Linkedin Instagram
CoreIR Logo

Maximizing Impact: The Power of Bringing Investor Relations and Public Relations Together

Publicly traded companies or companies preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) typically have two separate communication needs: investor relations (IR) and public relations (PR). Both IR and PR can significantly shape how stakeholders perceive a company. IR looks to build investor engagement and transparency and also accounts for compliance in financial communications, and PR focuses on building a positive public image. Magic happens when these two functions work together under integrated IR and PR strategies. Companies start to deliver consistent, impactful messaging that resonates with investors and the public, alike. 

The power of integration comes from aligning the narratives of the two. You can optimize stakeholder engagement, which reinforces trust. By combining IR’s precision with PR’s storytelling, businesses develop a unified voice to build credibility and amplify brand presence. Continue reading to learn the importance of bridging IR and PR, showing how seamless collaboration can drive more success. 

Defining IR and PR: Separate Functions with Shared Goals

Investor Relations (IR)

IR’s primary responsibility is ensuring clear, accurate, and consistent communication about a company’s financial performance, strategy, and growth prospects. IR professionals are responsible for quarterly earnings reports, investor presentations, and adhering to strict regulatory standards. They build trust with analysts, institutional and retail investors, and other financial community members. It’s the foundation of strategic financial communications.

Public Relations (PR)

PR, on the other hand, focuses on communicating with the public and the company’s image. Companies want to captivate the public using media, customers, or other external audiences. PR teams manage your brand through media campaigns, crisis management, and public-facing commentary. Their work is used for brand penetration and reputation management.

Shared Goals

Yes, IR and PR perform different functions. They also share a common objective: build trust and confidence. If they’re aligned, these functions can create a unified narrative that can resonate across diverse audiences. Collaboration means companies can present a stronger message, addressing investors and the general public. 

The Need for Integration: Why IR and PR Work Better Together

Current Challenges

When IR and PR operate independently in silos, companies often run into inconsistent messaging that confuses stakeholders. Because IR focuses so much on financial performance, milestones  and compliance, and PR emphasizes brand storytelling and media outreach, if they’re not on the same page, it can cause issues. Separate approaches lead to mixed messaging, which can often erode trust and engagement. 

Benefits of Integration

Integrated IR and PR strategies can help your company present a unified and compelling narrative across all channels. 

  • Unified Corporate Storytelling aligns financial updates with broader public messaging. This means your company can create a cohesive story that resonates with both investors and the public. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement Optimization strengthens relationships by presenting consistent and meaningful communication to diverse audiences. Everyone will be informed properly, from institutional investors to media outlets. 

Through collaboration, IR and PR teams amplify their impact.

Strategic Financial Communications: Bridging IR and PR

Focus

Strategic financial communications combine IR’s precision with PR’s storytelling expertise. This means more engaging narratives, like a quarterly earnings report that evolves from a compliance-focused update into a far more compelling story about company growth, innovation, and market leadership. 

Digital PR for Investor Outreach

It’s different today from even a few years ago. Companies need to leverage digital PR for investor outreach. Platforms like LinkedIn, X, blogs, and digital press releases mean you’re engaging with a broader audience. Other social media platforms can also give you real-time feedback. 

Core IR and PR Case Studies: Proven Success

Red Cat Holdings, Inc.

We have a few case studies to go through that have had proven success. For example, Core IR and PR partnered with Red Cat Holdings to build out its investor and public communications. We wanted to focus on the company’s leadership in the drone industry. The campaign we developed highlighted Red Cat’s alignment with key legislative initiatives like the American Security Drone Act, and its role in addressing national security concerns. 

  • Results: Core IR and PR secured high-profile coverage in The Washington Post and Fox Business, including appearances on Varney & Co. and Cavuto: Coast to Coast. Red Cat’s visibility increased and the company was built into a trusted authority in the drone space.

Coya Therapeutics, Inc.

Core IR and PR developed a unified communication strategy for Coya Therapeutics, integrating investor and public messaging to highlight its innovations in neurodegenerative disease therapies. A targeted PR campaign showcased the company’s scientific advancements.

  • Results: Coverage in prominent outlets like Reuters and Bloomberg Radio elevated Coya’s public profile. The campaign also earned the company industry recognition – they were a finalist in the Fierce Life Sciences Innovation Awards and the Company’s CEO at the time was named a Biotech Pathfinder in the 2024 PharmaVoice 100s list.

Femasys, Inc.

Femasys is the last company we wanted to highlight that collaborated with Core IR and PR. The company wanted to position themselves as a leader in women’s reproductive healthcare innovation. The strategy emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing healthcare solutions, using its CEO’s voice to drive more meaningful engagement. 

