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About Us

Darby Communications is an Asheville-based public relations and digital marketing firm representing leaders within the outdoor, active lifestyle, fishing, and craft food and beverage industries. We do everything from traditional media relations and event planning to social media management, email marketing, digital advertising, and athlete and ambassador management.

Mission Statement

Darby Communications is a team of fun-loving, hard-working communicators that brings a fresh approach to PR and digital marketing. We combine original ideas with good old elbow grease to deliver extraordinary campaigns and events. Never a one-person show, we incorporate teamwork into every aspect of our media relations and digital marketing strategies. At Darby Comm, our motto of work hard, play hard isn’t just a saying. It’s a way of life.


Meet the Darby Team

Coral Darby Coral Darby and her dog

Coral Darby

Founder

Outdoor industry veteran, community volunteer, professional connector, staunch believer in people over profit, soon-to-be empty nester, happiest at the YMCA, on the trail, and spending time with her family.

Email Coral

Angie Robinson Angie Robinson with her two dogs in the woods

Angie Robinson

President + Partner

WNC Native, go-to-market strategist, PR veteran, new biz developer, novice high school debate judge, trail enthusiast, always dreaming of summer days and what her next meal will be.

Email Angie

Cory Van Auken Cory Van Auken and dogs

Cory Van Auken

VP of Operations + Partner

Master of analytics, #dadlife ambassador, Arsenal super-fan, digital marketing wizard, spreadsheet enthusiast, fly fishing hack, and kid wrangler/sherpa.

Clients: Ignik, Johnson Outdoors, Shimano

Email Cory

Suzanne Hermann Suzanne Hermann in woods with her two dogs

Suzanne Hermann

Media Relations Director

Darby PR team captain, copy editor for all the things, one-time Emmy winner (with no statuette to show for it), former D1 college volleyballer, holds the unofficial record for most summits of Bearwallow Mountain with two kids during a pandemic.

Clients: Appalachian Gear Company, Shimano

Email Suzanne

Katie Richter Katie Richter candid

Katie Richter

Assistant Media Relations Director

Event planning specialist, PR coverage collector, big idea generator, trumpet player, accomplished singer, yogi, master multi-tasker, sambista.

Clients: Knog, LifeSaver, Sierra Designs

Email Katie

Ashleigh Sherman Ashleigh Sherman and cat

Ashleigh Sherman

Senior Account Executive

Accomplished content writer, witty caption creator, non-profit PR whisperer, cat lover, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, mountain chaser, grad student, quiet but fierce competitor.

Clients: Appalachian Gear Company, BRANWYN, Let Me Run

Email Ashleigh

Hannah Kaminer Hannah with Neville

Hannah Kaminer

Senior Account Executive

Creative content writer, experienced digital marketer, analytics geek, former wilderness therapy instructor, talented singer & musician, avid hiker.

Clients: Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Devil's Foot, Nine Mile, Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn

Email Hannah

Mindy BW headshot Mindy Smith with her dog licking her cheek

Mindy Smith

Account Executive

Eternal optimist, event planning master, in-the-details fanatic, marketing trendspotter, community builder, long-distance trail runner, stand-up paddleboarder, podcast enthusiast.

Clients: Around the Crown 10K, Astral, SylvanSport, Ultimate Direction

Email Mindy

Stacy headshot b+w Stacy Kline and Archie

Stacy Kline

Account Executive

Dedicated project organizer, culture curator, thorough communicator, constantly curious, trail runner, rock climber, craft beer enthusiast, and Office fanatic (pre-Michael Scott’s exit). Usually in search of sunshine, the perfect playlist, and more dog friends.

Clients: Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Ignik, Farm to Feet, Knog

Email Stacy

Black and white picture of a woman in a black shirt Lizzy Markman and Minnow

Lizzy Markman

Digital Media Strategist

Algorithm investigator, creative caption creator, aesthetic feed designer, coffee lover, climber, tarot reader.

Clients: Green River Preserve, PubCorps, The RailYard

Email Lizzy

Woman with brick wall background Lysianne Peacock and her dog at a waterfall

Lysianne Peacock

Account Manager

Creative project juggler, enthusiastic multi-tasker, witty writer, OUTspiration blog founder, 14er peak bagger, proud WI native, aspiring mediocre climber, Buncombe County Rescue Squad volunteer.

Clients: Appalachian Gear Company, Blue Ridge Chair Works, SylvanSport, Ultimate Direction, Wildwater

Email Lysianne

Black and White Headshot of Kade Gewanter Kade with fish

Kade Gewanter

Account Manager

Eager learner of all things PR, team player, kettlebell enthusiast, well-traveled angler, former college football player, aspiring foodie, IPA lover, can often be found looking for the perfect podcast or reading books.

Clients: Johnson Outdoors, Shimano

Email Kade

Learn More About Us

8 Magnolia Ave # G1
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 254-0914
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