Jewell and Leese elevated to associate directors at Nickerson

 

 

Boston, MA Nickerson has promoted Alyssa Jewell to associate director, PR and communications, and Olivia Leese to associate director, design and brand.

Jewell joined Nickerson in 2023 as senior manager of PR and communications, bringing to the team more than a decade of television news experience from her previous role as an executive producer at NBC10 Boston. In her role as associate director, Jewell will expand her leadership throughout Nickerson’s PR and communications efforts within the built environment, property technology, retail, nonprofit, and senior living industries.

Leese joined the Nickerson creative services team in 2023 as lead graphic designer and distinguished herself through her design approach and ability to tell stories using graphic design that reflects brand identities. With over eight years of experience across branding, print, digital, web, and social media, Leese has experience with real estate, retail, restaurants, nonprofits, technology, and electrical services. Her promotion to associate director of design & brand recognizes her creative leadership and expanding role in guiding Nickerson’s design strategy.

Throughout her tenure at Nickerson, Jewell has leveraged her extensive network of media connections throughout New England, and her award-winning journalism background delivers exceptional results for client-partners, including her work with Simon Property Group, which earned Nickerson PRNews recognition as nominees for Small Agency of the Year and Best 24 Hour Campaign, as well as being named to the PRNEWS 2025 Agency Elite Top 120. She is a member of CREW Boston and has received numerous accolades for her work in broadcast television, including two New England Emmy awards for her efforts as an ‘Outstanding Live News Producer’ and ‘Outstanding Team Coverage,’ as well as the regional Edward R. Murrow award for her team’s work covering the Cape Cod tornado and its impact on the community.

“Alyssa’s transition from broadcast journalism to strategic communications has been seamless, and her ability to craft compelling narratives while maintaining strong media relationships has been invaluable to our team and our client partners,” said Shannon Mulaire, director, PR & communications at Nickerson. “Her promotion to Associate Director reflects her outstanding contributions and positions her to take on even greater leadership responsibilities as we continue to grow.”

In addition to her work at Nickerson, Leese was recently elected as programming director of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Los Angeles board of directors for the 2025-2027 term, one of the most pivotal roles for the organization. This appointment aligns with Nickerson’s expansion across the Los Angeles and West Coast markets and demonstrates Leese’s commitment to advancing design impact across industries.

“Olivia’s creative vision and multifaceted design expertise have been instrumental in elevating our client-partners’ brands,” said Joseph Soto, director, art & brand at Nickerson and president-elect of AIGA LA. “Her promotion to associate director, coupled with her leadership role at AIGA LA, positions both Olivia and Nickerson for continued success and innovation in the creative space.”

Jewell is an Indiana native and graduate of DePauw University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in psychology.

Leese, from Connecticut, is an alumnus of Roger Williams University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design communications.