“ 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 coordinator 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, education, automotive, and professional services.

She gained advertising expertise doing work for nationally known brands during her time at Doner on the Johnson & Johnson team as a project management intern. Her work also took her to the Alzheimer’s Association as a marketing and special events intern. Galina is a natural leader with a creative eye, making her great in her program management and media relations roles at Franco.

Galina received the School of Communications Scholar Award from her professors at Western Michigan University (WMU), marking her as one of the top four students in the entire School of Communications at the university.

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. This love of clothing and styling led her to create a fashion line that was featured in a fashion show at WMU and won her the Most Cohesive Style Line award. If she’s not shopping or styling, she enjoys spending time with her family at their cottage on Harsens Island or volunteering with the Birmingham Michigan Junior League.

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

“Adaptable Communicator & Content Connoisseur”

Caitlyn Wolter is an ambitious communicator with a passion for community, connection and storytelling. As an integrated communications coordinator, she shares her social media, media relations and digital skills to support Franco’s nonprofit, consumer and professional service clients.

Before coming to Franco, Caitlyn served as the public relations and special events manager at The Flower Alley, where she supported clients with event coordination at the floral company. She also served as the media director and account associate for Grand Valley State University’s nationally acclaimed student-run public relations firm, GrandPR, where she supported a variety of nonprofit, start-up and consumer-based clients.

To Caitlyn, Franco’s value of Family + Team + Community stands out because she believes a person is only as strong as the team behind them. Growing up in her hockey-loving household taught Caitlyn that “great moments are born from great opportunity,” a quote from Herb Brooks in her favorite movie, Miracle. Caitlyn has learned the opportunities we have are those we must create ourselves.

An alumna of Grand Valley State University, Caitlyn earned her Bachelor of Science in advertising and public relations with an emphasis in PR and a minor in digital studies. As a student, she conducted award-winning work, earning the university’s “I AM GV” student leadership award and the “Best Campaign” at PRSSA Nationals.

Caitlyn has several certifications, including Google Advertising and Analytics, Hootsuite and Meltwater. She resides in Howell, MI.

“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 and automotive.

Prior to joining Franco in August 2021, 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.

She lives in Royal Oak with her feline roommate, Twyla, and fellow Franco team member, Lily. 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.

“Connoisseur of Communication”

Alexis Schuchert is an integrated communications specialist who is passionate about expanding her integrated communications skills. She works with a variety of Franco’s consumer, nonprofit and professional service clients. Her specialties include content development, media relations and social media. Alexis’ driven and dependable nature, 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). She’s now a member of Detroit’s PRSA chapter and part of its membership committee.

Alexis resides in Clay, MI with her cat, Buddy. She is a talented performer who has participated in a number of choirs, musicals and a cappella groups over the years. Alexis is also known as Franco’s resident pop culture expert with a love for reality television.

She earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts in integrative public relations from Central Michigan University.

“The Digital Strategy Guide”

As a senior paid media specialist, Ryan Solecki supports the agency and Franco’s clients in creating targeted and integrated digital marketing strategies and programs. From managing and optimizing digital advertising campaigns to developing creative and engaging copy, Ryan’s digital programs support a variety of integrated B2B, B2C and nonprofit communications strategies. His expertise in digital analysis and reporting help put metrics in context and show the true value of digital communications.

Before joining Franco, Ryan began his career in the automotive industry as a social media specialist with FCA (now Stellantis) before holding positions in social media, website management and digital marketing in the retail and healthcare industries.

An avid golfer and comedy fan, Ryan finds inspiration in self-improvement, both personally and professionally. When he’s not working, you can find him on the golf course or relaxing at home with his dog, Charlie, a cup of tea and his favorite podcasts.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and history from Central Michigan University, as well as several digital marketing and advertising certifications through Google and HubSpot.