Charissa Benjamin
Founder & Principal at Savor PR- Claim this Profile
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Topline Score
Bio
Carla Barry-Austin
Charissa is one of my favorite PR colleagues - for both professional and personal reasons. I have great respect for the savvy way she handles delicate media relationships, and for the strategic way she approaches Kimpton's PR efforts. I often go to her for professional advice, and she's never without a thoughtful suggestion or quick response. Time and time again, her work ethic and integrity shines though. She’s a pleasure to work with and has built quite the positive reputation for herself as a leader in DC’s PR community, as well as in the hospitality world overall.
Lauren Vance
Charissa Benjamin is a forward thinking public relations expert in the food and beverage field. I've worked with Charissa for almost 4 years on various television stories that featured the chefs and restaurants at the Kimpton hotels she represents. I’ve witnessed firsthand her acute attention to detail and her knowledge of what works and makes the difference for a story. She also presents ideas and fuels discussion that provides opportunities that people may not otherwise consider. Charissa's friendly demeanor, but direct manner is refreshing and helps to make working with her a delight. I would highly recommend Charissa for new projects and endeavors.
Carla Barry-Austin
Charissa is one of my favorite PR colleagues - for both professional and personal reasons. I have great respect for the savvy way she handles delicate media relationships, and for the strategic way she approaches Kimpton's PR efforts. I often go to her for professional advice, and she's never without a thoughtful suggestion or quick response. Time and time again, her work ethic and integrity shines though. She’s a pleasure to work with and has built quite the positive reputation for herself as a leader in DC’s PR community, as well as in the hospitality world overall.
Lauren Vance
Charissa Benjamin is a forward thinking public relations expert in the food and beverage field. I've worked with Charissa for almost 4 years on various television stories that featured the chefs and restaurants at the Kimpton hotels she represents. I’ve witnessed firsthand her acute attention to detail and her knowledge of what works and makes the difference for a story. She also presents ideas and fuels discussion that provides opportunities that people may not otherwise consider. Charissa's friendly demeanor, but direct manner is refreshing and helps to make working with her a delight. I would highly recommend Charissa for new projects and endeavors.
Carla Barry-Austin
Charissa is one of my favorite PR colleagues - for both professional and personal reasons. I have great respect for the savvy way she handles delicate media relationships, and for the strategic way she approaches Kimpton's PR efforts. I often go to her for professional advice, and she's never without a thoughtful suggestion or quick response. Time and time again, her work ethic and integrity shines though. She’s a pleasure to work with and has built quite the positive reputation for herself as a leader in DC’s PR community, as well as in the hospitality world overall.
Lauren Vance
Charissa Benjamin is a forward thinking public relations expert in the food and beverage field. I've worked with Charissa for almost 4 years on various television stories that featured the chefs and restaurants at the Kimpton hotels she represents. I’ve witnessed firsthand her acute attention to detail and her knowledge of what works and makes the difference for a story. She also presents ideas and fuels discussion that provides opportunities that people may not otherwise consider. Charissa's friendly demeanor, but direct manner is refreshing and helps to make working with her a delight. I would highly recommend Charissa for new projects and endeavors.
Carla Barry-Austin
Charissa is one of my favorite PR colleagues - for both professional and personal reasons. I have great respect for the savvy way she handles delicate media relationships, and for the strategic way she approaches Kimpton's PR efforts. I often go to her for professional advice, and she's never without a thoughtful suggestion or quick response. Time and time again, her work ethic and integrity shines though. She’s a pleasure to work with and has built quite the positive reputation for herself as a leader in DC’s PR community, as well as in the hospitality world overall.
Lauren Vance
Charissa Benjamin is a forward thinking public relations expert in the food and beverage field. I've worked with Charissa for almost 4 years on various television stories that featured the chefs and restaurants at the Kimpton hotels she represents. I’ve witnessed firsthand her acute attention to detail and her knowledge of what works and makes the difference for a story. She also presents ideas and fuels discussion that provides opportunities that people may not otherwise consider. Charissa's friendly demeanor, but direct manner is refreshing and helps to make working with her a delight. I would highly recommend Charissa for new projects and endeavors.
Experience
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Savor PR
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United States
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Public Relations and Communications Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Founder & Principal
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Oct 2012 - Present
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Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
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United States
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Hospitality
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700 & Above Employee
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Regional Director, Restaurant Public Relations
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Jan 2012 - Oct 2012
Oversee restaurant public relations for Kimpton's Mid Atlantic region, including Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
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Director, Restaurant Public Relations - DC & VA
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Apr 2008 - Jan 2012
Oversee the public relations strategy of seven Kimpton-operated restaurants and one retail store in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, including BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier, BRABO Tasting Room, Butcher’s Block, Firefly, The Grille at Morrison House, Jackson 20, Poste Moderne Brasserie and Urbana Restaurant and Wine Bar.
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Director
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2006 - 2008
Advanced to director position supervising business and trade communications for the largest US based spirits company, with specific oversight for the tequila, cognac and scotch portfolios. Managed the the PR for Feld Entertainment's Baltimore and Washington run of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Client portfolio: Allied Domecq Spirits and Wine, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Council on Competitiveness, Earth Conservation Corps, Feld Entertainment, HarperCollins, MedImmune, SunRocket and YouthAIDS. Show less
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Senior Associate
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2004 - 2006
Supported team leads on a variety of accounts, while honing skills in writing, editing, press trip coordination, video production, presentations and event management. Client portfolio: Allied Domecq Spirits and Wine, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Council on Competitiveness, Earth Conservation Corps, Feld Entertainment, HarperCollins, MedImmune, SunRocket and YouthAIDS.
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Witeck-Combs Communications
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United States
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Marketing and Communications Strategist
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2003 - 2004
Strengthened skills in event management and client relations, with a specific focus on the airline, hotel and non-profit sectors. Developed skills in strategic PR planning, while balancing tactical execution. Client portfolio: American Airlines, City Museum of Washington, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Food & Friends, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Tour de Friends, and Wachovia Corp.
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Marketing and Communications Associate
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2001 - 2003
Provided support to a number of the firm's clients in the form of research, writing, press conference coordination and media pitching. Client Portfolio: American Airlines, City Museum of Washington, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Food & Friends, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Tour de Friends, and Wachovia Corp.
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Education
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1998 - 2001
American University - Kogod School of Business
BSBA, International Marketing and Information Technology -
1997 - 1998
Elizabethtown College
International Business and French
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