  • Results: Core IR and PR secured a cover story in MedTech Strategist and a video interview published on Entrepreneur.com. This built up stakeholder engagement and solidified Femasys’ reputation as a key innovator in the healthcare space.

Best Practices for Building an Integrated IR and PR Strategy

There are a few best practices to follow while building an integrated IR and PR strategy:

  1. Align Messaging: Regular meetings between IR and PR teams are necessary. You want financial updates and media narratives to be consistent across all platforms.
  2. Cross-Functional IR and PR Teams: Collaboration between financial experts and communication professionals makes a better strategy that resonates with diverse audiences.
  3. Unified Corporate Storytelling: Develop a single narrative tailored to different stakeholder groups while maintaining consistency.
  4. Leverage Digital Tools: Use analytics platforms and social media to track audience engagement and refine messaging for maximum impact.

How We Maximize Your Brand Strategy Using Both IR and PR

At Core IR and PR, we know what integrated investor relations and public relations strategies can do in shaping a company firsthand. We can combine financial precision with compelling storytelling to help your business enhance stakeholder engagement optimization and bring consistent, impactful messaging.
At Core IR and PR, we have proven expertise and can help your company improve its messaging, align communication strategies, build trust, and elevate its brand presence. If you’re ready to transform your investor relations and communication approach, visit Core IR’s website and see how we can help you integrate successful IR and PR systems.

Experience the Difference Today.

Get in Touch
Core IR logo

Strategic, relationship-based, next-level investor relations for dynamic and visionary small to mid-sized companies. 

Get In Touch

Twitter Instagram Linkedin

Emma Rohnstock

Graphic Designer

Emma is a multidisciplinary creative specializing in photography, video production, and graphic design. At CORE, Emma is joining the digital team as a part-time consultant, where she’ll support content creation for clients through dynamic video and graphic work. 

Her passion for media production stems from her love of storytelling and creativity. Emma enjoys collaborating with clients and partners, understanding their needs and goals, and delivering standout visual solutions. She is always eager to expand her skills and explore new opportunities in the ever-evolving creative space.

Emma began her career as a production assistant on various television and film sets—including Rian Johnson’s Knives Out—before transitioning into the corporate and freelance space. Most recently, she was Digital Media Creator for a construction management company, where she led in-house photo, video, and podcast production, and contributed to social media, graphic design, and motion graphics.

She is also the founder of Emma Lula Creative where she focuses on crafting meaningful visual stories that empower women and elevate women-owned businesses. Her work has been featured in publications such as the New England Real Estate Journal and Engineering News-Record Magazine. Emma holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film/Media from the University of Rhode Island.

Thomas Stephenson

Social Media Manager, Digital

Thomas Stephenson is a Social Media Manager on the Digital team at CORE IR, where he supports clients with elevating their digital presence through the development of strategic organic/paid content, identification of valuable insights within the social and digital landscape, and close inspection of platform analytics to tailor the proper tactical approach. 

He is dedicated to fully understanding how to harness social/digital media to enhance clients’ branding and footprint across platforms.

Before joining CORE IR, Thomas was a Senior Account Manager at Ten Bridge Communications, a biotech communications agency in Boston, MA, where he led companies of various sizes through social/digital media, media, public relations, internal communications, thought leadership, patient advocacy, and branding efforts.

Thomas holds a B.A. in Communications and History from Denison University. He began his career at a digital marketing agency and also supports marketing strategy for small businesses and film projects as a consultant. Thomas is currently based in Los Angeles, California.

Caroline Glennon

Account Manager, Public Relations

Caroline Glennon is an Account Manager on the Public Relations team at CORE IR, where she helps clients elevate their brand presence through strategic media relations, thought leadership, key messaging development, and event and award recognition. Passionate about the power of storytelling, she works closely with clients to craft compelling narratives that build awareness and credibility.

Before joining CORE IR, Caroline was an Account Supervisor at Thunder11, a strategic communications agency in New York City, where she led PR efforts for clients across healthcare, technology, and public affairs.

Caroline holds a B.A. in Globalization Studies and Spanish from Gettysburg College. She began her career at a financial technology startup before returning to Gettysburg to support operations and communications for the college’s entrepreneurship initiative. She is currently based in Richmond, Virginia.

Yasmin Cuesta

Social Media Manager

Yasmin Cuesta is CORE IR’s Social Media Manager, where she oversees clients’ social media platforms and digital marketing campaigns.  

