Who We Are

Partner

Stephanie Grasmick

In recent cycles, Stephanie has served as the chief digital strategist on campaigns, independent expenditure programs and ballot initiatives from the national to the local level, and she currently manages digital media for a portfolio of political and public affairs clients, including FWD.us, Rewiring America, Unite Here, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2021, she led RTI’s Voters and Media Survey, analyzing changing media consumption patterns among both persuadable likely voters and first-time voters. Her work frequently 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 can usually be found in front of a fire or under a blanket.

Partner, Creative

Amanda Gravely

For the past decade Amanda has led RTI’s creative department made up of Design, Video, and Content Strategy teams. With a background in graphic design and creative direction, she specializes in high-impact, digital-first creative that drives people to action. Amanda manages RTI’s creative projects from concept to execution. She oversaw Reed award-winning creative for Jacky Rosen’s successful Senate campaign in 2018 and Pollie award-winning creative for Giffords in 2020. In her 5+ cycles of political creative work, she’s led creative for: 35+ PACs, independent expenditures, and Democratic party committees; 35+ Senate, gubernatorial, and congressional candidates; and 40+ GOTV efforts. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Radford University. Most of her time outside of work is spent managing her cat Pepper’s social media presence.

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, as well as the Independent Expenditure programs for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, End Citizens United and 314 Action. Annie has also run digital strategy for the successful reelection of Governors Kate Brown and Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Mark Kelly, as well as for Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Senate and presidential campaigns.

Video and Motion Graphics Editor

Andrea Abtahi

Hi there, I’m Andrea – a video editor and motion designer for the next few months here at Rising Tide. I’ve been based out of Chicago for the past ten years and my background is with agency and post-production work. I have experience in previous Democratic election cycles, and I’m excited to contribute to such a critical election year. I love my rescue pets (Pancake and Margaux) and volunteering with animals.

Video and Motion Graphics Editor

Jose Rodrigo Gomez Tagle Angulo

Hello! I’m a video and motion graphics editor at Rising Tide Interactive helping develop informative and persuasive ads for various organizations and campaigns. I hold a Digital Arts and Design degree from Full Sail University and have worked in political advertising since 2020. When I’m not busy working, you’ll often find me practicing photography, pursuing and obsessing over new creative outlets, or catching up on the latest anime, films, and video games.

Account Manager

Akash Apte

As an Account Manager, Akash helps craft and execute effective digital strategies for a variety of political and non-profit clients. Prior to joining RTI, Akash worked in digital fundraising for progressive campaigns, helping secure the Senate for Democrats in 2022 and raising funds for aid efforts in the wake of global crises. Outside of work, Akash enjoys making music, cooking, and biking aimlessly around DC.

Associate Director of Content Strategy

Amy Bolick

As Associate Director of Content Strategy, Amy specializes in crafting high-impact fundraising and persuasion copy at the pace of campaigns. She’s written for a wide range of clients including the DCCC, House Majority PAC, Senator Amy Klobuchar,  Congresswoman Sharice Davids, World Central Kitchen, and even celebrities like Amy Poehler. Amy is a Philadelphia native (Go Iggles!), holds a Master’s Degree in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of South Florida, and currently lives in Baltimore with her wife and their barky beagle, Franklin.

Client Strategy Associate

Kylie Brown

Kylie is a Client Strategy Associate involved in developing digital strategies for our clients. She specializes in compiling data, reporting results, and addressing client needs. Her passion for politics started at the age of seven when her mother took her canvassing for the first time. Since then, Kylie has campaigned for over 100 different candidates and causes across the country.

Currently residing in the DMV area with her husband, Josh, and two rescue dogs, Lady Diana and Herbert Hoover, Kylie is pursuing her Master’s in Political Management at George Washington University. Her passion is putting the right people in office to guide our country toward a more equitable future.

Director of Client Strategy

Rachel Clark

As Director of Client Strategy, Rachel leads innovative digital persuasion, mobilization, and fundraising campaigns to achieve her clients’ goals. She’s raised millions of dollars online for organizations including World Central Kitchen and the DCCC and led digital persuasion campaigns to reelect Reps. Sharice Davids and Greg Stanton, sway swing voters in Wisconsin and Iowa, and pass a public health care option in Nevada. Rachel is a proud native of Central New York and a graduate of Stony Brook University. One time she won on Jeopardy.

Director of 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.

