“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 integrated communications specialist 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.

“Team Player / Optimism and Realism Mixologist”

As integrated communications manager, 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.

“The Dynamic Doer”

Lucas Polack is an integrated communications specialist 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.

“Believer in Communications & Defender of Journalism”

As Franco’s vice president of media relations, Brent Snavely leverages his decades of experience as a journalist and a public relations professional to provide media relations strategy and counsel to automotive and B2B clients, as well as providing media relations best practices to Franco’s team members.

Prior to transitioning into the PR industry, Brent spent 23 years as a journalist. He was a reporter for nine years at the Detroit Free Press, nine years at Crain’s Detroit Business and six years at newspapers in the Columbus, Ohio metro area.

At the Detroit Free Press, Brent covered the restructuring of Ford Motor Company while Alan Mulally was CEO and, later, the restructuring of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles while Sergio Marchionne was CEO. In 2011, Brent was part of a team of reporters who won a Gerald Loeb Award for coverage of the UAW’s groundbreaking contract talks with General Motors. He also served as a key member of the paper’s team of reporters that chronicled Detroit’s descent into and out of Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

In his most recent role at Lambert & Co., Brent led account teams for several automotive and crisis communications clients. Crisis clients included two multi-billion-dollar companies that faced long-term environmental issues.

Brent believes deeply in teamwork and is passionate about mentoring and teaching others. The philosophy that a small number of people can achieve great things when everyone embraces a clear vision has led to Brent’s biggest successes both in journalism and public relations.

Brent holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wittenberg University. He has lived in Detroit for 22 years and currently resides in West Village with his wife. When he’s not working, Brent loves cooking and being outdoors. He enjoys hiking, biking, running, kayaking and camping and can often be found at Belle Isle – especially on weekends.

“The People Person”

Cayce Cowan is an integrated communications manager and oversees several of Franco’s consumer and professional services clients, providing counsel and acting as a trusted partner to bring a client’s vision to life. A natural leader, she empowers her team to strive for the best results possible, while quarterbacking strategy and overseeing project management.

Cayce has 10 years of experience helping companies connect to their customers through branding, communications strategy and customer experience. Her breadth of experience is one of her biggest assets. In addition to working in agencies, she has launched restaurants, overseen the creation of several hospitality brands and businesses and successfully managed a $5 million retail storefront. No matter where she goes, Cayce’s strong interpersonal skills, deep understanding of people and go-getter attitude keep her one step ahead and always evolving.

Her favorite quote is “Leaders are learners, not knowers,” by Brené Brown. It reminds her to lead with humbleness, to always ask questions and to learn from everyone around her. While most people know her for being the outgoing and social one in the group, it’s the moments of solitude and her ability to self-reflect that make Cayce a great leader and strategist. She says her best ideas usually come when she’s on a walk with her dog, Gidget, and two kids, Gideon and Cameran.

Cayce holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Oakland University, with a specialty in public relations.