She also founded Y&S Digital Growth, an all-inclusive Florida digital marketing agency. With a passion for strategic online growth and a background in Biology from Florida Atlantic University, Yasmin brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative strategy to her work. With over five years of experience, Yasmin’s expertise spans various industries, from behavioral health to finance.

She prides herself in authentically conveying her clients’ brands while applying tried-and-true social media strategies to grow their online presence. In recognition of her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur, Yasmin was honored with the 2024 Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award.

Matthew Cossel headshot

Matthew Cossel

Account Director, Public Relations

Matthew Cossel is an Account Director with CORE PR. An experienced B2B media relations and digital media specialist, he has a strong background working in an agency setting with clients ranging from small startups to large national corporations, as well as nonprofits and governmental organizations. 

Previously, Cossel worked for KCSA Strategic Communications for almost three years where he consulted and managed earned media campaigns across the financial services, healthcare, adtech, sustainability, psychedelics, and cannabis indusries. Prior to that he was at EFK Group, formerly Winning Strategies PR, where he was responsible for the firm’s digital media strategy, as well as managing multiple clients with a particular focus on New Jersey. 

Before joining the IR and PR agency world, Cossel worked with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) Civil Society Unit as a Conference Consultant, helping to plan the 2018 “We the Peoples” Civil Society conference held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York as the unit’s main conference focal point. He also represents the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) to the United Nations as both an ECOSOC and DGC accredited non-governmental organization. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Global Studies from Lehigh University and currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Team Member Headshot

Gene Mannheimer

Vice President of Investor Relations

Gene brings 20 years of healthcare-focused sell-side research and investor relations to CORE IR.  He is passionate about all aspects of investor relations, working with companies to craft, position and articulate clients’ investment theses to Wall Street and institutional investors. 

 Gene’s universe spans life sciences and technology-enabled suppliers as well as providers of digital health, medical devices, diagnostics and services.  Additionally, as a consultant, Gene has advised sellers on strategic alternatives, partnering, minority investment, M&A target identification, valuation and exit negotiations.

Most recently, Gene was a Managing Director at ICR Westwicke, following a distinguished 18-year career as a sell-side analyst covering healthcare services and digital health at growth-oriented banks including Colliers Securities, Topeka, B. Riley, ThinkEquity and Roth.  Prior to his sell-side career, Gene spent a decade in sales and marketing at leading healthcare IT companies including McKesson/HBOC, Medicus Systems (acquired by QuadraMed), and Becton Dickinson.

As an analyst, Gene was best known for his domain expertise and prescient stock-picking ability, leveraging a deep rolodex amassed from years of operational experience in the healthcare IT domain.  He was awarded Top Stock Picker in Software by the Wall Street Journal, a “Home-Run Hitter” by Institutional Investor and was rated among the top 3 earnings estimators in Healthcare Technology three times in a four-year span.  Leveraging his subject matter expertise and financial acumen, Gene analyzed, supported and participated in multiple investment banking and capital markets transactions helping clients raise capital through IPOs and follow-on offerings.  Gene holds a Bachelor of Science from the Wharton School, a Bachelor of Applied Science from Penn Engineering, and an M.B.A from the USC Marshall School of Business.  He holds the Series 7, 63, 79, 86 and 87 FINRA licenses.  Gene resides in La Jolla, California with his wife and teenage twins.

Team Member Headshot

Justin Kulik

VP Investor Relations

Justin Kulik is a VP of Investor Relations at Core Ir.  He brings twenty years of experience providing strategic investor relations counsel to his clients. 
Prior to joining CORE IR, Justin co-founded RADIUS, a full-service IR firm advising over 250 public and private companies. Clients have been featured across all mediums from major media and non-deal roadshow events to daily outreach targeting institutional, retail, and influencer networks. He is well-versed in developing all investor-facing content, IR best practices, and SEC compliance. Justin currently resides in Rochester, New York.
Team Member Headshot

Peter Seltzberg

SVP, Investor Relations & Corporate Advisory

Peter Seltzerg is CORE IR’s Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Advisory.

He is a seasoned, New York-based Investor Relations executive with over two decades of investor relations experience, from start-ups to mega-caps in diverse industrial sectors such as heavy equipment and durables, technology media and telecom (TMT), healthcare services, and electric vehicles, charging and clean tech. Peter has deep relationships throughout the buy-side and sell-side, with a track record connecting issuers to capital markets support through comprehensive and proactive engagement platforms covering institutional and retail investors. Peter is adept at leveraging financial statement analysis/modeling, capital markets advisory, public company disclosure/compliance activities, and corporate events to drive stakeholder value.

