Dameron Communications is a diverse team of communications professionals founded in 1988. The agency offers a wide range of public relations, advertising, research, media buying, community relations, and government relations services. Dameron Communications has a proven track record of success, and its work has won many client accolades.

Carl M. Dameron, President, Creative Director

Carl M. Dameron is an advertising and public relations expert with more than 37 years of experience involving organizations in both the private and public sectors (companies, government agencies, and non-profits).

He is proficient in the following areas:

  • Media coverage via the most prestigious media outlets locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally..
  • Develop, implement, and manage strategic plans and programs designed to achieve the client’s goals and objectives.
  • Creating advertising campaigns that reach client objectives, including increased sales and desired shifts in public opinion in target populations.
  • Organize and oversee public outreach campaigns.
  • Conduct advocacy for a variety of client issues, including social issues, real estate development and construction, education, entertainment, environmental issues, and public health policy.
  • Design and implement program evaluation activities.
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for community campaigns to boards, media outlets, business and community leaders, elected officials, and staff.
  • Direct and partner with client staff to meet administrative and budget parameters.
  • Design and oversee educational campaigns to increase public awareness, including written materials, training sessions, and media outreach.

Creative and tenacious, Carl conducts relevant qualitative and empirical research, gets on the ground, and communicates with customers, community members, and front-line staff to find customers’ “hot buttons.” The creative team digests this information to create effective messaging for multi-media campaigns that work. Carl effectively implements current technology and finds ways to adopt new technologies in campaigns.

Carl has held executive-level positions with P.R. firm Weber Shandwick, Electronic Data Systems Corporation EDS and BSMG (formerly Bozell Sawyer Miller Group).

He leads a team of creative professionals who create big ideas, engineer language, and create images that capture the audience’s attention and motivates them to act.

Dr. George Gary Manross, Ph.D., Director of Research

A behavioral scientist with more than 25 years of experience in marketing and political research, Dr. Manross joined Dameron Communications in 1998. He is the chairman and CEO of the Strategy Research Institute and IMC Corp (Integrated Marketing Communications Corporation). He has held executive-level positions with two Fortune 500 companies (Diamond Shamrock Corporation and Chase Brass & Copper Company), the California Association of Realtors®, and the International Public Relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

Dr. Manross has taught political communications at UCLA and mass media effects at USC, and was an Associate Professor of Communications at California State University, Fullerton, where he held a joint appointment in Advertising and Public Relations, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His research is routinely cited in the scholarly and popular press, and in classic textbooks, such as Diffusion of Innovations (Everett M. Rogers, 4th ed., Free Press, NY). He authored a book entitled: The Impact of Theory-driven Public Opinion Research in Strategic Planning for Winning Campaigns (Carlton Press, NY).

His Ph.D. is in Communications Research from the USC Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism.

Specialty areas of research include:

  • Market Research
  • Political Research
  • Survey Research (exploratory, confirmatory, causal-modeling)
  • Focus Group Research

Cheryl R. Brown, Government Relations

Cheryl Brown is a former Assemblywoman, publisher, small business owner, and California State Commissioner on Aging, who has devoted most of her life to public service.

She has been recognized by countless local, state, and national organizations for her work as an elected official and community volunteer.

Cheryl leads the Dameron team in helping clients achieve their government-related objectives..

Before being elected to the Assembly, she was publisher of the Black Voice News in Riverside, CA.

She is proficient in the following areas:

  • Strategic advisory: Offering strategic advice and behind-the-scenes consulting to Dameron clients.
  • Issue advocacy: Working on statewide or local campaigns and ballot measures.
  • Executive and local branch relations: Lobbying the governor’s administration and local governmental agencies.
  • High-level strategic insight: Leveraging her deep understanding of the legislative process and relationships with key political figures.

Kathleen Dameron – Cross-Cultural Communications Specialist

With more than 35 years of experience, this accomplished professional specializes in leadership development and cross-cultural collaboration. As a corporate speaker, she frequently addresses such topics as "Working across Cultures" and Leadership, sharing insights gained from extensive hands-on experience.

