Leslie Stevens is co-founder of LaForce + Stevens.  She counts herself  among those rare few people who really, really love their jobs.  Stevens is  passionate about  her work, her colleagues and, perhaps most of all, the infinite array of creative clients she's had the good fortune to represent. Known for her unconventional thinking, she has conceived and executed publicity campaigns in the fields of home/design, health/beauty, entertainment, fashion, hospitality and the non-profit realm. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Stevens studied politics at Princeton University.  She began her career at Estée Lauder, then held management positions at two prominent communications firms.  Her unbridled enthusiasm and perpetually positive attitude are among LaForce+Stevens greatest assets. Stevens is an avid skier, tennis player, hiker and theatergoer.  She  is determined to visit every single destination in "1,000 Places to See Before You Die," perhaps a few of them twice!
 

As a co-founder of L+S, James LaForce directs a range of communications programs across the agency’s diverse client roster.  With a nimble approach, he blends his business savvy with an insatiable interest in the trends and personalities of the ever-changing media landscape. LaForce was raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and studied English Literature and writing at Columbia University.  For five years, he was mentored by the legendary fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, who is often credited with putting American fashion on the global map. As his career in communications developed, with a number of multi-year stints at top P.R. firms, he managed programs for a range of prominent brands, from consumer packaged goods to fashion and luxury products.  LaForce and his partner of twenty years, writer Stephen Henderson, live in Manhattan and spend weekends on Long Island. But, he is happiest at his office sending out emails and “calling around to bug people.”

Emily Garbaccio oversees the fashion team at LaForce + Stevens. She develops and directs creative programs for Target’s fashion and beauty divisions. Before joining L+S, Garbaccio managed programs for technology and consumer clients with a fashion edge including Sony Electronics and Amazon.com. Garbaccio graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has completed several half-marathons, and also ran the full Marine Corps Marathon. Garbaccio and her husband are avid travelers. They live in Manhattan with their two daughters.

Olita Mills manages the home/design division at LaForce + Stevens, in addition to overseeing communication campaigns for a wide variety of lifestyle consumer brands.  Under her watch in the home arena are well-established design companies such as Restoration Hardware and Lalique Crystal, as well as smaller, more boutique businesses such as Michael Aram and the Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House fundraiser.  In the lifestyle realm, Mills implements publicity programs for renowned consumer brands such as Post-it products and Nexcare bandages.  Prior to joining L+S, she managed publicity for emerging brands in the home/design sector.  Mills graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor's degree in History, and received a Master's Degree in Communications and Media Studies from Fordham University.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, and playing competitive volleyball. 

Jennifer Hinchey manages a range of consumer, event and fashion clients at LaForce + Stevens, including H&M, Gilt Groupe and the Sundance Channel.  Before joining L+S, Jennifer executed media relations programs for Fortune 500 companies across the media and technology industries. Prior, she worked in the publicity department of a national women's lifestyle magazine and wrote a trend column for this publication. Jennifer began her communications career at the Wall Street Journal and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University's College of Communications. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys discovering new boutiques and designers, traveling the globe and playing tennis. 

Stacy Forgang has worked nearly a dozen years in marketing communications accessories, fashion and jewelry brands.  Stacy began her career at a top NYC public relations and marketing communications agency on a variety of top lifestyle brands. Over the course of four years, she advanced to group manager and developed and managed programs for such brands as Ebel, Bergdorf Goodman and Damiani.  Stacy then went on to lead the PR department of Baume & Mercier, a luxury timepiece division of Richemont.  In this position she dramatically increased visibility for the brand in North America.  Stacy is a graduate of The George Washington University in Washington D.C. with a B.B.A. in Marketing.

Lauren Kanter manages fashion programs at LaForce + Stevens, overseeing strategy and media campaigns for Target apparel and accessories.  She has executed high-profile fashion events and runway shows for designers such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rebecca Taylor and Kaelen. Before joining L+S, Lauren executed media relations programs for fashion accounts ranging from bridal designers to intimate apparel brands. Lauren holds a Bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland and began her communications career at the luxury fashion house Céline. When not working, Lauren and her husband love to travel, catch the latest films and entertain family and friends at their home. 

Lisa Frank manages fashion clients as well as heads the Social Media division of LaForce + Stevens. Frank oversees programs for Target’s fashion and accessories partnerships, select emerging designers and fashion shows during New York Fashion Week.  Her areas of expertise include product launches, designer collaborations and special events ranging from large consumer launches to intimate industry gatherings.  Lisa also provides counsel and oversees execution of social media strategies across a range of platforms to engage each client’s unique audience.  Prior to joining L+S, Frank focused on brand marketing programs for consumer clients including Lincoln-Mercury and British Airways.  Frank graduated Magna Cum Laude from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.  A born and raised New Yorker, Lisa is an avid foodie and shopper and also enjoys travelling with her husband.