Auritt | The Auritt Team

We at Auritt often refer to ourselves as "the team," for like team members, we join forces for the overall success of your projects. We're involved with every aspect of a production, from creative planning to execution to follow-up. We work side-by-side, with each other and with clients, no matter how challenging the project or frenetic the pace.

The individuals with whom you will deal on a day-to-day basis are network-credentialed producers, writers and media professionals with years of experience in the news, publishing and television fields. Our team boasts distinguished broadcast credits from nearly every leading TV network. We know how to get your message out into the world, because we know the industry like the backs of our hands.

Joan Auritt selects each member of the Auritt team based not only on their professional strengths, but also on the way she believes that his or her personality will "gel" as a group. Our producers and writers consider themselves partners who help shape your message and make it as impactful as possible.

Joan Reisner Auritt, Founder and President
Deirdre Reilly, Project Manager and Producer
Kara Leibowitz, Project Manager and Producer
Erin Horan, Digital Media and Post Production Manager
Lorinda Chamberlain, Business Manager
Erin Lahey Schwitter, Project Manager and Producer
Anna Gartaganis, Project Manager and Producer
Mike Echols, Prodution Manager

Team Members

Joan Reisner Auritt, Founder and President
Joan guides the Auritt team and provides support and creative input in all aspects of the company's work. An award-winning television producer and director, she has worked on news, entertainment and documentary programming for NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS and syndication. Joan has been actively producing strategic television, radio, and digital marketing projects for more than two decades for clients in healthcare, food, consumer, publishing, sports and entertainment industries. As a highly regarded media trainer, Auritt draws on her experience as a network TV producer/ director to prepare clients from all sectors for their national TV and other media and live appearances.
She values the opportunity to develop and nurture long-term relationships with her clients and her team.

Deirdre Reilly, Project Manager and Producer
With training received as a network news producer, Deirdre became one of the key members of the original Entertainment Tonight staff, helping to launch one of the most successful shows in television history. Deirdre is now called upon to lend her expertise from concept to completion: brainstorming with clients on upcoming projects, directing multi-camera in-studio and remote productions, web videos and b-rolls. Her experience working with celebrities and experts has fostered a long term interest in bringing out the best performance possible in those she coaches and directs. She gets tremendous satisfaction from media training and nurturing talent through the entire production process.

Kara Leibowitz, Project Manager and Producer
Kara graduated with a degree in Communications. Her experience and drive have made her one of the top producers in the industry. Her specialty is working with high-end talent and brands. Her ability to second guess her client's needs has enabled her to develop longstanding client relationships. Kara brings to the team a refined design aesthetic which has been put to good use in many of Auritt's graphic design projects. In addition to having a natural eye for food styling and design, Kara is a gourmet cook and bona fide foodie.

Erin Horan, Digital Media and Post Production Manager
From tweeting to vlogging, Erin is responsible for overseeing ACG's Digital Media efforts, from concept to delivery: connecting with bloggers, editing web videos, social media outreach, and taking your message mobile. With a background in Broadcasting and Online Media, she can shoot, edit, upload, and share content in a flash, all while handling other production duties such as Floor Directing and Associate Producing. Erin received her B.A. from Florida State University in Mass Media Studies, Motion Picture and Recording Arts. Her background in sports broadcasting, lifestyle and political media has allowed her to venture across US and the UK, and work with diplomats, star athletes, and entertainers. A Florida girl at heart, she enjoys the ocean, southern hospitality, and the occasional scuba dive in the Gulf of Mexico!

Lorinda Chamberlain, Business Manager
Throughout her career Lorinda has been fortunate to work in a variety of creative environments including international theatre, film and opera and now, radio and television. As Auritt's Business Manager, her multi-faceted skill-set blends both her creative and operational talents. As the first voice callers hear, Lorinda sets the tone for the Auritt customer experience. With her resourcefulness and solution-focused drive, she leads clients through the organizational processes. Recently, she's added Digital Team responsibilities, harnessing her creative writing passion, blogging and tweeting for social media outreach.

Erin Lahey Schwitter, Project Manager and Producer
As Project Manager and producer, Erin handles all of the aspects of integrated media tours, satellite media tours, targeted news minutes, twitter parties and web videos from concept, pitch and set design to completion. With a background in TV/film production as well as in news, Erin's position at Auritt enables her to combine all of these skills. Her years of experience with cookbook publicity, recipe videos and working with food brands have helped her become a master "matchmaker" for both brands and spokespeople.

Anna Gartaganis, Project Manager and Producer
Anna diligently handles all aspects of integrated media tours, satellite and radio tours, blogger connect tours and audio news releases from the initial concept and pitch to the final 'it's a wrap.' With a background in public relations, news and television/radio production, Anna delicately balances the fine line between news and PR by managing the expectations of journalists and publicists on a daily basis. Anna has a unique sense of humor, loves quoting movie lines and still bleeds Orange (Go Syracuse!)

Mike Echols, Prodution Manager
As Production Manager, Mike oversees the coordination of all production logistics, including the booking of satellite space, studios, crews, sets, stylists and editing facilities and the staffing of projects. He also handles the drafting of proposals and contracts for clients. Mike received his BS from Cornell University and his Masters in Television and Radio from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. His experiences in the television production, public relations, and streaming media industries have been invaluable in his role here at Auritt.