Founded in 2010, with offices in San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Katalyst provides PR, social, digital and brand strategy services to travel & hospitality, culinary, lifestyle, CPG and real estate brands - we represent the best in the industry and have built our business on referrals and word of mouth.

 

Always looking ahead, Katalyst is breaking the mold and showing value and creativity above what a typical PR agency brings. We are driven by telling stories through a steady stream of press coverage—what differentiates us is that we don’t limit ourselves there. We offer expanded services that deepen the emotional connection between our clients and their audiences and provide lasting impressions.

We work with brands big, small, and all sizes in between, so we grasp the growth process, goals, and unique challenges each stage brings. From brand strategy, social media and content creation, influencer relations, partnerships and activations, to photography, video, graphic design and digital marketing services, our strategy is different for each one of our clients, maximizing their resources and time, and allowing us to create the most thoughtful and impactful campaigns for whatever season they are in.

By only representing brands that inspire us, we are able to tell our clients' stories in an authentic way and secure meaningful press placements. When Katalyst was established the aim on day one was – and still is – to provide an unmatched level of personal service and results. Our clients continue to see value in working with us, because we aren’t a third party vendor. We are part of their team.

Katherine Randall, Founder of Katalyst Public Relations, on a blue couch in a white dress.

Katherine Randall

Founder

Prior to founding Katalyst PR in 2010, Katherine garnered her PR knowledge working both in-house and at several top lifestyle PR firms directing publicity campaigns, as well as launching e-commerce business as the director of communication. This vast experience provided Katherine with an in-depth understanding of PR, digital marketing and social media. Katherine founded Katalyst to work with brands and industries she and her team are passionate about, while providing a hands-on approach and creating long term partnerships with clients, a goal the agency still holds. Originally from Chicago, Katherine graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with degrees in Journalism and Business, and has called San Diego home since 2003. She is a Board Member for the Berry Good Food Foundation, a committee member for The Old Globe, and part of San Diego Restaurant Networking Group. 

Dawn Seymour, Managing Partner at Katalyst Public Relations, standing by a blue couch in a white dress.

Dawn Seymour

Managing Partner

Successfully navigating the media and PR industry throughout her career, Dawn Seymour has shaped a top roster of clients during her years at Katalyst, building strategies, comprehensive PR plans and creating a strong media network along the way. A passionate storyteller, Dawn started her career on the media side later joining a leading hospitality PR firm where she tapped into her writing skills and trend expertise to direct campaigns for national lifestyle products and culinary brands. The lifelong foodie is passionate about health and wellness and currently lives in Santa Barbara with her husband and two sons.

Paulina Milan, Senior Publicity Director at Katalyst Public Relations, posing confidently in a black dress.

Paulina Milan

Senior Publicity Director

Paulina brings experience working on both bi-cultural and bi-coastal public relations campaigns to Katalyst. Her passion for communication and a true love for the culinary and hospitality industries drives her dedication and work ethic, where she has managed the media relations at Katalyst for the last seven years. A San Diego native, Paulina graduated from Manhattan College in New York with a major in Public Relations and received a minor in Spanish while studying in Madrid.

Mallory Laird, Operations Manager at Katalyst Public Relations, in front of a blue chair.

Mallory Laird

Operations Manager

Mallory brings years of experience in PR and business operations to Katalyst. With a deep-rooted understanding of the industry, she combines a passion for creative collaboration and a dedication to team growth and development to implement strategic initiatives and processes. Mallory grew up in Ohio and attended Ohio University before moving to San Diego to begin her career. Outside of the office, Mallory enjoys spending time at the beach, reading a good book, and exploring the restaurant scene with friends.

Matthew Van Court, Senior Publicist at Katalyst Public Relations, sitting on a blue chair in a hotel lobby.

Matthew Van Court

Account Manager

Known for his creative flair and deep understanding of the industry, which spans more than a decade, Matthew has earned a reputation as a media relations professional who not only tells compelling stories but also creates meaningful connections for his clients. From hoteliers and chefs to botanists and artists, Matthew's experience includes working with nonprofit organizations, arts and culture institutions, immersive experiences, tourist destinations, restaurants and chefs, and communities throughout the country. A self-proclaimed “King of TV” Matthew knows what it takes to make his clients shine and stand out both when the camera is on and off, and his natural ability to build real and lasting relationships with the media has helped him earn his clients ink nationwide in top outlets. When he is not looking for the next culinary trend or planning his next trip, you can find him sipping on an iced coffee while exploring everything that makes his city special.

