Elizabeth MuchElizabeth Much, partner of Much and House Public Relations, was born and raised in Wilmette, Illinois (outside of Chicago) and received a B.A. in Communications from UCLA. Her previous public relations experience includes five years as vice-president of Wilkinson/Lipsman and over three years at Baker/Winokur/Ryder where she specialized in representing young actors. She also worked as an account executive at Davidson/Choy where she handled the openings of "Cats" and numerous other theatrical events. Much heads the talent division of Much and House. Her expertise in talent development and media relations is evident in her clientele ranging from Alicia Silverstone, Henry Simmons, Freddy Rodriguez, Jeff Garlin, Kate Walsh, Miguel Ferrer, etc. She has guided awards campaigns for her clients from the Emmys to the Golden Globes. Inspired by her cousin, Margie Korshak, a renowned Chicago publicist, Ms. Much knew from an early age that she wanted to be a publicist. "Public relations is the perfect career for me. It combines all of the things that I love to do -- writing, communicating, and traveling," she says. "I see the amazing effects that P.R. has provided for my clients and it is tremendously gratifying." She is also an active volunteer with Much Love Animal Rescue and serves on the Jewish Federation's Entertainment Division Steering Committee. She has contributed columns to the Jewish Journal's Single Life column. Sharon HouseSharon W. House has been a public relations professional for 24 years. Specializing in the firm's lifestyle division, she is responsible for creating the agency's health and fitness and fashion divisions. While at Wilkinson Lipsman Public Relations, Sharon honed her expertise in the lifestyle arena, launching that firm's fashion division with the California Mart and their fitness area with Jane Fonda Health & Fitness. She and Elizabeth Much shared the title of Vice President at that firm for five years and became partners in 1994. The partners pride themselves on creating campaigns that marry both the lifestyle and entertainment divisions, creating greater exposure for clients in each specialization. Prior to her career in public relations, Sharon was a program specialist at UCLA Extension, planning courses in film, television, art, dance and communications. She holds a BA from UCLA and a MA from Michigan State University. Sharon and her husband are the parents of three children and they reside in Los Angeles. Last year Sharon and her daughter Laurel House co-authored The Gurus Guide to Serenity...A Me-Time Menu of Celebrity Stress Reducers for HarperCollins. In addition, she contributes regularly to Fit and Fit Yoga magazine on various wellness and beauty issues. She has been on the board of The Fashion Group LA and has contributed to the School on Wheels program while volunteering at Free Arts for Abused Children. Laura AckermannChicago native, Laura Ackermann began honing her public relations skills early on in life when she organized themed days for her high school and contacted local media outlets and sports teams to help her in her efforts. While in high school she formed two organizations to help create awareness for HIV/AIDS and that is were she realized her passion for public relations. Ackermann graduated from California State University, Northridge and majored in Woman's Studies with an emphasis in communications and film. Currently, Ackermann works at Much and House Public Relations in Los Angeles where she has been for the past two years. She works on accounts in various fields including entertainment (specialization in tween/teen accounts), events, and lifestyle public relations (specialization in fitness and experts-brand building). Her current passion is exploring the world of New Media and is currently taking classes in this field and is building the specialization at Much and House. Ackermann has volunteered for various organizations and helped with the media relations for Brides Against Breast Cancer, Much Love Animal Rescue, Newport Under the Stars to benefit The Joslyn Foundation and the Vagina Monologues. Kristen Leigh PoelmaAlways having a deep passion for the Arts, it was no surprise to friends and family when Texas native, Kristen Poelma chose a career path that best utilized her creative background. After being enrolled in her first dance class at the tender age of three, whatever time wasn't spent rehearsing in a dance studio, she dedicated to exploring other forms of creative expression. Poelma went on to become a nationally acclaimed dancer and while an undergraduate at Texas A&M University, she produced, choreographed, and designed numerous university and professional productions. After graduating in 2005 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Theatre and a Minor in Dance, Poelma made the move to the west coast, changing her focus from dance to film. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Poelma promptly found success in numerous aspects of the entertainment industry. However, it wasn't until she honed her skills as a writer that she really found her niche within the industry. After working with the creative team at a small production company in Hollywood, as Development Coordinator, Poelma began exploring other career options as a writer. It wasn't long before she stumbled into Public Relations and fell in love with the artistic facet it offered. Currently, Poelma works hand in hand with Partner, Sharon House helping head up the Lifestyle Division at Much and House Public Relations. Working with a wide range of clients in the areas of poker, fashion, beauty, fitness, health and wellness, Poelma directs her creative energy into developing successful campaigns to help build her client's brands and expand their platforms. Poelma has volunteered for various organizations as well as assist with the media relations for Much Love Animal Rescue, The Humane Society of the United States and GENESIS: SARAJEVO, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading dance and arts education to underprivileged children in underdeveloped areas of the world. |