Content Strategist

Sydney Dion-Martel

As a Content Strategist, Sydney has crafted fundraising emails for a pro-immigration PAC and campaigns in battleground states. She completed her undergraduate degree in politics at McGill University in Montreal, and moved to DC in order to obtain a Master’s in Political Communications from American University, where she specialized in the topic of split-ticket voting. Outside of work, she loves watching early 00s rom coms, and discovering new restaurants with her friends.

Media Planning and Advertising Associate

Aisha Farooqui

Aisha is a Media Planning and Advertising Associate. Working on campaigns for Potential Energy Coalition, Rosen for Senate, and the HUB, she facilitates campaign launches and coordinates with vendors and other members of the RTI Media Team to keep them going. Having graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Psychology, she brings a passion for social issues and dynamics to RTI. On her off-time, Aisha enjoys visiting DC museums and parks as well as diving into the local music scene.

Production Operations Manager

Leslie Feliz

As Production Operations Manager at Rising Tide Interactive, Leslie ensures seamless project execution, optimizes workflows, and coordinates teams efficiently. With extensive experience managing creative teams across diverse industries, Leslie establishes structured workflows and departmental organization. Holding a degree in Visual Arts with a minor in Communications, she cherishes simplicity and embraces creativity. Beyond work, Leslie enjoys exploring cuisines, creative expressions, and quality time with loved ones.

Lead Media Strategist

Alexander Gopaul

With several years of progressive digital marketing experience, Alex serves as Rising Tide’s Lead Media Strategist. Skillfully navigating digital media programs, Alex translates client objectives into impactful strategies encompassing Get Out the Vote, awareness, and persuasion initiatives. Holding a Masters in Digital Marketing from Rutgers, Alex’s expertise was honed through leading media strategies for United for Democracy, Environmental Defense Fund, All Voting is Local, Climate Power, NFL and Nickelodeon. Beyond the office, Alex actively contributes as a board member for the DC Chapter of Gift of Adoption, aiding in fundraising efforts to provide adoption grants to families seeking to adopt. Additionally, Alex is a dedicated member of Food not Bombs, a mutual aid group providing essential support to the unhoused community in DC.

Associate Director of Video Production

Kristen Grosshans

Kristen is a video production expert with nearly a decade of agency and corporate experience focusing predominantly in health communications. She has cut video ads and created content for national health organizations including the NIH, as well as developed social content for advocacy groups focusing on issues from reproductive rights to fighting surprise medical billing. Kristen has managed crews of up to 20 people and directed on sets ranging from single camera intimate productions to multi day, multi episode series. Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science in Media Production from Radford University.

Associate Director of Client Strategy

Jordan Harris

As Associate Director of Client Strategy, Jordan has experience managing digital media programs and turning client goals into actionable strategies for 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!).

Associate Design Director

Krista Hunsicker

As an Associate Design Director, Krista delivers clever results and great design strategy to influence people for the betterment of society. She holds a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Central Florida and has worked in various design roles at RTI since 2016, helping to pass legislation for orgs like NDRC, DCCC, and 314 Action, helping to elect Steve Bullock Governor of Montana, Jacky Rosen as Senator of Nevada, reelect Stephanie Murphy as a House member, and many more. Krista is a cinephile, enjoys watching the Oscars every year, and being inspired by old movie title sequences. She is a proud geek, halloween enthusiast, and thinks that trivia knowledge is a superpower.

Account Manager

Nadia Jaferey

Nadia worked for a variety of progressive campaigns electing Democrats at the local, state, and national level before joining the team at RTI. Nadia is a graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston, where she graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and a concentration in International Relations & Comparative Politics. She has almost a decade of experience in marketing, grasstops organizing, and campaign management. As an Account Manager at RTI, Nadia is responsible for managing digital media strategy for clients’ email and advertising programs. In her free time, you can find her browsing the shelves at local bookstores, exploring history museums, playing around in Photoshop, and checking out new restaurants she found on Yelp.

Account Manager

Bronson Kamei

As an Account Manager, Bronson is an integral part of the strategic development and execution of direct response campaigns. Whether it’s raising millions of dollars or registering thousands of voters, he has a proven track record of helping clients drive action online. Bronson was born and raised in Southern California; despite this, he (mostly) manages to refrain from criticizing DC’s weather or its Mexican food.

Director of Media

Nina Kaplan

Nina is RTI’s Director of Media focused on creating, implementing, and analyzing digital campaigns for a range of political candidates and advocacy organizations including NDRC, Be Change Now, Southern Poverty Law Center, DCCC, and Voting Rights Lab. Nina moved from Massachusetts to study strategic communications at American University. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and hiking with her dog.

