. She cut her political teeth as an intern at RTI after working in communications for the nonprofit sector and graduating from York College of Pennsylvania with a degree in writing. When not engrossed in Twitter, you can find her rambling Joshua Tree with her dogs or reading in her hammock.

Vice President, Media

Kelsey McLaughlin

As VP of Media, Kelsey manages RTI’s media planning and media buying/advertising operations teams, leading both strategy and implementation for digital persuasion, turnout and awareness campaigns. She’s worked on clients ranging from the DCCC’s persuasion efforts in 2020, to presidential campaigns and top-tier Senate races, including flipping Nevada blue by electing Jacky Rosen in 2018. Kelsey is based in San Francisco, and recently came in last place in her team’s chia pet growing competition.

Associate Director of Video Production

Germain McCarthy

Germain leads RTI’s video team. Having worked in both traditional and political advertising, he strives to create ads that are both data-driven and outside of the box. He graduated from Spring Hill College with a Public Relations & Advertising degree with an emphasis in Media Production. When not riding Lime scooters around DC, he loves playing with his golden retriever, trying new foods, and going to local sporting events.

Account Manager

Matt Medeiros

As an Account Manager, Matt is the main point of contact for clients, and he manages the digital media strategy for online advertising and email fundraising. He previously worked at RTI as an Advertising Operations Specialist and as a Digital Intern. Originally from Massachusetts, he moved to DC to study Political Science and History at the George Washington University. In his free time, Matt likes to play music, listen to podcasts, and bike to coffee shops around D.C.

Strategy Associate

Anna Luiza Mendonca

As a Strategy Associate, Anna Luiza is responsible for evaluating the performance of clients’ email and advertising programs. Prior to joining RTI, Anna Luiza received her B.A. in Political Sciences from Bates College, and interned at Fenton Communications, BBDO, and CP+B. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her cat Agatha and attempting to recreate Great British Baking Show recipes to little or no success.

Account Manager

Lidya Mesgna

As an Account Manager, Lidya works with clients to implement successful digital media strategies for their advertising and email programs. Prior to joining the team, she served as the Social Media Director on the 2019 Mississippi Democratic gubernatorial campaign and as a Digital Campaigns Associate at Blueprint Interactive during the 2018 cycle. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends, watching movies in theaters, and drinking tea. Lidya holds a B.A. in International Studies from Boston College.

Strategy Associate

Annelise Miranda

Lead Strategist

Emily Perlstein

Emily is a Lead Strategist at RTI, where she spearheads innovative email and digital ad programs for her clients. Prior to her time at RTI, she worked with the digital teams at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Ready for Hillary PAC. Emily holds Bachelors degrees in Political Communications and History from the George Washington University. A Midwesterner at heart, Emily has spent the last few years in DC fueled by nitro cold brew, aperol spritzes, and Fleetwood Mac.

Senior Advertising Operations Manager

Fabio Rubiera

As Senior Advertising Operations Manager, Fabio oversees the creation and maintenance of digital ads for all of RTI’s clients, including two presidential campaigns and a national voter registration effort. Before joining RTI, he managed digital marketing campaigns for hospitality and automotive clients and studied political science at Florida International University. Outside of work, Fabio likes to write, play, and record his own music.

Senior Account Manager

Mihika Sapru

As Senior Account Manager, Mihika leads the implementation of strategic digital programs for her clients. In the 2020 cycle, Mihika managed persuasion programs for the DCCC IE, turnout programs for the Voter Participation Center, and top-flight national digital campaigns for FWD.us and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Mihika’s background is in digital strategy and culture change, spearheading storytelling campaigns around gender-based violence and immigrant justice. In her spare time, you can find Mihika updating an extensive tracker of DC restaurants and bars, planning her next trip, and binge-watching procedural dramas. Mihika holds degrees from Georgetown University and New York University.

Account Manager

Lydia Schwartz

As an Account Manager, Lydia is responsible for evaluating the performance of clients’ email and advertising programs. Originally from DC, she’s been touting the Democratic party and debating abortion rights since she was in the 3rd grade. If she’s not in the office then she’s probably spending time with friends.

Advertising Operations Manager

Maheen Shahid

As Advertising Operations Manager, Maheen trafficks ads on a variety of digital platforms and advises on platform-specific best practices. Their background includes growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, a degree in Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University, and freelanced social media management. When not facing another obscure Facebook error, you can find Maheen enjoying Pan-Asian cuisine, curating her vintage glassware collection, and stanning Beyoncé.

Account Manager

Chloe Stavrianos

As an Account Manager, Chloe is responsible for managing digital media strategy for clients’ email and advertising programs. Originally from Maryland, she studied Political Science at American University and interned at RTI before starting work here full time. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and volunteering for Democratic candidates.

Vice President, Client Strategy

Jake Sticka

As Vice President of Client Strategy at RTI, Jake works with our client-facing teams to find digital solutions that meet our clients’ needs. Since joining the firm in 2014, Jake has led innovative digital campaigns for national nonprofits (like the Southern Poverty Law Center), issue advocacy organizations (including FWD.us and the National Democratic Redistricting Committee), and political groups (like the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee).  During the 2020 cycle, Jake took a leave of absence from the firm to serve as Digital Director and Paid Media Advisor for Amy Klobuchar’s presidential campaign. Under Jake’s leadership, the campaign executed a digital program grounded in authentic content, data-driven strategy and innovative tactics, ultimately raising more than $42 million online.  Jake is a native of San Diego, a graduate of Georgetown University, a suffering fan of Padres baseball and Hoyas basketball, and a minigolf enthusiast.

Content Strategist

Blake Stump

As a Content Strategist, Blake drafts the content driving our clients’ online fundraising programs. Prior to coming to RTI, Blake interned with the Senate Budget Committee and worked on Congressional campaigns in Texas and Virginia. He has a degree in Communication Studies from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he grew up. In his free time, you can usually find him watching Netflix, catching up on the news, or playing video games.

Director of Accounting

Monica Summers

Monica is the Director of Accounting at RTI.  She handles the day-to-day financial operations, maintains financial records, and performs general bookkeeping functions.  Monica has 8+ years of accounting experience. Prior to coming to RTI she performed accounting functions for a large government contracting research corporation with a concentration in the advancement of space and science technology.  Monica is an avid roller skater and a die-hard Redskins fan. She also enjoys cooking, jewelry making and interior decorating.

Account Manager

Julia Trainor

As an Account Manager, Julia evaluates email and advertising performance for clients’ campaigns. She holds a B.A. in public relations and political science from Syracuse University. Prior to joining RTI, she worked on a mayoral race in Syracuse and researched gender and politics for her undergraduate thesis. In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, running, and hanging out with other people’s dogs (while wishing she had her own).

Executive Assistant

India Waller

India joins RTI as the Executive Assistant. She supports the Partners and works directly with leadership on day-to-day operations and special projects. India has six years of administrative, executive, and office management experience in both the private & public sectors. Prior to RTI, India served as the Executive Assistant at Chalkbeat.  A Maryland native, India received her B.A. from Salisbury University and MPA from The University of Baltimore. Outside of work, India loves bartending and shopping.

Lead Strategist

Sam Wines

Sam comes to the Lead Strategist role with a background in digital fundraising. Prior to working at Rising Tide, she managed email fundraising programs for nonprofits at M+R. That is where she also discovered her love for pivot tables. In her free time, Sam likes to play viola in her community orchestra, rock climb, and stay active in Arlington politics.