He has conducted and executed over 5,000 meetings through Non-Deal Roadshows, teleconferences, and virtual/video conferences and has participated in hundreds of investor conferences. Peter has also collaborated on over $500M in equity transactions and is responsible for exponential increases in liquidity and share price gains through enhanced market demand and exits/buyouts. 

Peter has an MBA in Finance from Fordham University, a BBA in Finance from Emory University, and is registered with FINRA with Series 7 and 63 licenses. He currently resides in New York.

Team Member Headshot

Christine Catlett

Account Director

Christine Catlett is an Account Director at CORE IR, working for the company’s PR Agency. As an integrated communications and marketing professional with industry experience in public relations, strategic communications, brand strategy, and marketing, she has a desire to uniquely position clients in the media and produce exceptional campaigns. She comes to CORE, having worked both in-house and on the agency side of communications and public relations these past six years.

Christine has worked with clients in an array of industries, including blockchain, crypto, EV, healthcare, B2B, higher education, fashion, fintech, insurance, beauty, SaaS, among others. Prior to CORE, she worked as a Communication Strategist at an investor and public relations firm in California, helping the agency grow the newly founded PR practice and service clients. She also served in multiple communications, marketing, and public relations roles for the University of California Irvine’s Office of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, working on long-term campaigns to advance the university’s status and funding.

Christine holds a Master of Communication Management degree with a focus in Communication Marketing from the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Art History and Literary Journalism from the University of California, Irvine. 

Team Member Headshot

Ling Wang

Senior Biotech and China Strategist

Ms. Ling Wang is a Senior Biotech and China Strategist providing expertise in biotech, life sciences, and China equities. With over 15 years of experience in biotech equity research and investment in both the U.S. and China, Ms. Wang has built a strong background in conducting extensive due diligence and advising management teams of both public and private micro-, small-, and mid-cap biotechnology and healthcare companies.

Prior to joining CoreIR, Ms. Wang worked at prestigious Wall Street firms, including Blackrock, JP Morgan, Oppenheimer & Co., Chardan Capital Markets, Summer Street Research, Brean Capital, and Manning Napier Advisors.

Prior to her career on Wall Street, Ms. Wang pursued her academic interests in the life sciences field. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Peking University in China and a Master of Science degree in Molecular Pharmacology from Albert Einstein School of Medicine. To further enhance her financial acumen, she pursued an MBA degree in finance from Yale University in 2004.

Ms. Wang’s extensive experience in biotech and healthcare equity analysis, coupled with her solid academic foundation in biology and molecular pharmacology, provides her with a unique perspective when evaluating and advising companies in the industry. With her analytical prowess and deep understanding of the healthcare sector, Ms. Wang is dedicated to providing insightful analysis and strategic recommendations to CoreIR’s clients.

Team Member Headshot

Robert Babilonia

Presentation Specialist

Robert Babilonia is CORE IR’s Presentation Specialist and Deck Writer and is responsible for creating a wide range of content that supports the firm’s three different distribution channels: institutional, high-net-worth, and retail.

Robert has more than 20 years of experience as a presentation and graphic designer working within the investment banking industry creating PowerPoint presentations, executive summaries, requests for proposals (RFP), and tear sheets. Throughout his career he worked closely with Managing Directors, Vice Presidents, Associates, and Analysts at UBS Investment Bank, CBRE Investors, Credit Suisse, and AllianzGI.

Team Member Headshot

Mike Mason

VP of Investor Relations

Mike Mason is Vice President of Investor Relations and brings more than 20 years of investor relations experience, both at an agency level, and in-house. Mike provides strategic Investor Relations and Capital Markets counsel to senior management teams. 

He develops investor relations programs with the goal of increasing both company exposure and shareholder value, and interfaces on a daily basis with buy-side and sell-side analysts, portfolio managers, hedge fund managers, and investment bankers, acting as the principal liaison between the financial community and the client. Mike is responsible for the positioning and overall direction of a company’s messaging and investor relations program. He manages domestic and international client roadshows, focuses on trading and liquidity activities, conducts quarterly conference calls, drafts press releases, and designs presentations. 

He also works closely with the firm’s media relations and public relations professionals to raise client awareness in business and financial media outlets. Mr. Mason holds a Juris Doctor degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law where he was a member of the Cardozo Arts and Entertainment Law Journal, one of the country’s most widely read and respected law journals. Before attending law school, he was awarded a B.A. in Business and Marketing from Rutgers University.

