Founder & CEO

Garland Harwood is co-founder of Confidant and CEO of Catamaran, the earned-first agency that evolved from Confidant’s PR practice. He brings more than two decades of experience helping brands, including Amazon, Shake Shack, BarkBox, Sonos, Samsung, ZocDoc, Chobani, and Getaway, navigate modern media, shape narratives, and earn cultural relevance. Garland has been recognized on PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 list and PR News Rising PR Stars. He’s a member of the Board of Visitors for The University of Alabama's College of Communication and Information Sciences.

SVP, Chief of Staff

A member of Catamaran’s Leadership Team, Lydia brings more than 40 years’ experience of conceptualizing and implementing integrated marketing and communications programs for both the public and private sectors to the agency's client roster, as well as oversees agency operations. She was previously a Senior Vice President at Widmeyer Communications, a Finn Partners Company. When not working, she can often be found with a good novel, preferably with a dirty martini close at hand.

SVP, Brand Communications

A member of Catamaran’s Leadership Team, Renée has more than ten years’ experience shaping and leading brand communications and corporate strategies for companies across multiple industries, including consumer technology, entertainment and digital services, retail, travel, beauty, and more. Born in Jamaica, Renée joined Catamaran following previous roles at Golin and 5W PR.

SVP, Consumer Brands

Jeanne has more than thirteen years of experience leading strategic consumer and corporate PR campaigns across the tech, retail, DTC, travel, and food and beverage industries. A member of the agency’s Leadership Team and Catamaran’s first employee, she is a cross sector media generalist known for blending consumer storytelling with reputation driven communications to achieve business goals. Previously, Jeanne spent four years at Weber Shandwick supporting major consumer initiatives for Amazon, including the inaugural Prime Day.

SVP, Media

A member of Catamaran’s Leadership Team, Alan heads the agency’s media relations function and oversees earned media strategy and execution, with a growing focus on emerging and non-legacy platforms. Additionally, Alan leads the agency’s social impact programming, helping clients navigate evolving expectations around credibility, accountability, and leadership. A native of Ireland, Alan was previously a Vice President at Weber Shandwick, where he co-founded and led the consumer media team.

SVP, Corporate Reputation & Innovation

Kait brings more than fifteen years of experience helping organizations build and protect their reputations through rigorous corporate communications and innovation-led programs. A member of the agency’s Leadership Team, she manages some of the agency’s flagship accounts, leads Catamaran’s AI Taskforce, and owns the agency’s approach to AI, including the rollout and governance of custom GPTs and guidance on GEO. She previously spent six years at Weber Shandwick.

Finance Director

Katy leads finance for both Catamaran and Confidant. Prior to joining she was a founding member of financial services company, Gatemore Capital Management. Over the course of 13 years she established the foundational financial and client reporting systems and maintained and scaled the operation across both the US and European markets.

Vice President

Nicole’s corporate and consumer PR experience spanning retail, food and beverage, travel and lifestyle brands includes work with Shake Shack, BARK (makers of BarkBox), Chobani, La Colombe, Amazon, Getaway, Banza, MadeGood, Tanger Outlets, Eataly, The Macallan, Campari and Beyond Meat. Prior to joining Catamaran, she held roles at HL Group, M Booth and R\Wes. Nicole holds a Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET).

Senior Director

Kathy is a seasoned public relations professional specializing in thought leadership, corporate storytelling, and reputation management. She has led impactful campaigns for clients like Amazon, Rare Beauty, and Perfect Day, earning recognition for her work in reputation, technology, and consumer goods. She previously spearheaded global media campaigns for prominent tech industry clients at leading agencies, including Ogilvy, Text100 and PAN Communications.

Vice President

Matt is an award-winning public relations professional with extensive experience in corporate communications, crisis and issues management, integrated marketing campaigns, executive visibility, thought leadership, and trade show support. Over his career, he has partnered with large global brands including Amazon, MINI USA, Sharp Electronics, BMW, and various ExxonMobil brands, driving strategic initiatives and delivering impactful results across consumer, corporate, and B2B communications.

Senior Director

Mimi is a seasoned communications leader who develops and executes high-impact media and storytelling programs across corporate communications and public affairs. At Catamaran, she leads communications for several Amazon businesses, supporting major announcements, executive visibility, and proactive programs showcasing innovation across retail and operations. Previously, she led corporate communications at Starry and began her career in Washington, D.C., managing media and public affairs campaigns for a consumer-facing trade association representing North America’s airports.

