“The ‘Reel’ MVP”

Nina Scarpelli joined Franco in May 2024 as an intern and was promoted to an integrated communications coordinator in April 2025. After working with a wide variety of clients across the agency during her internship, Nina settled into her role of supporting nonprofit clients with their media relations, content creation and social media initiatives. She also creates engaging content for Franco’s social media and is a driving force behind the agency’s Instagram account.

In her spare time, Nina volunteers with Carefree Capping, a nonprofit that helps Hodgkin lymphoma patients access cold cap therapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy. She also enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, golfing and attending Detroit sporting events with her boyfriend, Nick. Her coworkers enjoy learning about her Persian American background (especially when it involves delicious food).

Nina graduated from Eastern Michigan University, where she served as a media relations intern promoting university events and programs and was honored as an EMU Department of English Language & Literature Distinguished Student in Public Relations. She also helped launch Enlighten U, EMU’s mental health podcast as the first podcast intern.

“The Dean of Auto Supplier PR”

As senior mobility consultant at Franco, Jim Bianchi brings over 45 years of expertise in automotive and mobility technology supplier communications.

Jim has guided clients ranging from automotive consultants to industry standards organizations, and from innovative vehicle tech start-ups to multi-billion-dollar global suppliers, such as Adient, BASF, Bosch, DuPont, Freudenberg, Schaeffler, Valeo and ZF.

After founding Bianchi PR in 1992 to provide specialized counsel to a select group of automotive and truck suppliers, Jim built the firm into one of the top nationally recognized automotive specialty PR firms in the U.S. and expanded its reach through the Public Relations Global Network.

His leadership fostered a culture of collaboration, integrity and results that continue to define his longstanding reputation. During his career, he has helped mentor nearly 100 young PR professionals.

Following Franco’s acquisition of Bianchi PR (as a wholly owned subsidiary) in January 2025, Jim continues to apply his extensive experience and deep industry relationships to support Franco’s accounts, international network and new business efforts.

Elected to the PRSA Detroit Hall of Fame, Jim was also honored with the first Wayne State University’s Department of Communication Alumni Achievement Award. Before launching Bianchi PR, he worked with another Detroit PR firm for six years and served for another six years as public relations manager for Fruehauf Corporation, a Fortune 200 transportation equipment manufacturer. He began his career as a publicist with the J.I. Scott Company, working on automotive aftermarket and industrial accounts.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Wayne State University. Accredited by the Public Relations Society of America, he is also a member of the Automotive Press Association, SAE International and the Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit.

Fun fact: A former marathon runner, Jim finds joy in tackling big challenges. And when asked what his all-time favorite PR project over his 45-year career is, his answer is: “The next one!”

“Resourceful & Reliable Teammate”

Jaclyn Bussert is a senior account executive with more than 13 years of experience working with clients across the B2B automotive, mobility and manufacturing industries.

In her role, she assists account teams with public relations activities for several clients, including news release development and distribution, media relations, industry and competitive research, internal communications, media coverage documentation and social media planning and programming.

Prior to Franco’s acquisition of Bianchi Public Relations in January 2025, Jaclyn served as senior account executive at the firm, where she started her career in 2011. In addition to assisting account teams with various public relations activities, she led the firm’s internship program and managed its blog and e-newsletter efforts.

Jaclyn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in public relations with a marketing minor from Eastern Michigan University. She is a member of the Detroit chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Outside of work, Jaclyn enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids. She’s an avid reader, occasional baker and sports enthusiast. In the summer months, you can often find her on the shores of Lake Michigan.

“Passionate PR Expert with Wanderlust”

Equally adept at writing, conducting media relations and developing strategy, Adriana (Ana) Van Duyn offers experience, energy and insight to automotive and industrial clients. With more than two decades of experience, she aims to serve as a reliable strategic partner, offering expert guidance and support for all clients’ communication needs.

With a strong focus on media relations, Adriana has a proven track record of securing placements, arranging interviews and generating bylined articles across automotive, mobility, engineering, manufacturing, technology and business publications. She also has deep experience tailoring PR strategies for Europe-based clients, ensuring their messaging resonates with North American audiences and media.

Prior to Franco’s acquisition of Bianchi Public Relations in January 2025, Adriana joined Bianchi PR in 2004 as an account coordinator and quickly earned her clients’ trust and respect as someone who can make good things happen. She was promoted to assistant account executive in 2005, account executive in 2006, senior account executive in 2007 and named to her current position in 2010.

Prior to joining Bianchi PR, Adriana served as a public relations intern for Campbell-Ewald. Previously, she served as a marketing and public relations intern for Szwed Communications, Inc.

Adriana earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with a public relations minor from Oakland University and a Master of Arts degree in organizational communication and public relations from Wayne State University. In 2012, Adriana earned the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) distinction of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She is a member of the Detroit chapter of PRSA and the Automotive Press Association.

Outside of work, Adriana and her family are avid travelers, embracing every opportunity to explore the world. She finds that her wanderlust enriches both her personal and professional life, as it enables her to explore new possibilities, discover new passions and create new value.

“Strategic Thinker & Relationship Builder”

Jessica Muzik brings 30 years of experience in B2B, automotive, technology and manufacturing public relations to Franco. As vice president – account services, she oversees and is actively involved in strategy, planning and media relations for several clients and has contributed to new business development efforts.

Jessica joined Bianchi Public Relations, which Franco acquired in January 2025, as an account coordinator in June 1996, after having served as an intern with the firm. With several promotions over the years, she was named to her current position in 2007 and has managed several award-winning media relations campaigns throughout her career at the firm.