Team Member Headshot

Jules Abraham

Managing Director, Communications

Jules Abraham is Executive Vice President and Head of CORE IR’s Communications Practice. He is responsible for leading the communications and media outreach team.

Jules brings 23 years of life sciences public relations experience, having worked in nearly all aspects of the healthcare industry, including large and specialty pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical diagnostics and medical device companies, as well as small health systems, regional hospitals, managed care organizations, Medicare Part D providers and advocacy groups. He has supported market conditioning, clinical trial recruitment, financial/investor and milestone communications, corporate communications, product launches and post-marketing publicity. He also has worked extensively in issues management and has provided presentation and speaker training for physicians and client executives.  Previously Jules initiated and oversaw the healthcare public relations divisions at Feintuch Communications and investor relations firm, Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates, Inc. Prior, he served as Vice President in the global healthcare group at GCI Group, and held positions at Manning, Selvage & Lee, Zeno Group and GTFH public relations, in New York. He has also served as an independent communications consultant to several investor relations firms, healthcare companies and not-for-profit organizations.

Jules earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the College of William & Mary and a master’s degree in Public Communications/Journalism from Fordham University. A songwriter and performer for many years, Jules is also a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in Paraguay, where he trained local teachers about prevention of intestinal parasites and other health issues. After residing nearly 20 years in New York City, he currently resides in Encinitas, California.

Team Member Headshot

Aaren Tousand

Executive Assistant

Aaren is CORE IR’s Executive Assistant. She is an experienced professional who assists CORE IR in optimizing productivity, efficiency, and service quality both internally and for our clients.

As an Executive Assistant, it is Aaren’s job to ensure optimum task management and offer efficient problem resolution. Aaren graduated from The University of Houston with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and has administrative experience in various corporate environments.

Kay Bukhari

VP of Operations

As Vice President of Operations, Kay Bukhari coordinates and oversees all operations activities and ensures development and implementation of efficient and cost-effective strategies to meet the current and future needs of CoreIR and our clients.

As VP of Operations, Kay has raised client retention by improving communications prioritization and shortening resolution times. She applies comprehensive solutions that deliver results while also focusing on fiscal responsibility. Kay is a Fordham University graduate and brings with her an extensive background in operations and client success from various corporate financial environments.

Team Member Headshot

Jason Nelson

Senior Equity Analyst

Jason Nelson is CORE IR’s Equity Research Analyst providing clients counsel for their communications and investor relations initiatives.  Jason joined Core after 15 years of working for two buy-side institutional investment firms in generalist roles with a small and micro-cap stock investing mandate.

Prior to his tenure on the buy side, Jason began his career as an Analyst/Associate on the Wachovia Securities Equity Capital Markets desk.  Jason has held Series 7, 55, 63 and 65 licenses during his career.  He holds a Masters in Accounting with honors from the College of William & Mary and a B.A. in History from Hampden-Sydney College.  Jason’s experience gained over the course of his analyst tenure adds complementary market intelligence to the Core team along with a trained eye for boiling down complex, multi-faceted stories into understandable yet impactful investment theses to buy side, sell side and retail investors.

Jason has resided in multiple cities along the I-95 corridor in the Mid-Atlantic and currently resides in the Baltimore-area.  He enjoys traveling, the outdoors, spending time with his family and friends, taking in live sporting events and relaxing with his dog often by his side.

 

Team Member Headshot

Matt Blazei

Senior Equity Analyst

Matt Blazei is a CFA and Managing Director at CoreIR. Matt has over 25 years of buy-side and sell-side experience focused primarily on microcap investing.

Matt began his career in 1992 as a small-cap analyst with RCM Capital Management, eventually moving into a senior PM role and heading the successful launch of one of the first institutional micro-cap products on the street. In 1999, Matt was named Co-CIO of the small and microcap investment team at RCM, responsible for investing over $3B in assets in this space. After RCM, Matt built and launched Paradox Asset Management as an institutional and HNW long/short fund focused exclusively on microcap stocks.

This success led to engagements with a number of microcap hedge funds in the Bay Area, consulting as both an analyst and PM. After 20 years as a buy-side investor, Matt shifted gears and moved to the sell-side, joining Lake Street Capital Markets in 2013 as a Senior Research Analyst. While at Lake Street, Matt primarily focused on special situation stocks with very limited Wall Street coverage. Matt has been a CFA for over 25 years and has held the Series 7, 63, 86 and 87 licenses. He graduated from U.C. Berkeley with B.S. in Finance.

Team Member Headshot

Louie Toma

Managing Director, Research

Louie Toma is a CPA, CFA and Senior Equity Research Analyst at CoreIR and has 20 years of experience on the buy-side and sell-side.

