Our Team

Gary Susswein, Principal

Gary Susswein has excelled for three decades at the highest levels of communications and media. With a career spanning executive roles at one of the nation’s top public universities and major media outlets, Gary is deeply versed in guiding values-driven organizations through today’s complex communications landscape. His service on multiple boards across community, nonprofit, and Jewish organizations underscores his commitment to impactful, purpose-led work.

At BandOne, Gary channels his extensive experience to empower organizations in telling their stories with one clear voice. By working with clients to speak with clarity and elevate their reputations, he helps them build trust and foster resilience, even in the most challenging situations. 

Career Highlights:

  • Partner, New West Communications (2021-2024)
  • Chief Communications Officer and other senior roles, The University of Texas at Austin (2009-2020)
  • State and Metro Editor, Austin American-Statesman (2005-2009)

Community Leadership:

  • Past President, Congregation Agudas Achim, a dynamic 700-family synagogue
  • Board of Directors, Austin Jewish Academy, Camp Young Judaea-Texas, Austin Eruv Committee


Education:

  • BA in History, University of Pennsylvania
  • MA in Communications, Stanford University

Yael Avnaim, PhD, Director of Strategic Communications

Yael Avnaim is a strategic communications leader with over a decade of experience navigating complex narratives across government, corporate, and academic settings. She brings expertise in public relations, executive visibility, and public affairs to organizations that operate at the intersection of policy, culture, and community.

Yael has directed communication strategies between military, government, and international stakeholders, led messaging during sensitive policy transitions, and advised executives through crises that required clarity and foresight. Her research has focused on crisis communication and how media narratives influence public perception.

At BandOne, Yael helps clients craft strategies that build trust, strengthen reputations, and prepare for both challenges and opportunities. She combines analytical rigor with creative storytelling, enabling organizations to communicate with confidence and impact.

Career Highlights:

  • Lecturer & Doctoral Researcher, Texas A&M University (2021–2025)
  • Internal Communication & Compliance Manager, Head of Procurement Team, Israel Ministry of Defense Delegation to the U.S. (2017–2021)
  • Public Relations Director & Client Account Manager, Zvi Communications (2014–2016)
  • Broadcast Journalist, Mako Digital News, Israel (2012–2014)


Education:

  • PhD, Communication, Texas A&M University
  • MA, Literature & Creative Writing, Ben Gurion University
  • BA, Cultural Studies & Communication, Sapir College

BandOne’s talented communicators work closely with you to ensure that your organization has the tools to anticipate and overcome obstacles, craft compelling messages, and achieve your highest goals.

Wendy Easterling, Office Manager

Wendy manages administrative operations for BandOne, ensuring a seamless and efficient client experience. She is the founder and owner of Executive Virtual Associates and draws from decades of experience supporting organizations’ needs and tending to operational details with care and precision.

Allison Newsum, Visual Design 

Allison’s background in information design informs her ability to craft complex ideas into a visually pleasing and informative aesthetic. From reports to presentations and infographics to social media design, Allison draws on her experience in publishing and education to help clients clearly convey their message and meet audiences where they are.

Thomas Swafford, Video

Thomas is an Emmy Award-winning producer and owner of  Blue73 Creative, a storytelling and creative agency that crafts meaningful narratives to captivate and inspire audiences. He helps organizations bring their stories to life in authentic and engaging ways so they can increase their support and maximize their impact.

Ben Wright, Thought Leadership & Media 

Ben specializes in thought leadership content, speechwriting, and media strategy. A former journalist and legislative staffer, he hosts the “15-Minute History” podcast and works extensively around reputational issues in higher education. He was a speechwriter for university presidents in North Carolina and Texas and headed communications at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.

Adam R. Deutsch, Editing & Fact Checking

Adam worked as an editor and page designer for the Austin American-Statesman for almost 20 years. He provides editing, writing, and fact-checking on an array of projects and clients, from institutions of higher education to associations and state agencies, ensuring quality control in BandOne’s efforts.

Mirella Meza, Executive Assistant

Mirella supports the administrative operations of BandOne, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and exceptional client service. Working through Executive Virtual Associates, she draws on her background in higher education administration to implement processes that enhance operational performance and help the company achieve it’s strategic objectives.