Our Team

Consider us an extension of your team! Our clients receive an unrivaled level of service and exceptional results from our team of strategists, dreamers, creators and magic makers.

Rachel Dickman

MBA, APR | Founder & CEO

Rachel is the Founder and CEO of RMG Communications and a nationally recognized leader in the fields of communications and public relations. At RMG, Rachel has worked with dozens of public sector clients to help them imagine the possibilities to transform the communities they serve. Her work on behalf of RMG’s clients has been recognized by numerous local and state awards for its creativity and effectiveness.

Outside of RMG, Rachel co-hosts the popular, award-winning PRessing On in Public Relations podcast. Before starting RMG, she worked in local government and oversaw innovative communications programs for several public agencies across California, including several cities and a large water district, which served nearly 1 million customers.

Fun Fact

Rachel believes in giving back!

She has made it RMG’s mission to partner and support California-based organizations and is the founder of the nonprofit Whiskers & Wishes Foundation.

Education

M.B.A., University of Redlands

B.A., Communications Studies; University of California, Los Angeles

Universal Accreditation Board, Accreditation in Public Relations

Advanced Public Engagement Certificate, Pepperdine University

Awards & Affiliations

California Association of Public Information Officials
Past President; 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient; 2016 Communicator of the Year Recipient; EPIC Award Winner

Public Relations Society of America
San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter: Director at Large and Bernays Award Winner; Inland Empire Chapter: Past President, 2018 and 2019 Best in Show Winner and Polaris Award Winner; Los Angeles Chapter: PRism Award Winner; PRSA National: Bronze Anvil Winner

Liselle DeGrave

APR | Agency Partner

A veteran public-sector communicator, Liselle has nearly 20 years of experience developing effective, award-winning communications and outreach programs for public agencies across the Golden State. Her in-house government expertise coupled with her agency background, help her successfully design data-driven and results-focused strategies that make an impact and help move the needle.

She is the founder and CEO of DeGrave Communications, a full-service communications firm focusing on public-sector clients and partners with RMG Communications to deliver exceptional communications and outreach strategies for our clients.

Fun Fact

Having always been an “old soul,” Liselle enjoys antiquing, gardening, reading, collecting milk glass and trying just about anything that has lavender in it.

Education

B.A., Communications Studies, Minor in Spanish, San Diego State University

Universal Accreditation Board, Accreditation in Public Relations

Awards & Affiliations

California Association of Public Information Officials
EPIC Award Winner

Public Relations Society of America
Inland Empire Chapter: Past Board Member, Best in Show Winner, Polaris Award Winner and Spirit of PR Winner; San Diego Chapter: Bernays Winner; PRSA National: Bronze Anvil Winner

Robin Rockey

APR | Agency Partner

Public relations leader Robin Rockey, APR, brings nearly 20 years of diverse experience in communications and marketing to the table, including six years of award-winning government communications experience gained while serving as the Communications Manager (PIO) for the City of San Marcos and as the Public Information Specialist for South Coast Water District in Laguna Beach.

Robin understands the unique needs of public-sector clients, including the importance of providing accurate, timely information to residents, businesses and visitors. She specializes in developing multichannel communications and marketing campaigns and partnering with the media and community organizations to build positive momentum and support for projects and programs.

She honed her razor-sharp writing, editing and social media skills as Web and Social Media Editor at AAA Westways magazine, and while running the popular Go Southern California Instagram and Twitter accounts. As the founder and CEO of Rockspark Communications + Marketing, she seamlessly partners with our RMG team to collaborate with our clients and deliver strategies that are data-driven and results-focused.

Fun Fact

In 2019, Robin published her first book, 100 Things to Do In Orange County Before You Die, which has been featured by the Los Angeles Times, KTLA Channel 5, Coast Magazine, the Orange County Register and many additional publications and programs.

