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About

Founded in 2011, CrossCurrent Communications delivers integrated communications strategies through consulting, marketing, public relations, media training, crisis management, social media, and video production. We specialize in developing compelling messaging as the foundation for highly individualized communications strategies using both traditional platforms and digital media. Clients include businesses, non-profit organizations, elected officials, universities, state and federal agencies, and municipalities.

Whether you are trying to build market share, move the needle on public policy, launch a new product, or increase visibility, CrossCurrent Communications knows how to find authentic stories, shape messages that resonate with diverse audiences, and catapult them where they will be seen and heard.

Inform. Inspire. Impact

Meet Our Team

Barbara Headshot

Barbara MacLeod

Co-Founder

Barbara MacLeod specializes in building awareness for clients. CCC’s approach: communicate a compelling vision and inspire people to act. After 25 years as an award-winning television journalist in several different media markets , including NH, Maine and Boston, Barbara knows what it takes to build visibility by finding and sharing authentic stories. Barbara has led countless highly successful media rollouts and PR campaigns. From messaging and writing compelling news releases to orchestrating high profile press events, Barbara brings an important perspective on how to make issues resonate to audiences outside the ballpark. In addition to media relations, Barbara’s experience includes developing communications strategies using traditional PR, social media, and digital marketing technology. Media training and crisis management are also skills that Barbara brings to CrossCurrent Communications. Barbara lives on the Seacoast with her family. She studied English Literature and Creative Writing at Middlebury College, in addition to attending the Breadloaf Writer’s Conference. As a former anchor, reporter, and producer, Barbara was honored with the National Edward R. Murrow award for Best Documentary, numerous Associated Press and Regional Emmy awards, Gracies, and RTNDA awards for her years of reporting in NE.

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Kathleen Soldati

Marketing Strategist

Strategic thinker, executive, mentor, teacher and published author, Kathleen has produced national and international events for Nelson Mandela and Jane Goodall, obtained coverage in the New York Times, The Washington Post, and The David Letterman Show, managed marketing for The Music Hall, and as executive director for Portsmouth Historical Society, oversaw dynamic growth for more in popular programming, an inclusive culture, and the foundation for Portsmouth400.

Photo credit Mary Jo Brown

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Brett Marshall

Video Producer

Videographer Brett Marshall has worked with CrossCurrent Communications since 2016 on numerous video projects. Brett owns Windwood Productions based in Concord, NH. Barbara and Brett collaborate to create compelling video content. Brett and his team always go the extra mile to find the unbelievable shot, including drone footage. Brett attended Emerson College and grew up in NH. He resides in Sunapee where he shoots many of his amazing photos and videos.

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Alicen Brown

Graphic Designer

Alicen Brown works with CCC to develop websites and marketing materials. She is the co-founder of Studio NaCl Graphic Design Studio and focuses on business identity and its application to marketing collateral, interactive/web, and publications. Additionally, Alicen maintains a position as the Director of Graphic and Web Design at Tangram 3DS in Kittery, Maine. She moved to New England with her family in 1995. Alicen graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Art and Design/Graphic Design and has worked with a wide variety of businesses in the San Francisco, Boston and Seacoast New Hampshire areas.

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Mia Keazer

Assistant

Mia Keazer assists CCC in all aspects of the business with a particular focus on designing presentations, website updates, social media posts, and graphic design. Mia graduated from the University of Connecticut, majoring in communications with a minor in writing. She is currently living and working in Boston.

Cindy Pierce

The engagement and interest in my work as a performer and speaker increased dramatically when Barb joined my team. She explores every possible angle to reach audiences with her vast experience in media and marketing. Barb's approach is supportive, educational and effective.

Cindy Pierce
Author, comic storyteller
Tina Sawtelle

Working with Barbara MacLeod has been a masterclass in what effective public relations can do. Barbara doesn’t just deliver – she elevates the brand and your messaging. From launching new venues at the Music Hall like the Lounge, to announcing our acquisition of the New Hampshire Film Festival, Barbara ensures we hit all the right outlets with precisely crafted messaging. She asks us tough, strategic questions that push us to think broader and sharper. Her deep media industry knowledge and expansive network have been instrumental in building awareness for NHFF and position The Music Hall for long-term success. With Barbara on board, we know we’re in expert hands.

Tina Sawtelle
The Music Hall Executive Director
Anne Hayes

CrossCurrent Communications has done an incredible job of garnering media coverage for our nonprofit. Working with Barbara and her team to spread the word about the work we do has been a joy! We appreciate her ability to strategize at a high level and her attention to detail when we’re implementing her recommendations. Barbara’s ability to find the right story angle and pursue media placement has been impressive. In addition, CrossCurrent Communications has been instrumental in media training our staff, bringing an outside perspective to our organization, crisis management and helping us create a more engaging digital marketing.

Anne Hayes
Gather Executive Director
Donna Ryan

Barbara’s intuition and ability to be out ahead on any public relations topic has allowed me to have complete trust in her and her company. She has handled every element of our communications — from social media to PR and content development. She goes above and beyond and was instrumental in putting Pepperrell Cove on the map.

Donna Ryan  
Co-Owner, Pepperrell Cove  
Joe Watts

Star Island relies on the work of many people, and that collaborative approach is exactly what CrossCurrent brought to us as we’ve worked to strengthen our organization’s image in the region. In addition to creating a compelling and widely shared video of Star Island, CrossCurrent developed a strategic communications plan that we consistently reference and utilize. In addition, Barbara’s knowledge of public relations and the NE media market has been instrumental in placing us in targeted media outlets allowing us to reach more folks interested in what we do. Their teamwork reflects a commitment to our organization and values.

Joe Watts  
Chief Executive Officer, Star Island Corporation  
Hannah Willard

Barbara was a huge asset to our work and I am so grateful we retained her services. She has a keen eye for detail, never missing a beat in a fast-paced environment. Her extensive knowledge of the press industry and the New England media market rendered her contributions to our campaign strategy invaluable. Barbara’s personal passion and optimistic spirit make her a highly effective member of any team, and I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Hannah Willard  
Associate Director of Campaign Communications, Freedom for All Americans  

CrossCurrent Communications
41 Atkinson Street, Box 10, Portsmouth NH 03801
207-752-0484

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