She designs and facilitates multi-year, in-company, leadership programs tailored to diverse industries, including banking, defense, manufacturing, high tech, pharmaceuticals, retail, and telecommunications.

Academically, she serves as a professor in executive education at notable institutions including ESSEC (ranked No. 2 in France), Kedge/University of Shanghai, and Audencia, with a focus on leadership development and multicultural workplace skills. She has functioned as an in-house trainer and facilitator for Thomson Multimedia, the owner of RCA, conducting training across Europe.

Throughout her career, she has collaborated with leading organizations, including 3M, Alcan/Rio Tinto, BNP Paribas, Heineken, Longchamp, Orange, Pfizer, Thomson Multimedia, and Veolia Water.

Her work has fostered greater confidence and trust within teams, enabling individuals and groups to develop shared working practices for international projects and meetings. Many clients report that their programs significantly enhanced understanding and management of professional cultural differences, both across and within nations.

Her methodology integrates innovative approaches such as The Art of Hosting, an approach to leadership that emphasizes personal practice, dialogue, facilitation, and co-creation to address complex challenges. She also utilizes several psychometric tools, including TMS©, ENSIZE©, Success Insights©, and The International Profiler©, to inform their interventions. Committed to sustainable change, she employs Generative Change Coaching, emphasizing both inner and outer transformation to foster long-lasting professional growth.

She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, facilitating her ability to work across diverse cultural contexts. Her comprehensive expertise and dedication to leadership excellence make her a sought-after speaker, trainer, and educator in international settings, constantly advancing the development of leaders and teams worldwide.

Shanna Bowen – Social Media Manager

A social media expert with more than 15 years of experience creating and implementing successful social media campaigns, Shanna is the social media director for Dameron Communications. She joined the team in 2020.

Shanna creates consistent, meaningful content on all social media platforms, including writing and editing social media posts, maximizing customer engagement, and promoting social media campaigns.

She manages a high volume of daily social media posts, communicates with social media followers, and responds to participant questions. Shanna also develops and operates social influencer programs and creates social media events.

Shanna constantly adjusts her social media marketing strategy for optimal results. She also stays current on best practices and emerging trends in social media.

Thom Salisbury, Art Director

Thom Salisbury designs effective, enduring, and meaningful campaign materials for Dameron’s clientele. He began his career painting billboards in Las Vegas.

He worked with the outstanding Sales and Marketing team at the Long Beach Press-Telegram early in his career. From there, he was recruited to lead the advertising design team at The Sun (San Bernardino). Later, he moved on to completely redesign Pacific Coast Sportfishing magazine. In the last several years, he has also been designing the quarterly magazine for the 356 Porsche Club of Southern California.

In 2007, he joined forces with Dameron Communications, providing design and art direction with a straightforward, clean, and practical approach that emphasizes visual impact and meaningful messaging that effectively tells the story and induces the desired response from the target audience.

Dr. Greg Zerovnik, Ph.D.,  Advertising, Public and Government Relations

Dr. Zerovnik is an award-winning professional in marketing, advertising, and public relations.

He has won regional awards for his copywriting and graphic design work, including the redesign of peer-reviewed journals for the Society of Critical Care Medicine. He also led the marketing communications effort that resulted in the passage of a $121 million bond issue for Citrus College.

Dr. Zerovnik has taught marketing and strategic management in M.B.A. programs at several American universities and branding and positioning internationally at two universities in the People’s Republic of China. He has delivered seminars in strategy and marketing to Chinese executives visiting the U.S. in industries as diverse as banking, mining, and petrochemicals.

Dr. Zerovnik belongs to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Society of Media Psychology and Technology. He has served as a past president of the Inland Empire chapters of the American Advertising Federation (A.A.F.) and the American Marketing Association (A.M.A.), and served a term as Governor for District 15 (Southern California and Southern Nevada) of the A.A.F.

Dr. Zerovnik holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Media Psychology from Fielding Graduate University, an EMBA from the Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University, and a B.F.A. from the California College of the Arts, majoring in painting and sculpture.