Education

B.A., Journalism, Northern Illinois University

Universal Accreditation Board, Accreditation in Public Relations

Digital Marketing Certificate, Cornell University

Advanced Social Media Strategy Certificate, Syracuse University

Awards & Affiliations

California Association of Public Information Officials
EPIC Award Winner

3CMA City, County Communications and Marketing Association
Savvy Award Winner

Ashley Ringger

Communications Manager

Ashley is an accomplished professional in the fields of communications and public affairs. She brings more than 10 years of experience in community outreach and engagement to RMG Communications. A gifted storyteller and graphic artist, she crafts dynamic visuals together with meaningful content that resonates with our clients.

Prior to RMG Communications, Ashley spent nearly a decade in-house at two water agencies in Southern California where she worked on high-profile community affairs and public policy projects and programs spanning special events, content creation, social media, graphic design, legislative analysis and grant coordination.

Fun Fact

Ashley is an avid traveller. When she’s not pouring her creative energy into client projects, she is most likely planning a new adventure with her husband and daughters.

Education

B.A., Political Science, Brigham Young University

Graphic Design Certificate, California State University

Awards & Affiliations

California Association of Public Information Officials
EPIC Award Winner

Public Relations Society of America
Inland Empire Chapter: Polaris Award Winner

Jade Climaco

Sr. Communications Coordinator

Thanks to her background in client relations and project management, Jade ensures our team delivers exceptional results to our clients. From coordinating media buys to scheduling meetings, Jade flawlessly handles each project with attention to detail and a commitment to outstanding support to our clients and RMG team.

Prior to RMG, Jade worked at a large insurance firm interfacing with internal and external customers.

Fun Fact

Jade is oh so crafty! She enjoys exploring crafts, including calligraphy and soap making, and has a soft spot for supporting small businesses and hand-made goods.

Education

B.S.E., Industrial Engineering, Arizona State University

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate, Arizona State University

Jesse Lynn Smart

Communications Specialist

Jesse is a creative storyteller and editor with nearly two decades of experience developing impactful content for clients running the gamut from the public sector to well-known authors. Her work has been featured in numerous publications in the U.S. and abroad.

At RMG Communications, she combines her love for writing and editing to help our clients share their unique stories through developing dynamic content for collateral, social media, news releases and more. Her keen attention to detail, exceptional customer service and outstanding project management skills ensure an excellent experience and end product for each client.

Fun Fact

Jesse spends most of her free time reading with a cup of tea and a kitty in her lap. She dreams of covering every wall in her house with bookshelves (and quite possibly cats).

Education

University of Southern California

Executive Life Coach Accreditation, Rayner Institute

Awards & Affiliations

Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading

Katlyn Phelps

Communications Coordinator

Katlyn is passionate about public relations and local government. Her attention to detail and data, impactful storytelling skills and expertise working with and for public agencies ensures exceptional results for our clients.

Before joining the RMG team, Katlyn honed her skills working for the Town of Payson, Az., Parks and Recreation Department, where she assisted in coordinating and managing special events. She has also served in the roles of a research assistant at Northern Arizona University (NAU), where she was in charge of gathering and analyzing data about the University's international student communications and for NAU America Reads where she tutored elementary school students in reading and writing.

Fun Fact

Katlyn participated in the 74th Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and in the 2015 Superbowl Halftime Show with Katy Perry through her high school marching band.

Education

B.A., Strategic Communications, Northern Arizona University

Awards & Affiliations

Public Relations Society of America
Phoenix Chapter Member

Google Analytics Individual Qualification Certification

Son Bui

Multi-media Specialist

Son is an award-winning multi-media and design professional. At RMG, he brings our clients projects to life with engaging video, drone photography, social media and graphic design.

Along with his multi-media expertise, Son has more than two decades of experience overseeing communications and outreach projects in-house at a large water utility.

Fun Fact

Son enjoys the great outdoors, camping, hiking, and mountain biking. He loves the smell of burning wood in his firepit and large fireplace. To supply his home with firewood, he acquires unsplit wood and chops it up himself.