 In 2017, Louie started his own investor relations firm where he helped clients with all aspects of investor relations. A year later, he partnered with another IR agency, where he managed clients and helped them with all of their investor relations needs. In the fall of 2020, Louie joined CORE IR as a managing director working with clients on investor outreach, strategy and messaging.   Prior to founding his own investor relations firm, Louie was a senior research analyst at Craig-Hallum Capital Group, where he spent four years covering micro-cap stocks and writing sell-side research.  Prior to Craig-Hallum, Louie spent over 15 years on the buy-side at various hedge funds, including Tudor Investments, Boston Company, Boston Partners, John A. Levin and Company, and Delta Partners. In his buy-side roles, working in the capacity of an analyst or PM, Louie focused on micro and small-cap stocks, where he developed a large network of buy-side and sell-side relationships.

Louie’s background provides a unique perspective of what investors need from IR firms to engage and develop them as shareholders and to develop a sell-side analyst’s interest that can lead to research coverage.  Louie possesses a CFA and a CPA (Florida) and has held the Series 7, 63, 86, and 87 licenses.  He has an M.B.A. from Babson College as well as a B.S. from Florida State University in Accounting and Finance.

Team Member Headshot

Joey Delahoussaye

Senior Equity Analyst

Joey Delahoussaye III  is a Senior Equity Research Analyst at CoreIR, responsible for client corporate communications and investor outreach.

Joey brings 18 years of buy-side capital markets experience at institutional investment firms and a family office that applied growth/aggressive growth investment philosophies to the domestic microcap and small-cap markets with an emphasis on companies in the healthcare sector.  Prior to joining CORE IR, Joey was an account executive at an agency-based IR firm and coordinated strategic messaging and communication efforts for corporate clients, especially those in the life-science industry.  He has passed all three levels of the CFA exam, has an MBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin, and holds a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana State University.

Team Member Headshot

Andrew Moskowitz

VP of Investor Relations

Andrew Moskowitz is CORE IR’s Investor Relations Associate focusing on outreach to his vast network of high net-worth individuals and investment banking contacts. He has 10 years experience in the cryptocurrency markets.

He ran a 5 Ph/s mining operation in 2017 which produced 40 bitcoins. Currently, he is running an autonomous automated trading system. Andrew has more than five years experience working as a proprietary trader, consultant, information technologist and financial analyst with Spartan Capital Securities, Black Legend Capital and T3 proprietary trading group. He also has more than five years experience working on celebrity outreach and red carpet work with the Knockturnal. In his off time Andrew continues his post-college (NCAA DI/DII) track career through continuing his workouts and coaching track and basketball.

Team Member Headshot

Tom Caden

Senior Vice President, Corporate Access

Tom Caden is Vice President of Investor Relations/Roadshows and CORE IR’s Director of Corporate Access. Mr. Caden is responsible for investor outreach, roadshow development and execution.

Tom has more than 20 years of expertise as an investor relations and financial services specialist having spent 15 years on the retail side of the business. He was a Multi-Lines Agent with the Prudential Insurance Co. and VP Wealth Management with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. Tom has honed his considerable experience from his work with both Dian Griesel International and Edison Investment Research. He is a graduate of Montclair State University.

Team Member Headshot

Bret Shapiro

Senior Managing Partner, Head of Corporate Advisory

Bret Shapiro is the Senior Managing Partner, Head of Corporate Advisory at CORE IR. He began his 30 year Wall Street career in 1991 at Prudential Securities where he was one of the youngest Vice Presidents of the firm.

He moved on to become a shareholder at Gruntal and Company and rose to become a member of the Chairman’s Council. In 2004, Bret joined Capital Growth Financial, heading their syndicate investment banking efforts, placing their first IPO. In 2008, Bret joined Dawson James Securities as Managing Partner and Head of Syndicate where he was responsible for assisting scores of public companies achieve their financing and funding goals. Bret joined CORE IR in 2015 and brings his incomparable depth of experience, insight and strategic value to clients in the areas of capital formation, syndicate relationships introductions, strategic communications and retail and institutional relationships development. Bret resides in Delray Beach, FL with his wife and two daughters.

Team Member Headshot

Scott Arnold

Senior Managing Partner/Roadshows

Scott Arnold is Senior Managing Director with CORE IR. Throughout his career, Scott has evaluated companies from the perspectives of a corporate communications consultant and investment banker.

