Meet Our Team
Who We Are
About Rising Tide
Rising Tide Interactive is a full-service digital marketing agency dedicated to using data-driven strategy to achieve results that matter for our clients. We build winning digital programs by marrying our clients’ unique stories and goals with top-notch design, compelling narrative, and precise targeting.
We specialize in a range of services including advertising, social media, email fundraising, video, and creative design.
Rising Tide Interactive is strongly committed to employing our knowledge of the internet to create positive change – helping candidates and organizations who focus on promoting social justice. And you can count on us to do it all: manage multi-million-dollar fundraising programs, recruit grassroots donors and activists, persuade and turn out key voters, and mobilize audiences big and small.
Stephanie Grasmick
Partner & CEO

Partner & CEO
Stephanie Grasmick
Stephanie is one of the premiere digital strategists in progressive politics. She currently manages digital media for a portfolio of political and public affairs clients, including FWD.us, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. In 2018, she served as the chief digital strategist on statewide campaigns and independent expenditure programs in Michigan, Colorado, Minnesota, Texas, Ohio and Indiana. Prior to joining Rising Tide in 2011, Stephanie served as a deputy press secretary in the U.S. Senate, digital content producer at DMG World Media, and deputy new media director at the DCCC.
Stephanie frequently collaborates on cutting-edge studies of digital media in elections, and her writing has been published in Roll Call. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism in Strategic Communication from the University of Missouri, and is a proud Tortilla Coast alum.
Eli Kaplan
Founding Partner

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.
Annie Levene
Partner

Partner
Annie Levene
Under Annie’s leadership, Rising Tide Interactive has guided clients to develop cutting-edge digital programs that raise millions of dollars through recruiting and engaging with grassroots donors and that reach, persuade, and turn out critical voters. Annie has carved a niche by building winning strategies for tough races, including serving as the lead digital strategist for 2018’s only Senate seat flips, Jacky Rosen and Kyrsten Sinema. Annie also ran digital strategy for the successful 2018 reelection campaigns of Governor Kate Brown, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy. Annie has personally directed programs for the Democratic Governors Association, Senator Chris Coons, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Senator Tim Kaine and is proud to have executed all fundraising and persuasion advertising campaigns for Senator Heidi Heitkamp’s come from behind victory in 2012. Annie holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan.
Adele Ackert
Media Planner

Media Planner
Adele Ackert
Adele is a Media Planner at RTI, responsible for building and implementing media plans for a range of political candidates and advocacy organizations. Prior to working at RTI, she worked at Revolution Messaging as a Digital Advertising Associate. Born and raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Adele moved to D.C. to study political communication at American University. Outside of work Adele enjoys camping, cooking, and listening to too much NPR.
Jolina Blier
Account Manager

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.

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.
Touré Bridges
HR Manager

HR Manager
Touré Bridges
As the HR Manager at RTI, Touré manages the employee life cycle, benefits administration, implementing employee programs and initiatives, and office management. Originally from New Jersey, he moved to DC to study at Howard University and has 6+ years in human resources. Outside of the office, Touré enjoys trying new brunch restaurants and spending quality time with friends.
Marlon Calliste
Account Manager

Account Manager
Marlon Calliste
As an Account Manager at Rising Tide Interactive, Marlon manages clients’ digital strategy, email, and advertising programs. Prior to joining RTI, Marlon worked on Democratic campaigns in Virginia and New York. He holds a Bachelor degree in English and Criminal Justice from the State University of New York at Oswego. In his spare time, Marlon likes to play soccer, read, and organize for grassroots politics.
Rachel Clark
Lead Strategist

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.
Nina Darby
Operations Assistant

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.
Jackeline Denman
Accounting Clerk

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.
Steph Densberger
Associate Director, Client Strategy

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.
Samreena Farooqui
Digital Production Manager

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.
Amanda Gravely
Vice President, Creative

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, 10+ Congressional candidates, 8 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.
Jordan Harris
Account Manager

Account Manager
Jordan Harris
As an Account Manager, Jordan manages digital media strategy for online advertising and email programs. Prior to joining RTI, he served as a Call Time Manager for a Democratic Congressional campaign in Virginia’s 5th District and interned for the Democratic Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates. Jordan graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Government. Out of the office, he enjoys playing sports, cooking new meals, and watching UVA basketball games (Go Hoos!).
Krista Hunsicker
Senior Graphic Designer

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.
Jacqueline Juengst
Graphic Designer

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.
Nina Kaplan
Media Planner

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.
Maggie Kasa
Junior Accountant

Junior Accountant
Maggie Kasa
As Junior Accountant, Maggie maintains records for the company and client accounts and assists with accounts payable and receivable. She started as an Operations/Accounting Intern at Rising Tide while getting her Business Administration degree with Finance specialization in University of Baltimore. In her free time, she likes to try new food places that she found on Yelp or you can find her lifting in the gym.
Neeraja Koneru
Associate Director of Client Strategy

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
As VP for Client Strategy, Brian helps clients achieve their goals by tapping into his digital expertise in fundraising, communications, and integrating staff into campaigns. In 2018, he conceptualized and planned a first-of-its-kind digital advertising team within the historic midterm DCCC Independent Expenditure. During his two-cycle stint at the DCCC, Brian also built the committee’s inaugural team of regional digital directors. Prior to coming to Washington, Brian served as Mark Udall’s digital director and Claire McCaskill’s deputy digital director. Before his career in politics, Brian was an editor and reporter at The Huffington Post’s Patch.com in Northern Virginia. He holds a Bachelors of Journalism from the University of Missouri.