Valda Wilson – Public & Government Relations

Valda Wilson is an experienced public information specialist and professional photographer with excellent skills in communications, journalism, photography, leadership, and team building. She is the product of a 23-year career in the Air Force.

Valda worked with Hollywood’s elite on several Air Force-centric productions, including being an advisor on Marvel’s Captain Marvel motion picture.

She has crafted communication plans and oversaw strategies and tactics to achieve specified outcomes. Valda has proven leadership, organizational, and public information skills.

She is culturally experienced and competent, having worked as a government and communications liaison for the Air Force on five continents, in 24 countries, and at many U.S. locations.

Her formal education includes a Master of Fine Arts in Web Design and New Media from the Academy of Art University—San Francisco, CA, and a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication from American InterContinental University. She has two Associate of Arts degrees, one in Information Management and another in Visual Communications, from the Community College of The Air Force in Montgomery, AL.

Damon Britain, Videographer

Damon Britain is a video and full production veteran with more than 20 years of video production and editing experience, producing various award-winning videos for local, national, and international clients.

He has worked on feature films and documentaries, filling such roles as being a director of photography, video production editor, audio tech, Gaffer, writer, director, and producer of commercials, music videos, movies, and corporate projects.

Movie Credits: Last Chance, Rights of Passage, Learning Curve, No Vacancy, Moment After, Dead Wrong, The Path, and over 50 other projects.

Television Commercials & Projects: AT&T, Ford, Sony, United Way, Morongo, SCTCA, West Valley Water District, Aireloom Kluft California Design, Claremont Colleges, University of LaVerne, University San Diego, Salvation Army, CalPortland, Dhollandia, Gerdau, Loomis, and Otto Instruments. Also, there is baseball Hall of Famer Rod Carew and industry professionals Luther Vandross, Shaka Khan, No Doubt, and Limp Bizkit. Academy Award Winner Mickey Rooney, Gary Busey, Wes Studi, Brian Cranston, and Christina Ricci.

Website/YouTube videos, Safety/Training Videos, Corporate, Educational, Seminars/ Meetings, and Advertising Videos in addition to Independent Films.

Specialties: Cinematographer/D.P., Video, Producing, Directing, Editing, Script Writing, Lighting, Audio, Location Scouting, Voice Over Talent, Green Screen, Film Consultant, and Casting Services.

Janeen Britain, Video Production Assistant

Janeen Britain brings to Dameron Communications eight years of experience as a video production assistant; thus, ensuring Dameron Communications handles every detail correctly and promptly for its clients.

She coordinates clients’ production needs, casting for auditions, and hiring and scheduling production crews.

“I  enjoy what I am doing,” says Janeen. “I like the energy of interacting with so many different people and projects during our location shoots. I particularly enjoy working with non-profit organizations. They are so passionate about what they do; it motivates me to do positive things for the community, too.” An extra benefit for Janeen has been the opportunity to work with an award-winning director and her husband, Mark Damon Britain. While they have focused their talents on producing corporate commercials, the duo has also worked on several independent films.

Christopher Sloan – Photographer, Public & Government Relations

Chris brings 15+ years of photo journalism experience to Dameron Communications in hundreds of photos published in Southern California publications. Chris is a Communications professional with advanced social media skills.

He uses his expertise and skill to capture professional, high-quality images; assignments include candid photos, portraits, architectural structures, abstract compositions, to name a few.

Chris is responsible for visually illustrating clients’ presence, products, and services by meeting their still and video photographic needs and assisting in producing multi-image, multi-media, and video presentations for promotional and informational use.

Chris also works in social media. He is responsible for creating social media campaigns and managing the company’s social media properties. His passion for social media as a communications tool led him to adopt and implement best practices across all social media channels.

Vickie Davis, L.M.F.T., M.A., M.A.C. – Copywriter, Public Relations Strategist & Social Media Expert

“Joining Dameron Communications allows me to merge my expertise with my commitment to uplifting our community,” Vickie stresses. “Being part of a team that values community engagement and strategic advocacy is a privilege. I am grateful for this incredible opportunity to amplify meaningful causes and create lasting impact,” she continues.