Senior Director

A senior consumer media and influencer leader, Emma specializes in turning cultural moments into meaningful brand impact. At Catamaran, she leads influencer strategy and creative ideation across clients including BARK, La Colombe, Chobani, Edible, Michaels, Shake Shack, and Patreon, while playing a key role in new business through talent-driven ideas and trend-forward thinking. With a strong pulse on social media, Emma is known for spotting what’s next before it hits mainstream media and bringing brands into culture in smart, timely ways.

Senior Director

Rachel has over sixteen years of experience partnering with brands to deliver strategic, efficient communications campaigns that drive measurable business outcomes. Her sweet spot lies at the intersection of technology and consumer brands with deep experience building campaigns for brands like Amazon, Canon, Mastercard, American Express, Ancestry, SONOS, Getty Images, Squarespace, Samsung and Lenovo. Currently based in the UK, Rachel is a Texan who has lived and worked in NYC, Sydney and Los Angeles.

Senior Director

Jessica brings brand stories to life through integrated campaigns, with deep expertise in experiential activations and event management. Her experience spans both B2B and B2C communications, leading corporate initiatives for global brands such as Amazon, as well as organizations across the aerospace, legislative policy, philanthropic, lifestyle, beauty, sports, food and beverage, professional services, technology, and entertainment sectors. Previously, Jessica led earned media initiatives at Mintz + Hoke and HAI Group.

Director

Melissa has led earned media and integrated campaigns for a range of consumer and tech brands including Lyft, American Express, Meta, Logitech and more. At Catamaran, Melissa leads earned media programs across e-commerce, food, and consumer tech, working with brands including BARK (makers of BarkBox), Shake Shack, Aura, Patreon, and Edible. In addition to her consumer PR work, she is experienced in thought leadership and corporate storytelling. A California native, Melissa is based remotely in Los Angeles, working alongside her corgi, Wrigley.

Senior Manager

Jolene is a strategic media and communications specialist with experience across food and beverage, consumer technology, and lifestyle brands. Her expertise includes media strategy development and execution, client management, and strategic campaign planning for brands including Chobani, Aura Frames, Lysol, Fever-Tree, Pressed Juicery, Nanit, and Nestle Water North America. Prior to joining Catamaran, she held roles at HUNTER and Legend.

Senior Manager

Hayley is an experienced communications specialist with a successful track record across a wide range of sectors, including CPG, QSR, technology, and lifestyle brands. Her key areas of expertise span strategic media relations, event planning, and client and project management. At Catamaran, Hayley supports various Amazon teams including Books, Grocery and Delivery Experience, along with Shake Shack. Prior to joining, Hayley led impactful initiatives for established brands, including Bank of America, Colgate-Palmolive, and Dollar General at Burson.

Senior Manager

Aran McDermott is a Senior PR Manager bringing five years of experience leading and supporting strategic communications and media campaigns. At Catamaran, Aran supports Amazon, Aura, and food and beverage accounts, employing her expertise in media relations, creative ideation, and campaign execution. In her previous roles at Havas Formula, The Romans and Hunter, Aran delivered notable results across consumer and corporate accounts, demonstrating a deep knowledge of a wide range of industries including spirits, tech, retail, and professional services. She has served clients such as Le Creuset, Stitch Fix, JPMorgan Chase, Candy Crush, and Cupcake Vineyards.

Tech Media Consultant

Scott Baldwin brings more than 20 years of experience leading earned-first communications for consumer brands, technology, and products. At Catamaran, he works closely with tech clients like Aura, helping guide strategy and media engagement. Scott has led tech comms for global brands including Amazon’s Devices & Services business, Samsung Mobile, Huawei, OpenAI, and Chevy, and has built trusted relationships across consumer, tech, business, design, and creator media. Prior to Catamaran, he held senior leadership roles at Outcast, Edelman, and Burson.

Measurement & Analytics Manager

Rebecca provides research and measurement support across multiple teams. She brings 25 years of experience across a range of industries, including marketing and administrative roles at an architecture firm in Cambridge, MA, and in the mergers and acquisitions department at Davis Polk, a corporate law firm in New York.