Bios - Executive Staff
Brian Hill: Executive Director
Mr. Hill is the vision behind PHXFW that brings a hard work ethic from his hometown of St. Louis. A self taught designer (Femme Athletic) that focuses on the business side of fashion. "I pledge to continue pushing Arizona, fashion forward from the ground up, while being inspired by young designers that want to succeed in this tough industry."
Hermann Plank: Advisory Board
Mr. Plank is an entrepreneur and advisor to Phoenix Fashion Week – through his extensive background in international management he contributes to the team in the areas marketing, public relations, sponsorship and general management. "My passion lies in enjoying beautiful designs and assisting young and inspiring designers to successfully launch their careers."
Percy Knox : Advisory Board
Brenna Moses: Operations Director
Ms. Moses has been with PHXFW for 3 years and in that time has learned from the bottom up the many areas that it takes to operate an event of this size. She now leads a team that focuses on the most important part of fashion week, the detailed behind the scenes magic. "My previous work experience at MTV and Whirl Magazine, an events based society magazine in Pittsburgh, prepared me for the structure that we have created here, it's exciting!"
Shakirah Karim: Co-Director of Media Relations
Ms. Karim spent 4 years in the fashion capital of the world Paris, studying public relations while fueling her passion for the industry. She now brings a welcomed european perspective to the team. "I hope to use my experience and creativity to truly get PHXFW on the calendars of fashionistas and industry executives around the world!"
Emily Timm: Co-Director of Media Relations
Emily Timm drives the enthusiasm behind PHXFW's online reporting while attending the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. "My passion has always been to tell people's stories. At PHXFW I am able to mix my creative passions with my love for fashion, and I enjoy every second of it."
Melissa Rein: Public Relations Specialist
Ms. Rein has played an important part in shaping the vision and message of Phoenix Fashion Week and in turn, communicating them to both media and the public since 2007. "The bottom line, PHXFW is about fashion, education, humanity, and community, we are necessary here."
Celestial Williams: Style Director
Ms. Williams exercises her passion for art and fashion as the Director of Styling for Phoenix Fashion Week. She assembles, organizes and directs the details of hair, makeup, dressers and stylists to best communicate each designers' vision. "Greatness is always achieved by paying attention to detail."
Liz Riley – Director of Education
Mrs. Riley brings over 20 years of fashion experience to the PHXFW team, hailing from the west coast apparel capital, Los Angeles. Her belief is in and support of the high school and college based fashionista, to help inspire their fashion career choices. "I've had a wonderful career in fashion. My goal is to see the students we mentor through Phoenix Fashion Week today, become the fashion industry professionals of tomorrow. "
Tanya Cohn: Branding Leader
Ms. Cohn brings international style to PHXFW, having worked as an event coordinator, graphic designer, and marketing manager for MTV Russia. Her experience will certainly be translated to her work here in America. "It is my goal to see fashion as more than just a runway show, but a way of life. Phoenix is impressive, so let's dress to impress!"
Chi-Lan Vuong: Media Relations Assistant
Ms. Vuong writes about designers, boutiques, and Phoenix Fashion Week events. "The goal of writing articles about designers and boutiques is to gain them more exposure to the fashion community. Also, by informing the industry about the success of PHXFW, I hope to encourage more fashionistas to get involved with our many effective events."
Joy Thompson: Branding Team
Ms. Thompson brings to the team, a passionate mixture art, fashion, photography and design. With over 8 years of photography experience she is also a driven business owner. "My heart is to push the PHXFW BRAND forward; with a focus on ?new and exciting market segments".
Corey Benefield: Operations Team
Mr. Benefield hails from St. Louis, is both an artist and aspiring designer that assists in the overall detailed production of Phoenix Fashion Week. "I am dedicated to building and cultivating a true fashion industry here in Arizona, while adding value to fashionable events through innovative ideas."