JohnstonWells.com

Chief Executive Officer and Founder

Gwinavere founded JohnstonWells in 1971. Even after 40 years in the business, she frequently acknowledges that she learns something new every day. Her work in strategic planning, media strategy, corporate social responsibility and crisis communications continues to grow.

She has established important relationships with Colorado’s business leaders, government officials, key nonprofit organizations and media. Under her leadership, JohnstonWells is recognized as a leading public relations firm, both regionally and nationally.  The firm received the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts 2003 Small Business Award of the Year and the 2003 National Philanthropy Day in Colorado Award for Outstanding Small Business. In addition, the brightly painted walls and colorful folk art collection brought JohnstonWells the Creative Work Space of the Year award from the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts in 2005.

Principal

Michele Wells is a 30-year communications and marketing professional with special expertise in public relations, marketing communications, corporate relations, community relations, crisis communications and business management for organizations in the consumer products and services, business-to-business, professional services, biosciences and high-technology segments.

Prior to rejoining JohnstonWells in 2009, Michele was vice president of marketing and sales for Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy, a leading artisanal cheesemaker, from 2003 to 2006. She also has worked with a number of branded meat companies and other organizations about consumer issues related to food safety, sustainable farming, humane farm animal issues, and education and outreach programs for new consumer labels. She also consulted with a Dublin-based bioscience company, and with professional services firms, including architects, interior designers, business insurance brokers and law firms.

Senior Counselor
Diane brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning and counsel, trade relations, brand and corporate positioning, product marketing and media relations to JohnstonWells Public Relations. In addition to developing new business and serving as the firm’s human resources director, she helps health care and consumer clients reach their business goals. Diane has worked on industry outreach programs for Covidien Respiratory and Monitoring Solutions, as well as award-winning campaigns for Centura Health and Infoture.

Before rejoining JohnstonWells in 2006, Diane was an independent consultant, helping local organizations, retailers, authors, chefs and artists reach multiple targeted audiences through small-business strategies.

Senior Counselor
Director, Critical Thinking & Media Strategy
Ann has 27 years of experience in public relations, including 15 years with JohnstonWells. The firm’s media guru, she continues to develop her strong and successful track record with national, regional and local media programs. She is also an expert in community and consumer relations and audience development. Current clients include the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Foundation, Corporex, and T1Visions.

Ann developed and executed media relations and communications strategies and programs for notable JohnstonWells clients such as PacifiCare, Vascular Disease Foundation, Martek BioSciences, Archer Daniels Midland Corporation, Qwest Communications, NetQuote, Covidien Respiratory and Monitoring, Hogan & Hartson, American Medical Response, PAR Technology Corporation, Great Western Trust Bank and Medical Simulation Corporation.

Senior Counselor
Social Media Manager

Elizabeth joined JohnstonWells Public Relations in 2006 with eight years of experience in public relations and marketing. At JohnstonWells, her responsibilities include developing and executing public relations programs for a variety of accounts across a broad range of industries. She also helps clients find the right mix of traditional and social media, ensuring business objectives are met. Elizabeth’s previous client work includes PAR Technology, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Works and DHR Architecture.

Prior to joining JohnstonWells, Elizabeth worked for three Denver public relations agencies where she executed local and national public relations campaigns. Before moving to Denver in 2002, she worked as an associate at two Chicago agencies, where she executed media relations, advertising and special events planning for the automotive aftermarket and commercial real estate industries.

Counselor

Breanna brings nearly seven years of experience in public relations to JohnstonWells, including expertise in strategic planning and counsel, community relations, brand positioning, and social and traditional media relations outreach.

Since 2004, she has participated in client teams including BERNINA of America, Qwest Communications, McStain Neighborhoods, Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association, Goodwill Industries of Denver, Culinary School of the Rockies, Infoture, Martek, Roche, Regenerative Sciences, AORN Works and the Prostate Cancer Education Council. She also manages JohnstonWells’ own internal marketing efforts.

Breanna sits on the board of directors for Denver Urban Gardens, is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, is a member of the Denver Press Club and serves on the communications committee for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She has also served as a “Big Sister” for Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2007.

Associate

Teresa joined JohnstonWells as an associate in April 2010, after an internship with the firm, and brings experience in social media strategy, writing, event planning and web design.

Prior to joining the team at JohnstonWells, Teresa coordinated public relations for One Tribe Creative, a Fort Collins-based branding and marketing firm. She has also worked as a marketing intern for Association for Student Activity Programming at Colorado State University and a web design intern for the Colorado State University College of Liberal Arts IT office.

She assists in social media implementation for BERNINA of America, media relations support for Goodwill Industries of Denver and business development on behalf of JohnstonWells.