Biographies

Nicole Vandenberg
BIOGRAPHY

With more than 15 years of public relations and public affairs experience, Nicole's work has focused on strategic communication campaigns at the intersection of arts and activism.

Her firm, Vandenberg Communications, provides media relations, community relations, crisis communications, strategic philanthropy and special event coordination for clients in arts and entertainment, business, and nonprofit sectors.

Past and current clients include: Pearl Jam, Gloria Steinem, the 2004 Vote for Change tour, Choice USA, Living Legacy Foundation, YouthNoise, Music for America, Future of Music Coalition, Air Traffic Control, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's Groundwork 2001 concert series, Experience Hendrix, Honor the Earth, People for the American Way, The Songbird Foundation, Avocado Productions, Voters for Choice, Vitalogy Health Club Foundation & the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young 2000 tour.

Prior to starting Vandenberg Communications in 1998, Nicole oversaw the arts and entertainment division of Seattle- based Pyramid Communications, a national public affairs firm.

Nicole has assisted in coordinating and publicizing a variety of large-scale political events including: the 2004 Vote for Change tour; The "Let Ralph Debate" rally at Madison Square Garden; The International Group of Seven Jobs Conference in Detroit; the US Department of Labor Women's Bureau "Working Women Count" events; President Clinton's Americorps launches; the US Department of Housing and Urban Development "HUD for a Day" empowerment zone projects and numerous events with former President Clinton and former Vice President Gore.

Nicole has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Communications.

Jennifer Bergman
BIOGRAPHY

With 13+ years of experience in public relations, event planning and fundraising, Jen specializes in strategic publicity campaigns for nonprofit organizations, events and artists.

At Vandenberg Communications, Jen's past and present clients include: Living Legacy Foundation, Huntington's Disease Society of America, National Network for Youth, YouthCare, Tell us the Truth Tour, Experience Hendrix, Scenarios USA, Seattle International Film Festival, The Rendezvous Cafe, Chris Robinson, The Presidents of the United States of America, and the Honor the Earth tour with Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, and the Indigo Girls.

Jen previously ran publicity and promotion campaigns for the Seattle Art Museum (SAM Goes Black and White Ball), Evergreen Hospital and the Susan G. Komen Foundation while running her own business. Prior to that, she managed fundraising, special events and media outreach campaigns for various national nonprofit agencies. Jen has also created and implemented strategic communications for clients in the hotel and event industries.

Jen's experience extends beyond public relations to event planning and fundraising, creating a well-rounded approach to her client's needs and an extended outlook on strategic partnerships. She enjoys finding creative ways to get a message out, training others in the field of public relations, and raising awareness of causes.

Jennifer has volunteered on the University of Washington Alumni Board and with local homeless youth organizations, and lends her writing expertise to area parenting groups. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Speech Communications. .

Sarah Seiler
BIOGRAPHY

Sarah coordinates publicity and promotional campaigns and special events for artists, activists, and nonprofit organizations at Vandenberg Communications. Her past and present clients include Pearl Jam, the Vitalogy Foundation, the Seattle Tattoo Expo, the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Recording Academy, Tom Morello's Justice Tour, People for the American Way, Music for America and Air Traffic Control.

Sarah additionally serves as an onsite media and philanthropic coordinator for concert tours and special events. Her work in this capacity has included media coordination for Pearl Jam's 2005-present world tours and facilitation of the band’s Vitalogy Foundation chartable giving program on tour.

Prior to joining Vandenberg in 2002, Sarah served as Senior Manager of Star Course, a nonprofit concert promotion organization for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Overseeing a staff of one hundred members and twelve Junior Managers, she was responsible for organizing concert and special events for the University.

Sarah has a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign.

Allie O'brien
BIOGRAPHY

Recently graduated from Auburn University, with a BA in Political Science, Allie has moved to Seattle in hopes to further her knowledge and experience in Public Affairs as well as continue her career in the non-profit world.

She has worked for Southern Tracks Studios, interned for Tom Morello’s non-profit organization, Axis of Justice, and worked with Los Angeles’ PATH (People Assisting the Homeless).

Allie is looking forward to using her past experiences in order to flourish and gain the invaluable tools and information this active internship has to offer. Her goal is to develop a career in Public Affairs and continue to live on the west coast. Until then, she is appreciating West Seattle and making festive holiday displays with co-workers.