Vice President, Client Strategy

Neeraja Koneru

Neeraja has nearly a decade of experience leading the strategy and execution of digital campaigns. As the Vice President of our Client Strategy department, she handles some of our biggest online fundraising, voter persuasion, and Get Out The Vote programs. She worked with the Democratic Party of Georgia to help raise record-breaking amounts of money online prior to the January 2021 runoffs as well as to lead a digital turnout program that helped flip the U.S. Senate. In 2020, she led voter persuasion efforts in Wisconsin that hurt Donald Trump’s numbers. And, in 2018, she led the digital persuasion efforts that helped Governor Whitmer flip the governorship of Michigan blue. Additionally, she has worked with organizations and campaigns including Southern Poverty Law Center, National Democratic Redistricting Committee, Texas Democratic Party, and MJ for Texas to help raise millions of dollars online.

Neeraja is from Austin where she attended the University of Texas at Austin. She enjoys Scrabble, standup, spicy food, and Slack emojis.

Director of Human Resources and Operations

Blake Kubin

Blake is the Director of Human Resources and Operations at RTI, where he works to manage and improve the employee experience. He got his start working in operations on numerous political campaigns, including Pete Buttigieg’s historic 2020 presidential run, and most recently in his home state of Virginia. Blake graduated from the George Washington University with a BA in Economics and Political Science focused on Public Policy.

Video and Motion Graphics Editor

Jon Lim

Jon is an award-winning multimedia producer and motion designer with over seven years of experience. In 2018, he stepped into the world of political advertising, focusing on GOTV initiatives and voter education. He’s produced numerous digital spots for various progressive initiatives and campaigns, such as ACLU, Amy for America, Dr. Barbara Bollier for U.S. Senate, Clean Missouri, and Vote.PA. From 2014 to 2017, he worked at a global nonprofit called Unbound, bringing stories from families in 19 different countries through multimedia projects. Some of his key projects at Unbound have been recognized at places like HOW Design Magazine, Non-profit Connect, and TEDxKC. Jon holds a Bachelor of Fine Art in Digital Filmmaking from Kansas City Art Institute.

Lead Media Strategist

Chloe Stavrianos

As a Lead Media Strategist, Chloe is responsible for creating, implementing, and analyzing media plans to ensure we deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time. Originally from nearby Rockville, Maryland; she studied Political Science at American University and worked in RTI’s Client Strategy department for two election cycles before joining the media team. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, running, and exploring DC’s restaurants and museums with friends.

Media Planner

Alex Hirsch

Alex is a Media Planner with RTI, responsible for building, implementing, and leading digital media plans for campaigns. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration. Alex has worked many election cycles helping non-profit organizations, congressional campaigns, and local elected officials to thrive in competitive digital spaces. He moved to Washington D.C. from New York City in order to make a bigger mark on the political landscape.

Media and Advertising Associate

Carlos Lopez

Carlos Lopez, a Media and Advertising Associate, brings a passion for media analysis and design. He oversees digital ad campaigns for RTI’s clients, having graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021 with a degree in Media Analysis and Design. Beyond work, he enjoys discovering music, attending concerts, and in 2018, Carlos completed a week-long drive around Iceland’s perimeter. He also indulges his love for music production, boasting an extensive record collection of 167 records!

Account Manager

Nick Marshall

As an Account Manager at RTI, Nick serves as the day-to-day contact for clients and is responsible for managing clients’ digital campaigns. Previously, Nick worked at Purple Strategies where he helped execute multifaceted communications campaigns. He also worked as an Advance Associate at The White House, ensuring that the President’s speaking events went off without a hitch. In his free time, Nick enjoys spending time outdoors, playing golf, and cheering on the Boston sports teams.

Client Strategy Associate

Matt McGee

As a Client Strategy Associate, Matt produces the emails and assists with digital strategy for several progressive campaigns and organizations. Prior to joining RTI, Matt worked with other progressive organizations, with a particular focus on combating economic inequality, rethinking traditional corporate hierarchy, and advocating against pseudoscientific encroachments on public policy. Matt is a 2016 graduate of Syracuse University in New York, where he studied Information Management & Technology and Philosophy. Outside of work, Matt enjoys writing and listening to rock music and playing video games with friends.

Account Manager

Annelise Miranda

As an Account Manager Annelise serves as the day-to-day contact for clients and manages the execution of their digital strategy in email and advertising programs. In her time at RTI, she has developed new methods for reporting to provide clients with the most comprehensive and useful data analysis that can inform future decisions to meet client goals. Before joining our team, Annelise earned her B.A. in Politics from the University of Virginia. When not at work, she can usually be found experimenting with a new hobby, working through her list of local restaurants to try with friends, or aggressively checking social media.