Becca Koshley, Social Media Manager

Becca Koshley

Social Media Manager

A San Diego native, Becca brings years of marketing and copywriting experience to Katalyst working with brands in the hospitality, CPG, and lifestyle spaces. With a degree in Journalism and Media Studies with an emphasis in Advertising, she has an eye and passion for authentic and captivating storytelling as well as aesthetic and well-branded content creation. Becca aims to create, foster, and expand communities through social strategy and connections. Outside of work, Becca’s passions include reading, cooking, and spending time with her dog, George Clooney.

Justine Marzoni-Mead - publicist at Katalyst-PR in San Diego.

Justine Marzoni-Mead

Senior Publicist

When it comes to food & beverage, Justine has a big appetite and big ideas. She brings a keen interest and knowledge of locally sourced ingredients and seasonality to the team at Katalyst, as well as hands-on experience launching and operating an artisanal CPG brand and years spent working closely with farmers and foodmakers in the vast Southern California farmers market scene. Born and raised in San Diego, Justine has invaluable familiarity with the local flavor and niche communities of her hometown. She holds a BA in Communication Studies from University of San Diego and a Masters in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University.

Erica Flores, Junior Publicist at Katalyst Public Relations, seated in a living room setting.

Erica Flores

Publicist

Erica brings years of public relations experience to Katalyst, working with startups in the food, beverage consumer and hospitality industries. She enjoys storytelling and connecting with media, clients, and account teams is what fuels her passion for PR. Erica attended the University of Oregon, where she received her degree in public relations and a minor in Spanish. As a San Diego local, Erica returned home to California after graduation to pursue a career in public relations.

Olivia Duncan, Junior Publicist at Katalyst Public Relations, standing confidently in the lobby.

Olivia Duncan

Publicist

A self-proclaimed foodie, Olivia’s genuine love for food, drinks and hospitality align perfectly with her work at Katalyst. Olivia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with minors in Marketing and Information Technology Management from the University of San Diego.

Sydney Frigerio

Junior Publicist

Sydney brings a passion for storytelling and community and a genuine love for the culinary and hospitality industries to her role at Katalyst. Graduating from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Sydney has developed a breadth of knowledge on how meaningful and lasting connections are formed in our world, on both a personal and business level. Some of her other passions include spending time outdoors, fitness, writing, and traveling anywhere and everywhere.

Sydney Toth, Social Media Coordinator at Katalyst Public Relations, before a blue couch in jeans and jacket.

Sydney Toth

Senior Social Media Coordinator

Sydney is a social media and branding specialist who brings creativity and passion to her work at Katalyst. With a knack for authentic storytelling, she showcases the true nature of brands in the lifestyle and hospitality industry. A graphic design graduate from Loyola Marymount University, Sydney is currently pursuing an online MBA in luxury digital media management at Sup De Luxe in France. Her other passions include writing, fitness, travel, and serving as a personal stylist for friends.

Olivia Horvath

Social Media Specialist

As a Social Media Specialist, Olivia blends her expertise in photography, digital media, and marketing to craft compelling narratives and content that engage and inspire audiences. Born and raised in a winemaking family in the Santa Ynez Valley, Olivia is passionate about wine, food and travel and brings that passion to her work at Katalyst. Olivia studied Marketing and Visual Arts at the University of San Diego, and enjoys a pilates class, connecting with nature, cooking and spending time with family. 

Kylie Stewart

Publicity Assistant

Energized by the social aspects of public relations and making strong connections, Kylie started her career in tech public relations before diving into the food and hospitality space. Using her knack for ideation and communication, Kylie is excited to build her PR career at Katalyst making connections with clients and media. Kylie attended the University of Colorado, Boulder where she received her degree in strategic communications and a minor in media studies. As a San Diego local, and 10th-generation Californian, Kylie enjoys attending concerts, traveling and outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, and beach days.

Juliet Perry

Publicity Assistant

Juliet is a storyteller at heart, blending her love for food, culture and communications into a career in public relations. As a Chico State graduate with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations and a minor in Social Media Production and Analysis, she brings a sharp eye for strategy and a passion for creative writing to the Katalyst team. Originally from Northern California, she made the leap to San Diego to further pursue her passion for communications while soaking up the sunshine. Her hands-on experience in the food and beverage industry ignited her drive to work on the PR side of the table—championing the brands, people and places that shape the hospitality world. Whether she’s building buzz for a new restaurant or elevating a brand’s voice, Juliet thrives on turning great ideas into conversations that matter.

Kaila McCord

Operations Coordinator

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