HEIDI HAGEMAN
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
Heidi Hageman is the founder and principal of H2 Public Relations, a nationally respected communications firm specializing in hospitality, food, beverage, and lifestyle brands. With nearly 25 years of experience, she is recognized as a strategic partner to some of the country’s most influential chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality groups, guiding brands through high-stakes launches, long-term growth, and national visibility.
Before founding H2 Public Relations, Heidi built her career as a member of the media, with experience as a writer, reporter, and producer at award-winning news organizations including National Public Radio and KUSI-TV. That background continues to shape her approach to communications, grounding her work in editorial rigor, narrative clarity, and a deep understanding of how stories move through newsrooms and into culture.
Founded in Southern California nearly 20 years ago, H2 Public Relations quickly earned a reputation for thoughtful strategy and results-driven execution. In 2011, Heidi expanded the firm to Chicago, where H2 became closely identified with the city’s chef-driven dining and cocktail scene, working alongside some of the industry’s most progressive and influential voices. Today, the firm operates nationally, representing clients across major markets while maintaining its boutique, highly hands-on approach.
Throughout her career, Heidi has collaborated with leading professionals across food, travel, and entertainment, contributing to segments and features for outlets such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, The View, Access Hollywood, CNBC, and The Discovery Channel. Her work has resulted in prominent coverage in publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Saveur, PEOPLE, and many others.
Heidi and H2 Public Relations have been recognized by publications including Riviera Magazine, San Diego Magazine, The Social Diary, and Michigan Avenue for their influence and impact. Beyond placements and press, Heidi is valued for her ability to see the full arc of a brand, pairing creative storytelling, marketing, activations, partnerships and thought leadership to build relevance and credibility to the best of the best in the industry.
CARISSA ROSENTHAL
Vice President, WEST COAST
With 15 years of experience in brand development and strategic communications, Carissa Rosenthal is a thoughtful leader who helps companies define their message, build visibility, and connect with the right audiences. Known for her ability to distill a brand’s essence and amplify it with clarity and creativity, Carissa brings a sharp strategic lens and a collaborative spirit to every client partnership.
A San Diego native with deep media relationships and strong ties to civic and cultural institutions, Carissa understands how to position brands within a broader community context. As Vice President, she leads West Coast operations and spearheads brand strategy for a curated portfolio of hospitality innovators, real estate developers, and mission-driven entrepreneurs. Her work spans executive advisory, market positioning, media strategy, and integrated brand-building.
Outside of work, she is a proud mom of two young boys and an avid explorer of all things food, travel, and wellness.
