Meet the team

The vast experience and skillset of our team ensures clients receive honest, strategic advice that supports them in achieving their objectives through innovative stakeholder engagement and activity.

Stephen Smith

Managing Director

Since establishing Lighthouse Communications in 2009, Stephen has built an enviable base of international and locally based clients, whilst developing a growing team of award-winning consultants. With more than 25 years’ media and communications experience, he has devised and directed strategies for a variety of blue chip, SME and public sector clients. Stephen has vast experience in crisis management. Prior to entering the public relations sector, he spent eight years working at the BBC in Belfast and Radio 5Live in London across the fields of news and sport. Stephen holds a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors, a Certificate in Public Relations, Marketing and Advertising and a Certificate in Marketing. He also sits on the board of the charity Ulster Wildlife.

Alyson English

Director

Alyson devises and delivers creative, intelligent PR and digital communications strategies that exceed clients’ expectations. With considerable experience in crisis management, corporate and B2C marketing communications, across sectors including travel and tourism, hospitality and leisure, motor retail and manufacturing, Alyson is a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner (CIPR) and holds a Digital Marketing Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a BA (Hons) Degree in Public Relations and Media, Culture and Communications from University of Lincoln. She also holds a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors and was a Non-Executive Director at Bryson Recycling.

Carly Rodgers

Head of Digital

Carly’s talents lie within social media management, digital strategy, online reputation management, copywriting, content marketing, social advertising and analytics evaluation. Working closely with her Lighthouse colleagues, Carly ensures all digital activity complements the client’s offline strategy. Clients trust Carly to carve a digital pathway that will assist with the achievement of their overall corporate objectives. Based on the requirements of the client, Carly facilitates varying degrees of digital communications support from basic digital and social media training to full management and deployment of campaigns. With over eight years’ experience, creative flair and strategic focus, Carly has continuously delivered impactful, multi-channel campaigns across the digital landscape.

Tara Jamison

Creative Lead

With over 10 years’ experience as a Graphic Designer, Tara has worked with many local and international clients within the property, retail, food and drink, education and entertainment sectors. Her extensive design skills encompass brand development, visual identity, editorial, digital, web and mobile design, animation and motion graphics. Whether it be an annual report; an animated video; an advertising campaign; a new website; or a series of social media graphics, Tara takes a hands-on approach to all projects delivering impactful, creative assets for her clients. With an undeniable passion for visual communications, Tara expertly identifies emerging design trends and employs these techniques to attract and engage target audiences. Leading the creative team at Lighthouse Communications, Tara oversees all visual output including videography.

Molly Cullen

Client Manager

Molly holds the position of Client Manager at Lighthouse and works to develop holistic marketing and PR campaigns across a range of channels including websites, social media and digital news platforms. With a background in both traditional and digital PR, Molly’s experience gives her the understanding of how to effectively combine the best of offline campaigns with new trends in content marketing, social media marketing and online brand management. Molly’s skills lie in social media management, content planning, digital strategy, and delivering creative ideas that meet client objectives. Molly has previous experience with local and international clients and a strong knowledge of the media landscape. Molly graduated from Ulster University, where she achieved a First-Class BSc (Hons) degree in Communication, Advertising and Marketing along with a Diploma in International Business.

Dearbhla MacDonald

Senior Client Executive

Having graduated with First Class Honours in BSc (Hons) Communication Advertising and Marketing, and a Diploma in Professional Practice, Dearbhla currently holds the position of Senior Client Executive. Dearbhla has gained valuable experience working across a number of clients and projects within sectors including law, professional services, aviation, and motor retail, and continues to implement her skill set to achieve client aims and objectives.

Conor McVeigh

Senior Content Producer

Conor is a highly motivated multidisciplinary designer and content creation specialist with over eight years’ experience delivering quality design, video, and photography content for clients big and small across a range of industries. With a proven track record of leading multiple projects and campaigns from concept to final execution, Conor is constantly trying to push the envelope and think outside the box to create content that doesn’t just look good, but also aligns with the client’s brand, marketing, and communications goals.

Alex Lane

Graphic Designer

With over five years’ experience working with clients in the hospitality, health, education, food and drink, retail and fashion industries, Alex has extensive design skills specialising in brand development, visual identity and social media. Alex takes a hands-on approach and is driven by design that is not only impactful but stands out from the competition. Her undeniable passion for both branding and design paired with a strong awareness of existing trends allows her to produce the best possible design outcomes that meet client objectives. Alex has vast experience taking projects from concept to a high-end finished result and her ambitious can-do attitude makes her thrive on any design project she tackles. Alex graduated from Leeds Arts University with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design.

Scarlett Gibbons

Junior Client Executive

Scarlett holds the position of Junior Client Executive and is currently undertaking her final year at Ulster University, studying BSc (Hons) Communication, Advertising and Marketing. Scarlett works on a wide range of Lighthouse Communications clients which will provide invaluable insight and experience that will be used to develop her career in PR. Throughout her time at university, Scarlett was placed on the Dean’s List for two consecutive years and partook in the PANI student programme. Before commencing her placement year, she worked at a vintage retailer where she assisted in enhancing its digital presence and posted engaging content across multiple platforms.

Caitlin Ball

Junior Client Executive

Caitlin is the Lighthouse Communications Student for 2023/2024 and is studying Communications, Advertising and Marketing at Ulster University. Throughout her time at University, Caitlin was placed on the Dean’s list for two consecutive years, partook in the PANI Project and travelled to South Africa having been selected for the Johannesburg Go Global Scheme. Caitlin works one day a week as the communications officer at Friends of Africa. Caitlin works on a range of Lighthouse Communications clients which provide invaluable experience for a career in PR.

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