Our Team
Michelle Lyng
Founder & CEO
Michelle Balch Lyng has 22 years experience in strategic communications and reputation management relating to executive positioning, community engagement, issue management, corporate communication, and crisis communications.
Wendy Aiello
Wendy S. Aiello has lived and worked in the Colorado market for more than 35 years. Aiello’s career includes work in traditional corporate communications, business to business marketing, digital communications and crisis communications.
Jaime Gardner
Business Development and Communications Director
Jaime Gardner has over 20 years experience in the public and private sector. She spent almost seven years working in a variety of positions for the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management, both in Colorado and DC.
John (Chip) Taylor
Vice President
John (Chip) Taylor has worked in the Colorado public policy and government relations environment for three decades. He is an expert in issue management, effective messaging, and coalition building.
Devan Crean
Manager
Devan Crean has over a decade of experience in marketing and communications, working with private businesses, public organizations, and nonprofits.
John Brackney
Director of Engagement
John Brackney has 26 years of experience in Public Policy and Community Problem Solving. He is an expert in community engagement, relationship building and community investment.
Jessica Koerner
Senior Associate
Madeleine Bendalin
Senior Associate
Madeleine Bendalin graduated from CU Boulder in December 2020 with a BS in Strategic Communication, emphasizing in Public Relations. She was promoted to senior associate in January 2022.
Henry Eisler
Senior Associate
Jasmin Chan
Associate
Jasmin joined the Novitas Communications team as an associate in May 2022. Jasmin graduated from American University in Washington, DC with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, specialization in Gender, Race, and Politics as well as a minor in Justice, Law, and Criminology.
Jared Petsche
Producer
A native Coloradan, Jared Petsche is a graduate of Colorado State University with a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy and minor studies in History, Religious Studies & Entrepreneurship. Upon graduation, he has worked in the film/media industry, state government and in non-profit.
Virginia Ovejero
Hispanic Insights and Spokesperson
Virginia Garcia Ovejero Pivik has provided Hispanic insights and communications for more than 20 years. Her vast experience includes public relations, media relations, writing, and editing.