About Abel Communications

Based in Baltimore, Abel Communications is a results-driven public relations firm that helps clients grow. We offer a range of services including strategic communications planning, media relations, copy writing, and media training. By working collaboratively with clients and putting our journalism background and instincts to work, we help businesses generate buzz for their brand and leads for their products and services. We work with companies in several industries, with a focus and strength in technology, creative services, and sports properties.

TEAM BIOS

Greg Abel founded Abel Communications in 2005 after more than a dozen years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, and print and broadcast journalism.

As a former newspaper reporter and active freelance journalist, Greg leads the firm with an insider’s perspective for what makes news and how to position companies for success.  He and the Abel Communications team have worked with clients in many industries, with a specific expertise in technology, creative services, and sports properties.

Prior to launching Abel Communications, Greg was a Director for Qorvis Communications in Washington, D.C., focusing on PR programs and media training for technology clients.  His position at Qorvis was preceded by four years as Director of Corporate Communications for Aether Systems, Inc., a publicly-traded wireless technology company.

From 1995-2000, Greg worked in sports marketing and athlete communications for Advantage International, today known as Octagon. At Octagon, Greg created and managed publicity and marketing campaigns for high-profile events and athletes. Prior to Octagon, Greg was a reporter for the Baltimore Business Journal from 1993-95 and remains an active freelance writer today.

In 2006-2007, Greg took his passion for college basketball to the airwaves and served as pre- and post-game host of the University of Maryland men’s basketball coverage on ESPN 1300 in Baltimore; a role he still holds on part-time basis. In 2008, Greg’s new radio program, “The GA Show” debuted on ESPN 1300 and airs weekly. Greg has also written feature stories about international basketball, sports marketing, and the NCAA tournament for publications including The Sports Business Journal, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Baltimore Sun, The Sporting News, and Yahoo! sports.

Greg is a graduate of James Madison University. He and his wife Jennifer live in Baltimore with their sons, Ethan and Alec.

Dave Clossey, Account Director

With more than eight years of PR and marketing experience, Abel Communications clients are in capable hands with Dave Clossey. He puts his diverse communications knowledge and analytical approach to work by formulating media outreach strategies that leverage each client’s best story opportunities to generate strong, effective placements.

Prior to joining Abel Communications, Dave spent six years as a Client Advisor for Grow Sales, Inc., a niche marketing and PR firm, where he managed the marketing and PR efforts of more than a dozen graphic art companies. He is a 1999 graduate of Goucher College, Towson, MD, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English and was a four-year member of the lacrosse team.

Dave is an avid baseball and music fan and enjoys restoring vintage cars and spending time with his wife, Lisa.

Tori Katz, Account Executive

As an account executive and our official “go-to-gal,” Tori provides outstanding client service for all Abel Communications clients. She assists the Abel team in developing proactive media pitches for all clients based on industry research and market trends. Tori makes certain that each client and the Abel team are in sync with expectations and next steps, and supports accounts with writing, media outreach, and conference reports.  

Tori pursues many outside interests that  amplify her  professionalism and creative energy, such as teaching at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation in Pikesville, Maryland and performing in a variety of local theatrical stage productions.

Tori earned a dual Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications and Theatre Performance from Towson University in 2006.

Joelle Polisky, Media Relations Specialist

Joelle Polisky is a media relations superstar with more than 15 years of experience. She’s worked for several agencies and on her own, and just plain gets it done. With Joelle on the case, Abel clients can rest assured that their story is being shared proactively and strategically with the most influential media in the country.

Joelle’s tireless efforts have resulted in coverage for clients in outlets from Newsweek and the Today Show, on down to local daily papers and radio stations. Wherever the story will have the most impact – that’s where Joelle focuses.

Prior to working with Abel, Joelle worked for the LogicMediaGroup, a public relations agency focused on technology clients; and Atkinson Public Relations in Nashville, Tenn, on accounts including the The John Templeton Foundation, Lowes Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel, and the Tennessee Automotive Manufacturing Association.

Earlier in her career, Joelle spent seven years with Advantage International (now called Octagon), one of the premiere sports marketing firms in the world, publicizing world-class athletes and events.

A proud native of New Jersey, Joelle graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in marketing.