Get to Know Emerson Street Media

Learn about our vision, mission, values and the people behind the strategy.

Our Story

Emerson Street Media, Washington, DC, was founded in 2020 and is led by Jeff Goldberg and Kyle Lanningham, longtime friends with extensive experience in communications and journalism. Their expertise in strategic communications includes media relations, media training, strategic counsel, crisis communications, video production, and social media management.

Our team has worked extensively in the fields of tech, healthcare, education, consumer goods and services, sports, real estate, and nonprofits. Our goal is to consistently bring a spirit of collaboration, hard work, and fun to every project and ensure that Emerson Street’s culture reflects that approach. We are endlessly curious, motivated, and always excited about what lies ahead.

Since then, the ESM team has been recognized by its clients and in the Washington, DC region as a critical partner in strategic communications. The team has expanded, adding team members with experience ranging from government relations to higher education and beyond.

Our strategic focus has set us apart as a boutique agency that packs a punch. Driven by sound strategy, extensive experience, and a good cup of espresso, ESM knows how to earn your business the reputation it deserves.

Collage of Kyle framing a shot with a video camera, Jeff speaking on the phone, and the Emerson Street sign in DC

Our Vision, Mission & Values

Emerson Street Media envisions a future where impactful storytelling and strategic communications unite to inspire meaningful connections and drive positive change in the heart of Washington DC and beyond.

We are committed to empowering brands, organizations, and individuals to effectively connect with their audiences through innovative and compelling narratives. By leveraging our deep understanding of the media landscape and embracing cutting-edge techniques, we aim to deliver measurable results that resonate and inspire. At Emerson Street Media, we are more than a communications agency – we are storytellers, brand advocates, and growth enablers. We help shape narratives that resonate, foster connections that endure, and empower our clients to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world.

Line drawing of a blue hand holding up a heart

Authenticity

At Emerson Street Media, we value authenticity above all else. We believe in delivering genuine and transparent communication strategies that resonate with audiences on a personal level. We strive to create narratives that reflect the true essence of our clients' brands and foster trust and credibility in every interaction.

Blue line drawing of a chart. There is a line with an arrow moving upwards, denoting growth

Innovation

Innovation is at the core of our values. We embrace the dynamic nature of the media landscape and continuously seek creative and forward-thinking approaches to communication. By staying ahead of emerging trends and technologies, we ensure that our clients' messages are not only relevant but also stand out in a crowded digital space.

Blue line drawing of a smiley face

Collaboration

Collaboration is the cornerstone of our approach. We recognize that the best solutions arise from diverse perspectives and collective expertise. We work closely with our clients, engaging them as partners throughout the communication process. Our collaborative mindset extends internally as well, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment that fuels creativity and delivers exceptional results.

The People Behind the Strategy

Meet our team of dedicated professionals who bring their skills and passion to every project.

Jeff Goldberg
Co-Founder | Director of Strategy

Jeff is the Co-Founder and Director of Strategy for Emerson Street Media. Prior to starting a career in strategic communications in 2017, Jeff spent nearly 20 years as an on-air TV reporter in markets across the country, including Washington, D.C., Minneapolis/St. Paul and San Diego. Jeff’s career in journalism was driven by a love of storytelling, writing and engaging with people, passions he brings to his work at Emerson Street. Jeff was born in D.C. and raised in Maryland, and is a graduate of Georgetown Day School and the University of Michigan. Jeff, his wife, daughter and twin sons live in Northwest D.C., one block away from Kyle and his family.

Kyle Lanningham
Co-Founder | Creative Director

Kyle is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Emerson Street Media. Prior to getting into the world of communications, Kyle spent more than 20 years as an award-winning photojournalist telling stories all over the globe. With a career spent logging miles for both national and international broadcasters, he was on location for most major news events in the past two decades. Kyle is also a dedicated storyteller, infusing emotion, heart and great visuals into every video he produces. Kyle, a native Texan, hails from Dallas and is an alum of Baylor University. Kyle, his wife and their two sons live in Northwest D.C.

Paige Johnson
Associate Director

Paige brings extensive experience in account management, creating and implementing integrated strategic communications campaigns, and digital strategy development.

In her role as Associate Director, Paige works closely with clients and team members to create integrated strategic communications campaigns that include media relations, social media, internal communications, reputation management and crisis communications. Previously, Paige served as the deputy press secretary and marketing advisor at the National Governors Association.

She holds a master’s degree in strategic communications from American University and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Albion College. In her free time, Paige can usually be found spending some quality time outdoors with her dog Bambi or enjoying a local craft beer.

Carri Connor
Account Supervisor

Carri holds a strong background in the development and execution of strategic marketing and communications campaigns.

In her role as Account Supervisor at Emerson Street Media, she serves as a day-to-day client liaison and has experience in media relations, social media management, organic and paid digital advertising campaigns, and C-suite level speechwriting.

Before joining ESM, Carri served in in-house communications roles. As the interim assistant director of marketing for the American University Washington College of Law, she was responsible for leading the strategy, planning, and execution of multichannel social media campaigns and maintaining the professional reputation of the law school community through earned media placements.

Carri holds a master of arts in political communications from American University and a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Maryland, College Park. She lives in Denver, CO and in her free time, you can find her on the ski slopes or watching Terps basketball.