Get to Know Emerson Street Media
Learn about our vision, mission, values and the people behind the strategy.
Our Story
Emerson Street Media was founded in 2020 in Washington, DC and is led by Jeff Goldberg and Kyle Lanningham, longtime friends with decades of experience in media relations, media training, strategic counsel, crisis communications, video production, and social media management. The ESM team uses its extensive experience in communications and journalism to serve clients in tech, healthcare, education, consumer goods and services, sports, real estate, nonprofits, and more.
Emerson Street Media’s roots are in strategic communications, where a comprehensive and clear understanding of how to design and execute tailored, results-oriented campaigns is at the forefront. With a passion for outstanding work and ensuring client satisfaction, ESM helps leaders, teams, and businesses achieve their business objectives. Our strategic focus has set us apart as a boutique agency that packs a punch.
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. Driven by sound strategy, extensive experience, and a good cup of espresso, ESM knows how to earn your business the reputation it deserves.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 holds a strong background in the development and execution of strategic marketing and communications campaigns.
In her role as Associate Director at Emerson Street Media, she serves as a client manager and has a breadth of 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.
Jordana assists with day-to-day client services and executing a variety of strategic initiatives including messaging, awards submissions, and media relations. She brings a strong background in research and strategic communications as well as video production, social media management, and project management.
Prior to joining ESM, she served as the Marketing Manager for Pete’s Tavern, a restaurant in New York City. She was responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns, the multichannel digital strategy, and securing press coverage for the restaurant.
Jordana holds a Bachelor of Arts in media studies from Vassar College. She lives in Washington, DC, and in her free time can be found on a long walk through the city or crafting.
Roya brings strong communication and writing skills, along with an understanding of social media management.
In her role as an Account Coordinator at Emerson Street Media, Roya's everyday tasks include media relations, monitoring coverage, and managing clients' online presence.
Before joining ESM, Roya worked as a student journalist at "The Experience," where she published pieces about social and student issues for 9,000 students and staff. She also worked as a fellow at the NewDeal, collaborating with state and local politicians to identify policy trends that promote pro-growth policies.
Roya holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UCLA. In her free time, Roya can usually be found spending time with her cat Koba and binge-watching reality TV shows or chick flicks.