While at Bianchi PR, Jessica also served as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University (WSU) from 2006 to 2013, where she taught undergraduate and graduate level courses in social media and strategic communications, as well as PR writing.

Prior to joining Bianchi PR, Jessica worked as a PR co-op student with General Motors’ Pontiac Division for a year, as well as serving as an assistant for the city of Harper Woods Parks and Recreation Department for five years.

Graduating with distinctions, Jessica earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations and a master’s degree in organizational communications and public relations from WSU.

Accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America, Jessica has been actively involved in the Detroit chapter of PRSA and served on the organization’s board of directors. She is also a member of the Automotive Press Association.

In her spare time, Jessica is a natural light portrait photographer and enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two sons traveling the globe and highlighting “just one bite and sites” around metro Detroit and beyond on social media.

“Team Player / Optimism and Realism Mixologist”

As senior account supervisor, Leslie Clark Dagg oversees a variety of client accounts, with a specialty in automotive/mobility technology and industrial/manufacturing spaces.

With 25 years of experience in PR and thought leadership program planning, Leslie is passionate about her role as a conduit for clients and media at the intersection of trends and issues, helping companies tell their story and connect with the right journalists and decision makers.

With strengths in editing, research and writing, she enjoys working as a true part of a team, both with her colleagues and clients, doing it all with a positive, responsive and common-sense approach.

Prior to Franco’s acquisition of Bianchi Public Relations in January 2025, she first joined Bianchi Public Relations in November 2000. During her time at the firm, she oversaw award-winning media programs, earning both an Automotive Public Relations Council Awards for Excellence in Media Relations and a MarCom Creative Award for Excellence in Marketing & Communication.

Prior to her agency career, she worked as a writer and editor for the Washtenaw Community College Promotional Services Department.

Graduating with distinction, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from the University of Michigan. She is a member of the Detroit chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and the Automotive Press Association.

A fan of keeping up on new local restaurants and a Detroit sports enthusiast, Leslie is passionate about all things Michigan. Outside of work, she and her husband, Brian, can often be found exploring around the state.

“Trends-Driven, Story-Focused Communicator”

Alysa Kirn is an integrated communications specialist whose expertise in media relations, social media, community relations and content development supports a variety of Franco’s client programs. A true advocate of Franco’s data-driven approach, Alysa is motivated by results and metrics. As a self-proclaimed “writing nerd,” she loves using her writing skills to bring clients’ stories to life. Plus, a slight internet “addiction” helps her stay on top of the latest social media trends and provides constant inspiration for engaging content development for her clients and the agency.

Prior to joining the Franco team, she refined her communications skills at Lambert as a public relations associate and The Quell Group as an assistant account executive. One of her proudest career accomplishments to date was supporting media relations for the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. As a huge football fan and media enthusiast, attending the three-day event and seeing her media relations efforts secure remarkable coverage for the city of Detroit was incredibly rewarding.

When she’s not working, catch Alysa enjoying a post-work happy hour in downtown Detroit or watching the latest reality TV show on Bravo. Alysa currently lives in Farmington Hills, MI with her boyfriend, Sean, and cat, Hitch. She earned a Bachelor of Science in advertising management from Michigan State University.

“ Inquisitive Team Leader & Bubbly PR Pro ”

Amy Lafnear is an integrated communications supervisor at Franco, specializing in media relations, content writing and social media within the automotive, B2B and education industries. She’s a multifaceted communicator with years of experience providing exceptional service for clients in an agency setting. Amy focuses on telling her clients’ unique stories through her writing – no matter what medium – to make an impact and connect with new audiences.

While analytical and organized for clients, it’s Amy’s bubbly personality everyone equally loves. She embodies the Franco value of Family + Team + Community because she believes there is a special power when we view the world through the lens of how we can individually contribute to elevating the collective and creating more connection. She joined the team in February 2023 and has formed fast connections with the Franco team and clients alike.

Prior to joining Franco, she thrived in the agency world having held positions at Siren, Lambert and FleishmanHillard, in addition to working for Macomb County directly, always sticking around the City of Detroit (although her first job was at Chuck E. Cheese as everyone’s favorite mouse). Over the years as the city has changed and evolved, she has changed right alongside it, further embracing her tenacious spirit.

Amy’s favorite coworker is her sassy and sweet Yorkie Shih Tzu mix Maddie who she shares her home office with, but you can also find her sipping a lavender latte at Black Cat. Amy holds a degree in Public Relations from Wayne State University.

“The Dynamic Doer”

Lucas Polack is an integrated communications coordinator with a knack for creative storytelling. He combines his love of storytelling with his passion for connecting with people to create content that drives his clients’ businesses forward. A versatile integrated pro, Lucas provides media relations, social media and content development support for a variety of Franco’s B2B, nonprofit and professional services clients.

Lucas joined the Franco team in September 2022 as an integrated communications intern where he provided invaluable support to major programs, including the 2022 Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. His commitment to forward-motion and an endearing “can do” attitude quickly earned him a full-time spot on the Franco team.

Before joining Franco, Lucas served as an assistant producer for Michigan Radio’s Stateside program, where he honed his expertise in researching stories, coordinating interviews and writing compelling community stories.

A strong believer in Franco’s Empathy core value, Lucas takes pride in listening to and understanding his clients’ missions and creating content to drive results aligned with those missions. When he’s in need of some inspiration, Lucas can always count on the infectious grit and determination of the Detroit Lions to keep him motivated.

Lucas currently lives in Hazel Park with his brother, Jake, and dog, Lizzy. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University in professional and public writing.