Staff Directory
Kate Morgan
PRINCIPAL
Kate Morgan, hailing originally from the UK, has a proven track record of developing and executing creative, considered yearly press strategies supporting brands, seasonal product launches and key calendar events.
Kate has created solid relationships in the fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle arena, managing a large book of contacts with Press, PRs, key social influencers, celebrities, and vast industry professionals on a global scale.
Kate and her team develop and organize the content and special features required to support brand and clients needs, ensuring completion to budget, time and quality. As the founder/owner of Morgan Publicity, Kate has helped break brands, such as Peace Out Skincare (#1 at Sephora) while working on legacy brands, such as Kendo/LVMH, DECIEM, Dr. Pimple Popper, and many many more.
Kate’s early career as a journalist included writing for titles New Woman, Dazed & Confused, Grazia, More! and NO magazine
Kate is based in Los Angeles, but her reach is global.
Ashley Proud
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS & INFLUENCER RELATIONS
A skilled communications strategist, Ashley Proud offers a seasoned POV and rich background in brand development, influencer marketing, media and talent relations.
Over the past 15 years, Ashley has honed a holistic, integrated communications approach rooted in her experience in public relations, brand strategy, creative development, and experiential marketing. Ashley's ability to translate campaign goals and market insights into actionable plans has proven invaluable to both new and established brands looking to build meaningful consumer connections and drive measurable results.
Ashley's speciality is connecting beauty and entertainment brands with the right target audiences, as showcased through her work with AbbVie Pharmaceuticals, Disney, LG Beauty, Morphe Cosmetics, Playa Beauty, Real Techniques, STAAR Surgical, and Teen Vogue.
Alexis Patterson
PRESS OFFICER
Alexis is the backbone support to your account here at Morgan Publicity! From curating bespoke media pitches, to throwing a ‘sharp dart’ with her media outreach - Alexis has fostered strong relationships in the editorial field.
A ‘one and done’ approach is not Alexis's style! Alexis' press wins come from thoughtful outreach methods, which are respected by the media she is in dialogue with day to day. If an editor is working on a story; they often think of Alexis as a go-to resource!
Alexis has a strong Entertainment PR background, with a roster of talent and celebrity contacts within her little black book!
Denise Valdez
AGENCY PARTNER
Denise's passion lies in launching, building and strengthening diverse brands by leveraging deep seeded Hollywood relationships and exercising expertise in the editorial, celebrity and digital influencer landscapes.
Denise is an expert in working with the utmost valued luxury & contemporary brands in the Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle categories, building each with specifically tailored strategies while achieving optimal results.
Barbie Simpson
U.K. DIRECTOR
Barbie Simpson is a seasoned PR Professional based in London, heading up our UK operations. Prior to Morgan Publicity, Barbie oversaw PR efforts for The Body Shop and later Selfridges Department Store (voted the World's Number 1 Department Store) Lifestyle and Beauty divisions.
Agustín Cruz
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Agustin is a destination marketing professional, film programmer and critic, who has worked with destinations like Pasadena, West Hollywood, and Gay Los Cabos, Mexico. He has produced activations at Sunset Strip Music Festival, Arroyo Seco Weekend, and the Tournament of Roses; and he was a delegate on media missions to Mexico and Canada with Visit California. His career began with hotel brands Hilton, SLS, Andaz and Mondrian and went on to work with beauty brands Peace Out Skincare, SkinEscens, and Dr. Iris Orbuch. Agustin received a B.A. in Chicanx and Latinx Studies from the University of California, Berkeley where he focused on Film & Media and Ethnic Studies. Additionally, he programs film festivals and cinematheques, helping to bring marginalized and misrepresented narratives to audiences.
Jackson Morgan
JUNIOR PUBLICIST
Jack wears many hats at Morgan Publicity, he specializes in making the senior staff swoon with his impressive bubble blowing skills and impeccable knack for storytelling. While he is studying American English, British English and Spanish, he is fluent in gibberish, you'll usually find him around the water cooler recounting headlines from the previous day. Jack began his PR career in utero, upon completion of his first year at the agency, Mr. Morgan will take on his first account without supervision, as well as potty training. In his spare time he enjoys napping, playing with his dog Maggie, and growing his Instagram following (@jackson_in_la).