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
Carissa Rosenthal is Vice President, West Coast at H2 Public Relations, where she leads brand strategy and communications for a portfolio of hospitality, real estate, and lifestyle clients. With more than 15 years of experience in brand development and strategic communications, she is known for helping companies define their voice, sharpen their positioning, and build meaningful visibility.
Carissa brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to her work, with a focus on translating a brand’s core identity into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with both media and consumers. Her background spans executive advisory, market positioning, media relations, and integrated brand-building, supporting clients through openings, growth phases, and broader brand evolution.
A San Diego native, Carissa maintains strong relationships across regional and national media, along with deep ties to the local community. Her work is rooted in an understanding of how to position brands within a broader cultural and business landscape, ensuring relevance beyond traditional press.
At H2 Public Relations, Carissa plays a key role in shaping the agency’s West Coast presence, working closely with founders, operators, and creative teams to bring brands to market with clarity and impact. Outside of the office, she’s a mom of two boys and enjoys exploring all things fitness, food, and travel.