Junior Designer

Asantewaa Kumi

Asantewaa “Aby” Kumi is a Junior Graphic Designer at Rising Tide Interactive, where she specializes in creating compelling visual work. She holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Her academic and professional background has provided her with extensive experience across various design disciplines, including editorial design and UX/UI. Outside of work, Aby enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, trivia, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Media and Advertising Associate

Kaamila Morrigan

Kaamila is a Media and Advertising Associate, focusing on advertising campaigns and digital asset management. She brings a Public Relations degree and experience in corporate communications and social media to the role. Outside work, Kaamila enjoys reading and traveling.

Associate Director of Client Strategy

Claire O’Brien

As Associate Director of Client Strategy, Claire has worked on persuasion, turnout, fundraising, and advocacy programs for clients like Jacky Rosen, Democratic Party of Georgia, and FWD.us. A graduate of George Mason University, Claire has previously worked in both the campaign and non-profit world, including with Hillary for America, the Ohio Democratic Party, and Demand Justice. In her free time she can be found reading, testing new recipes, and hanging out with her menagerie of pets.

Staff Accountant

Maggie Paja

As a Staff Accountant, Maggie supports the day-to-day operational activities of the firm’s accounts receivable and accounts payable functions. She also handles all accounting inquiries and requests from the client and media team. 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 loves visiting local coffee shops on the weekends with her pup, Enzo, or you can find her lifting in the gym.

Lead Strategist

Kathryn Requa

As a Lead Strategist, Katie is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of cutting edge digital campaign strategies for her clients. Katie draws from nearly a decade of previous experiences in Democratic campaigns and progressive tech to bring innovative and advanced solutions to her programs. During her time at RTI, Katie has helped build high profile digital programs that include Charlie Crist for Governor, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and Science Moms. She holds a B.A  in Political Science from Southern Oregon University and a MA in Political Management from The George Washington University.

Director of Advertising Operations

Fabio Rubiera

Fabio joined RTI in 2018 as the company’s first ad ops specialist and has since grown to lead the team responsible for creating and maintaining digital ad campaigns for all our clients. The Ad Ops team ensures that ad campaigns effectively execute the client’s digital strategy by following platform specific data driven best practices and works closely with the Client Strategy department to build, launch, and optimize these campaigns. He has worked in digital marketing since 2014, previously in the hospitality and automotive sectors. He graduated from Florida International University with a degree in political science. In his free time, Fabio enjoys watching historical documentaries and keeping up with the DC local music scene.

Account Manager

Kennesha Saunders

Kennesha Saunders is an Account Manager with the Client Strategy team. In her role, she acts as the main point of contact between clients and oversees the implementation of high-level digital campaign strategies. Kennesha was born and raised in Washington, DC. With a Bachelors in Political Science from Georgia Southern University and a Masters of Professional Science in Applied Tech Management from Georgetown University, she is looking forward to merging both worlds. Previously she has contributed to the marketing strategies of companies such as WarnerMedia, 2U, and the Smithsonian.

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.

Client Strategy Associate

Claire Sloat

Claire is a Client Strategy Account Associate at RTI, where she collects data from digital campaigns and supports various clients’ needs and requests. Originally from Ohio, Claire graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Political Science. Claire has previously interned for multiple liberal organizations. In her free time, Claire enjoys watching movies and traveling.

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.

Junior Designer

Kris Thorne

Kris is a Junior Designer at Rising Tide Interactive. Coming from a background in Illustration, Kris is a Graphic Designer that prioritizes creativity and visual storytelling within their designs. Graduated from the University of South Carolina in Beaufort with a B.A. in Studio Art, Kris is experienced in a variety of design, from branding, merchandising, and publishing. Beyond their professional life, Kris loves traveling, writing stories, and running their small Etsy business. Born in South Carolina, and happily a new permanent Virginia resident!

Media and Advertising Associate

Andrew Truhan

At RTI Andrew is a Media and Advertising Associate, where he assists the Media and Ad Operations Departments in trafficking and pacing digital campaigns. Prior to working at RTI Andrew worked for the David Trone for Senate campaign in the operations department, and as an intern in his Congressional office. Originally from New Jersey, Andrew recently graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University (Maryland) with a B.A. in Political Science. In his free time Andrew enjoys playing soccer and rooting for his Mountaineers basketball teams!