Content Strategist
Colton Long
As a Content Strategist, Colton writes digital copy, deletes it, rewrites it, and then stares at it for ten minutes before hitting Send. In a former life he was a writer at a direct mail firm, worked on a primary campaign in Maryland, and interned for Sen. 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 or slaving over the first novel he’s written that’s not absolutely awful.
Helen Luryi
Senior Writer and Content Strategist

Senior Writer and Content Strategist
Helen Luryi
As RTI’s Senior Writer and Content Strategist, Helen conceptualizes campaigns and produces email content for progressive candidates and organizations. She got her start in email marketing 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. When she’s not brainstorming email ideas at odd hours, Helen is often engaging in some sort of activism or hanging out at the local dog park.
Alexandra McCabe
Senior Digital Production Associate

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.
Kelsey McLaughlin
Vice President, Media

Vice President, Media
Kelsey McLaughlin
Kelsey manages RTI’s media team and is based in San Francisco. She got her start in politics on President Obama’s 2008 campaign, and later served as digital director for No Labels, a non-profit political organization. Kelsey graduated with high honors and a Bachelor of Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Germain McCarthy
Associate Director of Video Production

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.
Matt Medeiros
Account Manager

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.
Anna Luiza Mendonca
Strategy Associate

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.
Lidya Mesgna
Account Manager

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.

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.
Fabio Rubiera
Senior Advertising Operations Manager

Senior Advertising Operations Manager
Fabio Rubiera
As Senior Advertising Operations Manager, Fabio’s work involves trafficking new ads on all advertising platforms as well as regular maintenance and quality assurance of ongoing ad campaigns. He studied Political Science at Florida International University in Miami, FL and has previously worked in digital advertising for the automotive and hospitality industries. In his free time he likes to listen to and play music, play video games, and go on hiking trips.
Mihika Sapru
Account Manager

Account Manager
Mihika Sapru
Mihika is an Account Manager at RTI. Prior to joining the team, she ran digital campaigns on issues related to gender-based violence and immigrant justice at Breakthrough, a global human rights organization. Mihika holds degrees from Georgetown University and New York University. In her spare time, you can find Mihika updating her extensive spreadsheet of DC restaurants, keeping up with global politics, or brewing Kombucha at home.
Lydia Schwartz
Strategy Associate

Strategy Associate
Lydia Schwartz
As a Strategy Associate, 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.
Maheen Shahid
Advertising Operations Associate

Advertising Operations Associate
Maheen Shahid
Maheen joins Rising Tide as an Advertising Operations Associate, trafficking digital advertising campaigns on a variety of advertising platforms. Born, raised, and informed just outside of the District, the ongoing bustle of the political arena is nothing new to them. With a degree in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and a track record of organizing for progressive causes dating back to the eighth grade, their measured commitment to social progression is lifelong. In between their duties at RTI and fawning over their cat, Maheen finds time to enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine, niche video essays, and 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, Client Strategy at RTI, Jake works with our client strategy team to find digital solutions that meet our clients’ needs. This is his fourth election cycle as a part of RTI’s team, where he previously led digital advertising efforts on a number of statewide campaigns and national nonprofits. 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.
Blake Stump
Content Strategist

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.
Monica Summers
Director of Accounting

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.
Julia Trainor
Strategy Associate

Strategy Associate
Julia Trainor
As a Strategy Associate, 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).
India Waller
Executive Assistant

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.

Account Manager
Reed Elman Waxham
Reed is Account Manager on the Client Strategy team at RTI, responsible for managing winning digital strategies for progressive candidates and causes. During the 2020 cycle, his persuasion work helped to secure the largest winning margin in a Honolulu mayoral race since 1980 and he helped to raise over $81 million online for the Democratic Party of Georgia, Amy for America, MJ for Texas, and 314 Action Fund. During the 2018 cycle, he was a digital media associate at HG Creative, where he was responsible for campaign strategy and digital engagement programs. Reed received his M.A. in Media & Strategic Political Communication and B.A. in Political Communication from the George Washington University. A dog lover, he volunteers as an adoptions coordinator with City Dogs Rescue.
Sam Wines
Lead Strategist

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.