Michael Gitter Partner Prior to launching First Press, Michael was a writer for Time Out New York’s Eating & Drinking Guide and an editor at Zagat Survey. He has also worked in the front of the house at New York restaurants Chanterelle and Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe. Michael is certified by the American Sommelier Association and attended Yale University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Classics. Email Michael   Ben Schmerler Partner Before co-founding First Press with Michael in 2004, Ben was a Senior Editor at Zagat Survey for more than seven years. During his time at the company he worked on all its guides and was the editor of ZagatWire (now ZagatBuzz), its restaurant industry newsletter. Ben is a member of City Harvest’s Food Council and has appeared on the Leonard Lopate Show and as a judge on Iron Chef America. Previously, he worked in government as a press officer. Email Ben   Aaron Ginsberg Account Director Aaron began his career in marketing and advertising at Draftfcb and Euro RSCG, and later moved into culinary PR at Baltz & Company and MS&L, working on public relations, marketing and social media strategy for clients including Rosa Mexicano, The American Lamb Board, and Hennessy. Since joining First Press in 2010, Aaron has managed projects for Harold Dieterle (Kin Shop and Perilla), Breville, and Bocuse d'Or USA, among others. Email Aaron   Kayt Mathers Account Supervisor Kayt hails from Portland, Ore., where she worked for a wine importer before moving east. In New York, Kayt was at wine retailers Vino and Thirst, and then Teuwen One Image PR, where she coordinated campaigns and events for clients ranging from Aquavit to Athenee Importers. Kayt joined First Press in 2011, working with New York Wines, Cider Week, and Takashi, among others. She is fluent in French and Spanish, and bikes to work (almost) everyday. Email Kayt   Alyx Cullen Account Coordinator A native of North Carolina and a graduate of Princeton University, Alyx began her career in art-world marketing and PR; her love of food and drink soon inspired a move into online and social media marketing for the Giulietta Mgmt Corp (more commonly known for its Bar Veloce, Bar Carrera, and Custom American Wine Bar establishments). Alyx joined First Press in April 2011, bringing her social media know-how and impressive baking skills with her. Email Alyx   Noey Neumark Account Coordinator Noey came to New York from San Francisco to attend NYU, where she double-majored in Psychology and Religious Studies. A longtime lover of travel, food, and cooking, Noey applied these passions to a career in the food/hospitality industry. In addition to post-graduation stints with Great Performances and at Luke’s Lobster, Noey worked in the Events Department at Bullfrog & Baum before joining the First Press team in January 2013. Email Noey