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About Punch Media

“Our passions lie in food and beverage, hospitality and various lifestyle sectors. We represent a myriad of fantastic clients who tend to be leaders in their field.”

PUNCH Media is a full-service boutique agency specializing in public relations, social media management, marketing, events, consulting, and brand development.

Our passions lie in food and beverage, hospitality and various lifestyle sectors. We represent a myriad of fantastic clients who tend to be leaders in their field. PUNCH Media clients include an array of top chefs and cutting edge restaurants, luxury resort hotels, Center City business hotels, and boutique, destination-oriented inns. We also represent some pretty awesome  beverage brands from internationally known liquor icons to ground breaking no-alc spirits. Additionally we work in the retail, fashion and other lifestyle businesses.

We are rooted in Philadelphia, with national and international reach. We operate from our loft office space in Old City Philadelphia. We offer decades of media, public relations, consulting, writing, and TV and print advertising experience in both the corporate arena as well as small- to mid-range business development.

Meet the PUNCH Media Team

James Zeleniak

Founder & CEO

JAMES ZELENIAK

James is a seasoned journalist, editor, writer, and consultant who has written extensively on food and beverage, hospitality, real estate, music, lifestyle, and more for a multitude of publications in the Philadelphia region and beyond. As Founder of PUNCH Media, James parlays his years of inside-industry experience into compelling campaigns that achieve desired results for a diverse client base. James spends his free time exploring his love for combat sports, nutrition, cooking, and entertaining for family and friends.

Alicia Crawford-Zeleniak

Director of Operations and Communications Specialist

ALICIA CRAWFORD-ZELENIAK

After various stints in voiceover, video production, and managing advertising and branding of new products at Comcast, Alicia joined James to help launch PUNCH Media. She initially focused on clients’ brand identities while crafting press releases at 3 a.m. Now, she’s mainly behind the curtain, overseeing agency operations, policy, HR, and financials. When not working, she manages four children and the family rescue dog while contemplating a part-time linguistics course for the fun of it.

Nicole Rosenn

Director of PR

NICOLE ROSENN

Born and raised in Pennsport, Nicole graduated from Penn State University with a B.A. in Communications with a focus on Print Journalism, and a minor in Sociology. While interning for a Philly-based lifestyle magazine, she found a passion for writing and social media. This plus her years of experience in the hospitality industry and interest in photography made Nicole a great fit at PUNCH. With a gin gimlet in one hand and chopsticks in the other, Nicole spends her free time exploring the city’s diverse restaurant scene.

LEX NEMCHENKO

Senior Account Executive

LEX NEMCHENKO

A Brooklyn native and major live music enthusiast, Lex has made his home in Philadelphia after frequent visits to see his favorite bands on tour, all while nurturing a crush on the city. His approach to public relations is fortified by a professional background steeped in business development, campaign writing, copywriting, editing, digital marketing, and strategy. A hopeful romantic and avid supporter of the arts, Lex is also a photographer with four seasons of NY Fashion Week under his belt.

ELENI STERIOUS

Account Executive

ELENI STERIOUS

Eleni is a Temple University alumna with a serious crush on Philly’s eccentric food and drink scene. Her journey with PUNCH Media began as a PR intern, followed by roles as PR Assistant and PR + Social Media Coordinator before stepping into her current position as Account Executive. When she’s not drafting press releases or serving up the most Instagram-able food content, Eleni is hunting down the city’s spiciest tuna roll and dirtiest martini. Off the clock? She’s either planning her next vacation, flowing through a hot yoga class, or spending quality time with her cat Tito.

Laney Bishop

Public Relations & Social Media Coordinator

LANEY BISHOP

Laney moved to Philadelphia in 2021 and has since fallen in love with the city. Born in North Carolina, she earned a degree in International Studies at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington before following her career to Philly. A service industry veteran, Laney’s first job ever was a restaurant that was featured in both Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill. When not in the office, you can find Laney trying a new happy hour spot, binging a reality TV show, or reading on the couch with her cat, Stitch. 

Katherine "KB" Burns

Social Media & Public Relations Coordinator

KB BURNS

KB is a Philly native and service industry veteran with a passion for sharing stories of the city’s culture and community. Having worked alongside some of Philadelphia’s top chefs, she puts her practical knowledge and skills to work uplifting voices of PUNCH Media clientele through social media channels, all while exploring and expanding its borders. Outside of work, KB enjoys stand-up comedy, unwinds through fiber arts, and keeps a running list of the city’s best dives. 

SOPHIA REIS

Public Relations & Social Media Assistant

SOPHIA REIS

Sophia, a recent Temple University graduate, has developed a deep love for Philadelphia since relocating from New York. During her time in the city, she has immersed herself in the local food scene, launching a food blog that features photography of exceptional restaurants and travel experiences. Outside of her role as a PR assistant, her ideal day includes grabbing a matcha, strolling through farmers markets, browsing vintage shops, and cooking a delicious meal at home.

ADRIANA CALDERIN

Public Relations & Social Media Assistant

ADRIANA CALDERIN

Adriana was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico before moving to Philadelphia in 2021 to attend Saint Joseph’s University, where she earned her degree in Marketing and International Business. Despite having never visited the city before, she quickly fell in love with the Philly scene and has since joined PUNCH Media as a Public Relations Intern/Assistant. When she’s not in the office, you can find Adriana rewatching her favorite shows on Netflix, sketching whatever inspires her that day, or wandering through the city in search of her next go-to cocktail bar.

Scarlett Zeleniak

Public Relations Intern

SCARLETT ZELENIAK

Scarlett is a born-and-raised Philadelphian. She is a rising senior at Drexel University, pursuing her BA in Entertainment and Arts Management with a minor in Business Administration. This is Scarlett’s second co-op; her first was with Allied Global Marketing in Center City. She has previously done marketing for Yes! And… Collaborative Arts and has volunteered at the Dublin Fringe Festival. After work, Scarlett enjoys reading, listening to music, and exploring the city with friends.

NOAH HOWELLS

Public Relations Intern

NOAH HOWELLS

Originally from Lancaster County, PA, Noah fell in love with city living while studying Digital Narrative & Interactive Design at the University of Pittsburgh. Having recently moved to Philadelphia, he is excited to expand his experience in social media, graphic design, and studio arts amid the city’s vibrant energy. Outside of work, Noah enjoys staying active at the gym, exploring Philly’s best dining spots, and thrifting for vintage clothing and home decor.