Meet the Boomers
At Boom, our team is our strength. Each “Boomer” brings decades of expertise and an unwavering commitment to amplifying your message. When you partner with us, you don’t just get a service—you get a team of dedicated senior professionals who are with you every step of the way.
Barbara Gutjahr
Founder
With over 25 years of experience in public relations, Barbara blends creativity and strategic insight with a genuine passion for clients’ success. A self-proclaimed news junkie with a knack for storytelling, Barbara’s attention to detail ensures that every project hits the mark. When she’s not deep in the latest news cycle, you’ll find her snapping nature photos like a pro (or more accurately, like someone who’s totally obsessed with finding the perfect shot), belting out tunes off-key just for fun, or crafting stories that make her clients’ voices shine. And, of course, she’s usually surrounded by her mischievous mini bull terriers, who keep things interesting — whether she’s working or not!
Joni Winkler
Founder
With over 30 years of experience in marketing communications, Joni combines strategic insight with a deep respect for her client’s objectives, mission, and budget. Whether news or cause-related content — she’ll craft guidance, strategy, and tactics that lead to client success, evidenced by her and Boom’s collective long-term client relationships. Joni also guides and spearheads content development with our high-level production teams. She thrives on tackling challenges and loves the variety the work at Boom provides. Based in Colorado, when not butting into her grown sons’ lives, Joni spends time teaching/doing yoga, biking, skiing, and hiking with her husband Bryan and dogs Hank and Tony.
Julia Liu
VP, Solutions
Julia is the backbone of Boom’s PSA projects, making sure every campaign is executed seamlessly and delivers exceptional results. With 15+ year of experience in broadcast media relations, she’s celebrated for her unwavering “get it done” attitude and commitment to excellence. Outside of work, Julia is a proud mom cheering on her daughters, hitting the pickleball court with family and friends, soaking up the sun at the beach with her husband, Rich, and doting on her beloved dog, Bunny. She brings the same energy and passion to her personal life as she does to her professional one!
Deirdre Kelly
PSA Engagement Expert
Deirdre uses her 10+ years of professional experience outside of the media relations and broadcast world to provide a unique and fresh perspective to her work with Boom in both the cause and news sectors. Deirdre also manages and coordinates our analytics and reporting workflow to ensure accurate and reliable data on every project. In her spare time — when she is not agonizing over a challenging new baking or craft project, she can be found cheering (crying?) for the New York Knicks, scouring the globe for unique vintage clothing and furniture, providing those around her with facts about music whether they want them or not, or watching old British television with her West Highland Terrier, Ira.
Susanne Holt
Chief Coordinator
With over 20 years of experience in management and customer service, Susanne brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for excellence to her role as Chief Coordinator at Boom. For the past eight years, she has been instrumental in coordinating seamless media tours and delivering exceptional customer service. Known for her problem-solving skills, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail, Susanne thrives in collaborative environments, ensuring every project is executed with precision and care. Her dedication to teamwork and her ability to navigate complex challenges make her a key asset to the Boom team. When she’s not orchestrating success in the professional realm, Susanne enjoys the art of bread baking—a hobby that reflects her patience, creativity, and commitment to crafting something extraordinary.
Ready to work with the Boomers?
Let’s create something extraordinary together. Reach out today and meet the team ready to amplify your story.