Having held his Series 3, 6, 7, 63, and 65 licenses, Scott adds a unique perspective to clients undergoing IPOs, capital formation strategies, market exposure, secondary offerings, crisis communications, and strategic acquisitions. Before CORE IR, Scott was a Senior Vice President at ICR, an investor relations firm, where he concentrated on the Green Technology and Metals and Mining industries. He draws upon extensive domestic and international institutional and retail financial services relationships and has been quoted in national publications including Seeking Alpha, as well as being a featured expert at the Harvard/USC Business Growth Conference. In his spare time, Scott enjoys being with his family in Los Angeles and is a Board Member of Beth Jacob Congregation in Beverly Hills.  He has a B.A. in Political Science from Syracuse University.

Scott Gordon

President & Co-Founder

Scott Gordon is President and Co-founder of CORE IR, responsible for developing and managing client corporate communications’ strategy.

Prior to co-founding CORE IR, Scott served as Head of North American Sales and Marketing for CAMO Software Inc., where he was responsible for leading the resurgence of CAMO’s Unscrambler® Suite of Multivariate Statistical Analytics Software and Professional Services Solutions as a market leading brand. Prior to joining CAMO, Scott led Sales and Marketing for MTG Inc., a Business Intelligence Financial Modeling Consultancy, focused on Valuation Analysis. Before joining MTG, Scott served as Head of Global Markets Trading for Investment Management Services, managing trading and operations for funds with $600 million in assets under management. Scott began his Wall Street career on the New York Mercantile Exchange clerking for traders in the Crude and Heating trading pits and became a futures and options trader for Shearson Lehman Hutton and then Smith Barney, in their global managed futures and futures trading operations. Scott attended New York University where he pursued his BS in Economics. 

Team Member Headshot

Chuck Bennett

CEO & Co-Founder

Chuck Bennett is CEO and Co-founder of CORE IR. For the past 12 years, he oversees all aspects of the business including Investor Relations, Corporate Advisory and Public Relations. Prior to working at CORE IR, Mr. Bennett was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CreditRiskMonitor.com, (CRMZ). During his tenure there he grew sales 350%.

 In 2003, he created RRADA (Registered Representatives Arbitration Defense Associates), the largest pre-paid legal company servicing brokers and broker dealers in the Securities Industry.  Chuck is an active philanthropist managing his foundation – The Beacon Light Foundation, which contributes to over 50 charitable organizations nationwide each year. From 1996 to 2012, Chuck served as an Associate Trustee at North Shore/Long Island Jewish Health System in Manhasset (now the largest Health System in the US). As an Associate Trustee he served on the Cardiology Executive Committee, Cardiology Leadership Committee, and the Associate Trustee Executive Committee. Chuck also donates his time and resources to the North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center, the National Center for Disabilities and other charitable organizations in the area. Chuck graduated from Long Island University with a B.S. in Finance and resides in Sea Cliff, NY, with his wife and two children.

Ilysa Pugliese

Director of Human Resources and Operations

Ilysa Pugliese is CORE IR’s Director of Human Resources and Operations, overseeing all aspects of our human resources department. Ilysa focuses on several areas in this position, including organizational growth, benefits administration, performance management, training and development, and HR policies and procedures.  Ilysa is dedicated to building and maintaining relationships that promote CORE IR’s business growth and cultivates customer loyalty by empowering and motivating our employees through effective communication and conflict-resolution skills.

Ilysa began her career in the hedge-fund industry, where she spent nearly 15 years as an Executive Assistant to C-suite executives in leading multi-billion-dollar hedge funds and pioneers in the industry.  She has extensive experience with all administrative tasks, including managing every aspect of personal and professional schedules, recruiting, onboarding, managing staff inquiries, and coordinating administrative functions for entire organizations.  While Ilysa started her career as an Executive Assistant, she began to specialize in more of a Human Resources capacity. Ilysa managed family offices, built out workspaces, handled employee relations, and was responsible for training, staff development, and performance tracking.  Ilysa can tailor her skills to meet the needs of both employees and clients and implement policies and procedures that positively impact employee morale. 

Ilysa has a B.S. in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Team Member Headshot

Tristan Traywick, MBA

Senior Managing Director, Head of Corporate Access

Tristan Traywick is the Senior Managing Director of Corporate Access at Core IR and has been with the firm since 2014. He oversees all aspects of Core IR’s investor engagement activities and executes market awareness strategies with institutional buy & sell-side analysts, and family offices, overseeing a team of analysts and IR professionals.

