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, Government Office for the North East and First Transpennine Express. Di is a regular conference speaker and media communicator and is also a member of Editorial Intelligence's Group of Advisers and Contributing Editors. Di is a member of the Reform Club and has attended Harvard Business School.
Senior 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.
Senior Account 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
Account Manager
Jessica Wilson
Jessica's previous position was with the 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 including Extend-A-Room, Halliwells and Damart. She loves the challenges and variety of PR and handles anything from writing press releases and newsletters to managing events.
Jessica loves socialising with friends and eating out, she cancels out the indulgence with the occasional trip to the gym.
jessica@cicada-comms.com
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
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.
Vicky became a mum for the second time in September to Lucy and is currently on maternity leave.
vicky@cicada-comms.com
