Pat Summers
President and Founder
pat@summers-mccann.com
Pat Summers established Summers-McCann Inc. Public Relations in 1984 after operating a freelance public relations business for two years. She has since developed successful promotions and campaigns for more than 120 clients.
Pat conceived Sonoma's annual Salute to the Arts, a showcase of the culinary, winemaking, visual, performing, and literary arts in 1985. Summers-McCann first produced the famous Sonoma County showcase in 1986. Because of its stellar reputation, a group of Napa Valley merchants selected Summers-McCann to develop, coordinate, and promote the Napa Valley Mustard Festival in 1993.
A two-month winter/early-spring promotion, the Mustard Festival was designed to attract visitors to Napa Valley during the shoulder season. The season of events showcases and promotes Napa Valleys culinary and winemaking industries, as well as arts and culture. The Festival garners international press and has repositioned the region
s historically "slowest" season, creating a new visitor season. The resulting increase in visitor spending has generated revenues for the entire spectrum of Napa Valley businesses and organizations. The Festival is nationally recognized as one of the most successful off-season visitation, as well as agricultural/tourism, promotions in the United States.
Pat heads the Summers-McCann team that conceives and develops public relations, media, and advertising campaigns; events; competitions; promotions; publications; and corporate sponsorships and partnerships. She has developed key relationships, between for profit clients such as Harvest Festival, with non-profit partners such as the American Cancer Society. These partnerships have resulted in significant media exposure for clients, as well as consumer awareness and funding for partnering organizations.
Pat served on the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau Board of Directors for 5 years; and on the Advisory Board of Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food, and the Arts during development and construction of the museum. Summers-McCann is a member of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, Napa Valley Conference and Visitors Bureau, and the San Francisco Bay Area Publicity Club. Pat supports numerous local organizations and Summers-McCann has provided in-kind services for many, including Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Community Center, Sonoma Sister Cities Association, Valley of the Moon Children's Home, and Sonoma Valley Film Festival.
Pat resides with her husband, Dave, at their hilltop country home overlooking Sonoma Valley. She grew up on a farm where fresh, homegrown fruits, vegetables, and meats graced the family table. Her love of agriculture and passion for fine foods and wines are a perfect fit with wine country promotion. Her honest, down to earth approach has enabled Summers-McCann to achieve significant increases in visibility and sales for a varied client base.
Education: Communications, English, Journalism, Liberal Arts - American River College; Santa Rosa Junior College; Napa Valley College; Sonoma State University
Robert Cherwink
Creative Director
robert@summers-mccann.com
Robert is in charge of design and layout for agency
projects. He produces brochures, press kits, display advertisements, electronic messages, and other promotional materials for clients and various Summers-McCann
presentations. Websites and print publications for Napa Valley Mustard Festival,
Sonoma Salute to the Arts, and Summers-MCann are also his responsibility. He has extensive training and experience in
graphic design, photography, and systems administration. An
artist since childhood, Robert is also a musician; and, is
the staff photographer, covering events produced by
Summers-McCann and shooting for specific client
projects.
Education and Studies: Environmental Studies and Planning
(B.A.);
India Studies (B.A.); Music (m); Computer
Sciences, Photography, and
Graphic Design - Sonoma State University; Ali Akbar College
of Music; Career Transitions; Santa Rosa Junior College; and
Mentors too numerous to mention by name (thank you!)
Amber McCann-Howlett
Accounting Manager & Event Coordinator
amber@summers-mccann.com
Amber is in charge of accounting and bookkeeping functions for the company and events. She also provides office management, event coordination, on-site event and charity auction management. Her skills include a multitude of computer and design programs. Amber has been with Summers-McCann since 1985. She oversees the many details that make efficiency in a complex company possible. Amber provides invaluable training for employees, and brings a wealth of experience in many diverse areas to the company.
Education: Accounting, Office Management, Business Management - Santa Rosa Junior College
Jessica Petroni
Administrative Assistant
jessica@summers-mccann.com
A native of Sonoma County, Jessica recently graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelors degree in Cultural Anthropology. Studying the cultures of mankind instilled an appreciation for diversity and communication, skills, which are mandatory to provide strong client support. A summer event coordination internship with The Press Democrat gave her the foundation needed to assist with coordination of Summers-McCann produced events. At Summers-McCann, Jessica is often the first voice to welcome those who call. She helps keep the office running smoothly, assists with event coordination, and provides hospitality services for clients and event sponsors.
Education: Anthropolgy - Sonoma State University.
Christine Ricketts
Production Manager and Print Coordinator
christine@summers-mccann.com
Christine is in charge of print, media, and production scheduling and materials. Her responsibilities include database maintenance, electronic communications, assisting with graphic design, and contractual agreements with clients and event sponsors. She also supports hospitality for sponsors and charity auction fulfillment. Christine brings more than 20 years of administrative and customer support experience to Summers-McCann. She has a wealth of expertise in special event planning in the hospitality industry. Christine never overlooks any detail, and provides excellent service with the competence and self-assurance which Summers-McCann is known for.
Education: Ongoing studies in Psychology, Independent Studies in Sales and Marketing, Independent Computer Studies - Santa Rosa Junior College
Tannia Summers
Media/Client Relations
On sabbatical
Tannia is currently studying in Europe to enhance her skills and knowledge of food and wine. Tannias primary responsibility is developing client and media relationships. She pitches Summers-McCann client stories to the media; manages follow-up, and oversees interviews and photo shoots. She has managed the development of many television and print features. Her background in sales and marketing translates well to successful media placement for Summers-McCann clients. Her passion for the fashion and entertainment industries helps keep Summers-McCann abreast of current trends.
Education: Liberal Arts, Art, and History - Napa Valley College; Cité University, Paris, France
Current: Institute Universitaire de Language et de Cultures Francaises, Toulouse, France
Associates
Connie McCann
Connie McCann Wedding & Event Coordination,
Auction and Event Coordinator
mccann@vom.com