Mr. Traywick began his career in financial services in 2008 with Seattle-based investment bank, Barretto Securities. During his tenure at Barretto, Tristan worked in both the investor relations and investment banking divisions of the firm. In 2013, Tristan joined Heritage Wealth Advisors, an Ameriprise-sponsored private wealth management firm on Mercer Island, Washington, where he was a registered representative in the client services department. He has previously held Finra Series 7 and 63 licenses, as well as Washington State Producer of Life, Disability, and Variable Line Insurance licenses.

Tristan is a dual graduate of Washington State University, with an MBA in Finance, and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. Tristan grew up on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and currently resides in San Francisco, California.

Team Member Headshot

Janet Vasquez

Media Relations Specialist

Janet Vasquez is a Media Relations Specialist at CORE IR, with over two decades of experience and an incomparable formula of public relations & marketing with healthcare initiatives. Janet has been the force behind significant campaigns with such companies as Pfizer, CDC and GlaxoSmithKline.

Janet is a communications graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City (State University of New York). Although she is based on the East Coast, that has not stopped her from working with over 100 major companies around the globe in oncology, immunology, neurology, vaccines, medical devices, medical technology, and national consumer health and wellness campaigns. Other areas of specialization include green technology, finance, real estate, consumer technology, and homeland security,
 
An entrepreneur at her core has led her to be involved with several organizations specializing in biotechnology and public relations, including serving as the Membership Vice-Chair for the Women in Bio – Metro New York Chapter for several years and recently served on the Board of Directors for the Bronx Chambers of Commerce.

Team Member Headshot

Amanda Boyle

Executive Assistant

Amanda Boyle joins CORE IR as an Executive Assitant with a deep background in sales and marketing, operations, corporate communications, public relations and digital strategies, brand development and client management. 

Prior to joining CORE IR, Amanda served as a licensed sales associate for Sotheby’s International Realty, where she excelled in luxury property sales and client development. Prior to Sotheby’s, Amanda was a luxury account manager with The RealReal, where she extended the lifestyle of luxury goods and optimized the consignor experience through personalized service, promoting sustainability and contributing to a circular economy model. Amanda also served as a marketing assistant for Midnight Express where she promoted luxury boat brands. Amanda is a graduate of Florida State University, Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship, where she earned her B.S. Business Administration; Retail Merchandising and Product Development.

Team Member Headshot

Dr. Michael Beaubaire

Chief Healthcare Strategist

Dr. Michael Beaubaire is CORE IR’s Chief Healthcare Strategist, working closely with our team to provide expertise in healthcare, biotech, and life sciences.

Dr. Beaubaire is an established life sciences executive with extensive experience in early-stage drug development and how it relates to the regulatory world and commercial markets, as well as financial expertise in capital markets and venture capital. He has held various roles, including physician, investment banker, strategic and licensing advisor, principal investor, and entrepreneur. Dr. Beaubaire is the Principal of Beaubaire
LLC, an advisory group that provides scientific diligence, entrepreneurial operating services, and capital market strategies to emerging biotechnology, device, and service companies.

Dr. Beaubaire has 25 years of experience in emerging technology, executing scientific diligence, entrepreneurial operating services, and capital market strategies for a broad range of technology and health science companies. Throughout his career, he has played significant roles advising emerging life science and device companies, healthcare service organizations, and interested institutional healthcare investors through his advisory firm and affiliating with leading investment banks and strategic management consulting firms. His healthcare management experience, clinical science
and financial transaction acumen, and ability to evaluate technology transfer are foundations for investing and strategic development work.

Dr. Beaubaire earned his BS with Honors in Finance from the Wharton School and his BA with Honors in Biological Basis of Behavior from the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. He received his Medical Doctorate from Northwestern University Medical School. He trained as an Internal Medicine resident at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, where he served as an educator to medical interns and students under his tutelage. He also serves as a Board member of both Public and Private companies, ranging from Orphan Drug therapeutics, Cannabinoids, Cardiovascular, and Oncology.

Team Member Headshot

Kati Waldenburg

Managing Director, Public Relations

Kati Waldenburg is a Managing Director at CORE IR, where she oversees the company’s PR Agency. She brings nearly 14 years of experience in corporate communications, strategy development, positioning, media relations, and content creation, and is focused on building PR programs for her clients that drive brand awareness.

Kati has worked with clients across a range of industries including fintech, life sciences, financial services, greentech, real estate, information services, and professional services. Prior to CORE, she was a Senior Vice President at MZ North America, where she helped launch the firm’s PR practice. Previously, she was a Vice President at Rubenstein Public Relations, a leading New York-based communications agency, and also worked at Teneo Holdings, LAK Public Relations, and Gutenberg Communications.

Kati holds a Master of Communications and Information Studies from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from The College of New Jersey.