Lori Mahon

Lori Mahon is the co-founder and president of Merge Public Relations, bringing more than two decades of experience in music publicity and strategic communications. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations, Lori began her career in the music industry in 2002 before launching her own public relations firm, Overture Media, in 2008. In 2011, she co-founded Merge PR, where she continues to lead the company with a passion for connecting artists, organizations, and brands with the media through thoughtful storytelling and creative campaigns. She loves building lasting relationships, discovering fresh opportunities for her clients, and helping meaningful stories reach the audiences who need to hear them most.

Lori lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband, Heath, and their two children, Nolan and Margot. When she's not pitching media or developing PR strategies, you'll likely find her with a good book, swimming, baking something sweet, or dreaming up her family's next vacation or adventure. She considers it a privilege to champion the artists and organizations she represents and help share their music, missions, and stories with the world.

Ashley Van Zee

Ashley Van Zee has always been passionate about the intersection of storytelling and music. After earning a degree in Communications from Auburn University, she spent more than a decade serving in student ministry before transitioning into communications, marketing, and social media management. Since then, she's helped schools, brands, and organizations tell meaningful stories and build authentic connections. Joining the Merge PR team feels like a full-circle moment, combining her love for music with her passion for helping artists share their stories with the world.

Ashley lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband, Ryan, and their two children, Wilder and Sylvie. When she's not writing press releases or creating social content, you'll likely find her at a live concert, tending to her garden, cheering from the sidelines of a soccer game, searching for a great taco truck, or embracing anything nostalgic from the '90s. She loves building relationships and is grateful to come alongside the incredible artists, songwriters, and partners that make up the Merge PR family.