Vickie brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and social impact to her new role. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, she has dedicated her career to uplifting historically disadvantaged communities through mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, and community-based initiatives.

Vickie also serves as a Clinical Supervisor at Victor Community Support Services, where she oversees fiscal contracts, leads the Student Assistance Program, and implements mental health outreach in local communities and schools.

Beyond her clinical work, Vickie is a passionate community organizer. She co-founded “Black on the Block,” now known as Rialto City Jam, and initiated the Juneteenth Jam in Rialto—both events celebrate heritage and support small businesses. She also spearheads an annual I.E. Tour of Toys, delivering joy to underserved families across the Inland Empire.

“Vickie’s expertise in community engagement, combined with her deep understanding of social issues, are invaluable to Dameron Communications, as the agency continues to expand its social media offerings and help clients connect with their target audiences in meaningful ways,” said Carl M. Dameron, president of Dameron Communications.

Giacomo Thillet Video production, Directing, Editing, Producing, Videography, TikTok, YouTube

Giacomo Thillet is an integral part of the Dameron Communications video production team. He has more than 15 years of experience in video production, including directing, editing, producing, and videography.

“As a person born and raised in the Inland Empire, I am grateful for the opportunity to join Dameron Communications and contribute to the community with the skills I have gained there,” says Giacomo.

His extensive background includes directing narrative and documentary films, editing videos for various platforms, producing streaming series for educational institutions, live streaming, and camera operation on short and feature films. His diverse experience makes him a valuable asset to Dameron Communications.

Giacomo’s recent projects include:

  • Ad for the San Bernardino County Equity Element Groups procurement conference. Click Here To View
  • Ad Black Rose Awards. Click Here To View
  • Video Editor for the Educational Theatre Foundation’s Theatre Alive! Gala honoring Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon. The event featured presenters such as Tina Fey, John Stamos, and Samuel L. Jackson.
  • He was a producer/Video Editor for Broadway On Demand, where he remotely produced and edited a fitness series, TED Talks, and a Master Class series.
  • Director of “Berdoo,” a documentary feature film chronicling the San Bernardino City Unified School District’s efforts to address challenges such as absenteeism, student mental health, and the impact of COVID-19. More information about the film can be found at berdoofilm.com.
  • Editor for The Crazy Gorilla, Inc., serving as the lead editor for the “Mamah” YouTube channel, which boasts over 288,000 subscribers and over 50 million collective views.
  • He was a Media Production Specialist at CSU San Bernardino, where he directed, shot, and edited public relations videos highlighting student and faculty achievements and campus events.

“Giacomo’s expertise and passion for visual storytelling are instrumental in Dameron Communication’s continued success,” says Carl Dameron.

Shani Hamilton Thillet – Casting Director, Actress, Choreographer, Songwriter, Dancer

Shani is a valuable resource for Dameron Communications in casting talented local performers for commercials, dances, original songwriting, creating music, jingles, and delivering exciting performers for events, galas, and beyond.

Shani is a dynamic performer with a diverse background in acting, singing, dancing, and voice-over work. Her experience working in Lays, video ventures, public experiences, and other entertainment events has connected her to the Empire’s top talent.

Born in California and raised in Kentucky, she developed a passion for the arts at an early age. Shani studied theatre at Northern Kentucky University on a scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, with a minor in dance.

Under the artist name “Shani Sunshine," she independently released three EP albums, culminating in her full-length, self-produced album "Road to Radiance" in 2019.

Her career spans across the nation and internationally, known for her performances at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and her tour of the Big Island of Hawaii with her original music. In Los Angeles, she has appeared in several musicals and danced with Pones Inc. Dance Company in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Shani's television work includes a co-starring role in the streaming series “Ugly," which explores racial equality. Recently, she secured a recurring role on the web series "Super Pops” on Totally TV, where she portrays Tessa/Topaz, a sassy Latin Pops singer, showcasing her versatility and flair for engaging characters.