Erik Deutsch
Erik Deutsch is a strategic communications specialist with nearly 15 years of experience in public relations, marketing and editorial services. Prior to launching ExcelPR Group, he worked on staff and as a consultant for some of the world's largest PR agencies including Manning Selvage & Lee, Porter Novelli and Edelman Worldwide. Clients have ranged from start-up ventures and nonprofits to large, publicly traded companies. He has spearheaded campaigns for firms and organizations such as UCLA Medical Center, the California Department of Health Services, Disney Online, Bausch & Lomb, FilmL.A., Microsoft and SpeechEasy. He also has extensive experience in new media and emerging fields such as biotechnology.

An early adopter and advocate of Internet-based public relations, Erik helped launch Interactive PR News in 1995 as the first national newsletter on new media for public relations professionals. He also worked as a writer and editor for Phillips Business Information -- a leading publisher of communications industry news and research. He currently serves as managing editor of SoCalBio Synergies - the official news publication of the Southern California Biomedical Council.

Since 1997, Erik has been a faculty member of the UCLA Extension Department of Journalism, Public Relations and Fundraising, where he has served as an instructor of advanced seminars and an online newsletter writing course.

Erik earned a masters degree in communication management from USC's Annenberg School for Communication, and an undergraduate degree in economics from UCLA.

Tim Cridland
Tim Cridland has spent more than two decades creating brand-building media and marketing campaigns and providing strategic counsel for large corporations and small businesses. A former award-winning broadcast journalist, Tim held senior positions at top international public relations firms including Burson-Marsteller, Porter Novelli and GCI Group (Grey) representing Fortune 500 clients including Gillette, McDonalds, Skymall, Kaiser Pemanente, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Baskin Robbins and Kia Motors.

Tim began his career in broadcast news as an on-air general assignment and consumer/business reporter for ABC-TV news affiliates. He has contributed reports for national news outlets including ABC's World News Tonight, CNN and Entertainment Tonight. His background also includes media training for Honda Motors and Clear Channel Communications and video production for Consolidated Edison (NYC) and De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (film studio). Tim also has experience with major special events for national non-profits including the March of Dimes and Children Affected by Aids Foundation (CAAF).

Tim attended the University of Georgia Graduate College of Journalism (Grady), Villanova University and the State University of New York (Stony Brook).  He also studied copywriting at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and is a trained actor.