Meet the Team
Managing Director
Di Burton BA PGCE FCIPR FCIPD MInstD
Di founded Cicada in 1987 and has built a reputation across Yorkshire and beyond as a phenomenal networker and public relations practitioner. She provides top level strategic communication advice to a multitude of different organisations.
A CIPR approved trainer, Di runs the communications training division at Cicada. She is a Consultant Fellow and holds an Honorary Fellowship at Trinity & All Saints, University of Leeds, where she advises on the Masters Degree in Public Communication for the Government Communication Network (GCN).
Recognised as an industry expert in Internal Communication, her clients include 10 Downing Street, Reuters and the Irish Electricity Supply Board. Di is a regular conference speaker and media communicator and is also a member of Editorial Intelligence's Group of Advisers and Contributing Editors.
Account Manager
Elizabeth Powell
Liz has a background in publishing and has a particular talent for writing eye-catching stories. She is particularly adept at drafting a press release at a moment's notice.
Liz handles a diverse range of PR accounts, produces client newsletters and regularly authors opinion pieces on major issues of the day. Liz was a finalist in the Young Communicator category at the 2005 CIPR PRide Awards.
Liz has just celebrated - or should that be survived? - her first year of married life and is looking forward to many more happy years to come.
Account/New Business Manager
Lizzie Wilson
Lizzie rejoined the company as Account/New Business Manager following 18 months working in the voluntary sector.
She is possibly the most organised member of the Cicada team, contributing greatly to its success in managing projects. Lizzie was the project manager on the double award-winning PR team that led National Insect Week in 2004.
Lizzie's interests include photography, mountain biking and socialising with friends, but not all at the same time.
Events Manager
Scilla Baldwin
Scilla has spent ten years in PR and event management, and is renowned for her excellent organisational skills. She has a wealth of experience in organising a broad range of events, from lunches and black tie dinners to conferences and product launches.
Scilla enjoys being outdoors in the beautiful Nidderdale countryside with her husband, new arrival baby Alice and their unruly spaniel Moss.
scilla@cicada-comms.com
Finance Manager
Vicky Carswell
Vicky's roots are in general business rather than public relations, as is reflected by her role. She has the vital tasks of managing Cicada's finances and acting as Di's PA.
As mother to Tommy, Vicky now works part-time so that she can enjoy a cup of tea and a large slab of cake on her regular days out in the Dales.
vicky@cicada-comms.com
Senior Account Executive
Emma Carrick
The newest recruit at Cicada, Emma joined us from an award winning London PR agency. With a BA (Hons) degree in Journalism from the University of Lincoln, Emma started her career at the Pulse of West Yorkshire before moving to Real Radio Wales. Emma was then news editor within GCAP Media, now known as Global, before moving to London.
Emma is the daughter of the late Yorkshire Cricket Captain Phil Carrick.
Yorkshire born and bred and a former national show riding champion, Emma is delighted to have moved back 'up north' to spend time with family and friends and watching her beloved Bradford Bulls.
Senior Account Executive
Jessica Wilson
The most recent addition to Cicada, Jessica's previous position was with an award-winning in-house public relations team at Yorkshire Water.
With a strong background in media relations and campaign management, Jessica works on a diverse range of accounts handling anything from writing press releases to organising events.
jessica@cicada-comms.com
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Senior Account Executive
Amy Sutherland
Amy has a degree in journalism and began her career in broadcast and print newsrooms. She loves the challenges and variety of the PR industry and works on a number of accounts handling media relations and marketing, as well as assisting with event organising. Amy is Cicada's expert in new media.
Amy treats every day at work as a fashion show, and loves showing off her huge collection of shoes.
Account Executive
Rachel Barker
Rachel graduated from the University of Central Lancashire in 2007 with a 2:1 honours degree in Journalism. With a passion for writing, Rachel has completed work experience placements at Spa World Magazine and Ackrill Newspapers.
Rachel supports the account managers on a diverse range of accounts including Diabetes UK, Carter Jonas and Grant Thornton.
A keen sports fan, Rachel can often be found on the sidelines at Headingley, supporting (or should that be ogling?) the Leeds Rhinos.
rachel@cicada-comms.com
.jpg "Rachel Barker")
