Kelly Kirkendoll
Founder & President
As Founder and President of Thrive PR, Kelly is an accomplished writer, publicist, marketer and project manager. She brings close to 20 years of marketing and PR experience (plus a contagious enthusiasm and passion for her clients) to each relationship. Kelly’s career started in corporate marketing at major telecommunications companies. Next, she spent 6 years as the Director of PR and Marketing for a start-up consulting firm, where she was part of the core team that helped take the company public. In 2003, she started Thrive PR.
During her career, Kelly has worked closely with executive-level professionals in a variety of industries, including: the arts, professional services, non-profits, travel, retail, culinary services, roofing, retail, sports, telecommunications and banking. Her experience spans virtually every facet of PR and Marketing, including media relations, marketing communications, social media, branding, product marketing, copywriting, advertising, competitive analysis and investor relations.
Kelly’s PR credentials include gaining media coverage for her clients by CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fortune magazine, “O” The Oprah Magazine, People Magazine, Men’s Journal, Dallas Morning News, LA Times, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Good Morning Texas, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, BusinessWeek, Chicago Tribune and countless other outlets, including local TV, radio, online and print media in Dallas/Fort Worth and across the country.
During her career, Kelly has worked as a regular contributing writer to 2 magazines and is included in the National Directory of Editors and Writers, featuring America's top editors and writers for hire. At Thrive PR, Kelly provides strategic messaging, positioning and branding advice to clients. She plans and manages PR, branding, social media and marketing campaigns. She writes and edits press releases, media pitches, corporate taglines, email campaigns, website content, social media, corporate collateral, direct marketing and more. Additionally, Kelly works well with all players involved in marketing and PR projects, including graphic designers, website developers, photographers and video producers.
Kelly received her BBA in Marketing from Ohio University, summa cum laude, and currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas.
Kim Ellet Arasin
Senior Manager, Atlanta Office
Kim Ellet Arasin has been involved in marketing and communications for over 20 years. Her wide-ranging experience has spanned corporate, association, franchise and non-profit organizations; as a result, she brings a unique perspective to each client. Her expertise includes discerning client goals and implementing effective communication, marketing strategy, planning and advocacy efforts. She has worked in the hospitality /hotel industry, meeting planning, event management and as a franchise owner. She has also served on several nonprofit boards including the Georgia Association of Meeting Planners International and the Georgia Parent Teacher Association, where she used social media, website communication, newsletters and personal guidance to impact communities throughout the state as well as on a national level.
Kim’s ability to generate new ideas and her passion for making a difference make her a valuable member of the Thrive PR team, assisting with planning, research, email newsletters and media relations. Kim is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a BA in Speech Communication and lives in Marietta, Georgia with her three children.
Coleen Spalding
PR & Marketing Assistant
Coleen Spalding brings 30 years of experience in office management, marketing support, human resources, bookkeeping, payroll management and executive assistance to her role at Thrive PR. After spending most of her career in the corporate world, she struck out on her own to create DFW Virtual Office in 2002.
With her broad experience, entrepreneurial spirit, creative problem-solving skills and gifted knack for organization, Coleen is an invaluable member of the Thrive PR team. She manages the author/speaker booking process for Thrive PR's clients, and assists with media research, email marketing, project management, invoicing and more. Coleen lives in Fort Worth and enjoys spending time with her daughter and young granddaughter.
Additional Team Members
As an independent PR and Marketing agency, we add select graphic designers, photographers and videographers to our team, as needed for specific client projects. This allows us to add vetted, experienced specialists to any project or ongoing client work.
