“Master of Communication & Community”

As an integrated communications specialist on the digital team, Sofia Anderson uses her greatest strength – the ability to communicate – to strategically problem solve for her Franco colleagues and clients. Her experience in social media and content writing for the B2B and B2C industries mixed with her outgoing, adventurous and loyal personality makes her an asset to support and reach her clients’ digital goals.

Prior to joining Franco, Sofia held various social media focused roles with Meat the Crunch, The Good Life Money Coach, CRIMSON and Experience Grand Rapids. She also spent a couple years as a language assistant in Spain. Cómo se dice… impressive!?

She encompasses a lot of excitement and passion for working in Detroit as the city is what brought her family to the United States and stood as a beacon of hope to build their American dream. Because of this, she looks to her family, specifically her father, for inspiration and advice for anything in life.

When she’s not crafting creative content for clients, you can catch her at a community event like a farmers’ market or on the lake with a book in hand.

Sofia has a Bachelor of Arts in advertising, public relations and Spanish from Grand Valley State University and is proudly from Brighton, MI. Go Lakers and Bulldogs!

“The Tactful Content Architect”

Grace Alaska is an integrated communications coordinator whose knack for content writing and tactful social content creation supports a variety of Franco’s client programs. With experience in marketing and graphic design, Grace brings a perspective to our team that embodies the “Franco way” – approaching client projects with a truly integrated mindset.

Prior to joining Franco, she gained marketing and communications experience at Nexteer Automotive, where she served in sales performance analyst and marcomm co-op roles. Grace also previously served as the vice president of community service for the Delta Sigma Pi chapter at Saginaw Valley State University, as well as president of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honors Society where she organized community service opportunities for business students.

When Grace is off the clock and heading out on the town, you might find her at Comerica Park catching a Tigers game or on a stroll with her family’s Labradoodle, aptly named Juneau Alaska!

Grace currently lives in Shelby Township, MI with her boyfriend, Dominic, and serves as a Detroit member of the American Marketing Association. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Saginaw Valley State University in marketing.

“ 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.

“Creative Thinker & Life-Long Learner”  

Galina Roehl is an integrated communications specialist with a passion for helping clients succeed by being a knowledgeable communications resource and skilled writer. She is a well-rounded communications professional with both agency and nonprofit experience.

Galina provides social media and public relations support to several clients, including nonprofit, consumer and professional services. Her favorite stories to share are the ones that leave an impact on the world. She is a natural leader with a creative eye, making her great in her client program roles at Franco.

Prior to joining Franco, she gained advertising expertise doing work for nationally known skin care brands during her time at Doner. Her work also took her to the Alzheimer’s Association as a marketing and special events intern.

Her passion outside of work lies in anything and everything fashion related, especially vintage shopping and sharing finds through her personal fashion account on Instagram. She also enjoys spending time with her family on Harsens Island.

Galina holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University in public relations with a dual minor in marketing and event management and a signature in leadership.

“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 Kosch 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.

“A Purpose-Driven, Creative Writing Guru”

Known for her punchy copywriting and brand storytelling, Christina is passionate about curating narratives that depict the work of clients to further their missions and goals. Christina provides social media and public relations support to several clients across a variety of industries, including nonprofit, B2B, B2C, education and automotive.

Prior to joining Franco, Christina harnessed her social media skills in the B2B space as a marketing intern at Brandmotion. Her passion for nonprofit work began when she served as a grants coordinator for the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, a role that allowed her to work closely with donors and the community. She was also a founding member of the Oakland University chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America.

Christina lives in Ferndale with her feline roommate, Twyla. A self-proclaimed fanatique française, Christina spent a summer in France to immerse herself in the culture and improve her French, even becoming a certified translator upon returning. When she’s not working, you can find her perusing metro Detroit thrift stores looking for deals and unique finds.

Christina earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication and public relations with a minor in French Language from Oakland University.

“Persistent Project Manager Dedicated to the Details”

Alexis Schuchert is a senior integrated communications specialist who works with a variety of Franco’s consumer, nonprofit and professional service clients. Her specialties include project management, content development, media relations, social media and event planning. Alexis’ driven and dependable nature and detail-oriented mindset paired with her affinity for organization makes her a go-to member of the Franco team.

Prior to joining Franco, Alexis harnessed her skills in communications, marketing and social media at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, the National Academy of TV Arts and Sciences – Michigan Chapter and Butter Knife (a public relations agency based in Cape Town, South Africa). She also held several executive board positions with Central Michigan University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

Prior to discovering her passion for integrated communications, she participated in several choirs, musicals and a cappella groups over the years. In Alexis’ free time, you can find her basking in the sun, enjoying Michigan’s lakes, snowboarding, watching reality TV or loving on animals.

She earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts in integrative public relations from Central Michigan University – Fire Up, Chips! Alexis resides in Saint Clair Shores, MI with her boyfriend and cat.