Our Team
Learn more about the VAN LEUVEN Communications team – our experience, our specialties and our passion for what we do for our clients.
Diana Van Leuven | Chief Executive Officer
Diana Van Leuven’s marketing and public relations background of 26 years includes account management, leading integrated communications programs and implementing strategic business to business and business to consumer marketing programs. Her strength of public engagement and strategy facilitation enables her to help her clients formulate their ideal vision for their company delivering the best products and services for their customers. Her media relations experience in securing local, regional, national and international media placements help her client’s share their vision through consistent key messages. Her strategic planning experience provides a full circle approach to the public relations process generating sales through story placements enabling her clients to see results through recognition. Van Leuven works with several national and local retail and business to business clients as well as assisting many non-profit organizations with their communications needs.
As part of her public relations services for clients, she develops and implements communications strategies, including byline stories, international and national media coverage, press events, development of publicity materials and ongoing story pitching resulting in hundreds of media placements on an international, national and local basis. Before founding VAN LEUVEN Communications in November 2001, she worked for Weber Shandwick Worldwide, leading national account teams and launching the first broadband ready PCs for Compaq and producing the first webcasts for both MasterCard International’s Global Technology and Operations Division and Hewlett‐Packard’s Printing Division.
Diana received her Master’s degree from Webster University in Communications Management and her undergraduate degree is from Southeast Missouri State University in Mass Communications. When Diana is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children going hiking, swimming and biking.
Diana Van Leuven | Chief Executive Officer
Diana Van Leuven’s marketing and public relations background of 26 years includes account management, leading integrated communications programs and implementing strategic business to business and business to consumer marketing programs. Her strength of public engagement and strategy facilitation enables her to help her clients formulate their ideal vision for their company delivering the best products and services for their customers. Her media relations experience in securing local, regional, national and international media placements help her client’s share their vision through consistent key messages. Her strategic planning experience provides a full circle approach to the public relations process generating sales through story placements enabling her clients to see results through recognition. Van Leuven works with several national and local retail and business to business clients as well as assisting many non-profit organizations with their communications needs.
As part of her public relations services for clients, she develops and implements communications strategies, including byline stories, international and national media coverage, press events, development of publicity materials and ongoing story pitching resulting in hundreds of media placements on an international, national and local basis. Before founding VAN LEUVEN Communications in November 2001, she worked for Weber Shandwick Worldwide, leading national account teams and launching the first broadband ready PCs for Compaq and producing the first webcasts for both MasterCard International’s Global Technology and Operations Division and Hewlett‐Packard’s Printing Division.
Diana received her Master’s degree from Webster University in Communications Management and her undergraduate degree is from Southeast Missouri State University in Mass Communications. When Diana is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children going hiking, swimming and biking.
Justina Auck | Director Justina Auck has worked with VAN LEUVEN Communications, Inc. since 2012 managing dealer relations programs on behalf of Land O'Lakes Purina Animal Nutrition. She has worked on the Chick Days Program supporting dealer events announcing their Poultry Workshops. On a larger scale, Justina supports the Purina Check-R-Board Days program working with hundreds of dealers nationwide. In 2014, Justina took a management role in the 2014 Purina Check-R-Board Days and continues to lead the account team with day-to-day program needs.
Justina grew up in Central Missouri on her parent’s farm where they specialized in soybean and corn production, farming about 3,000 acres. She attended Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri on a cross-country scholarship. Graduating cum laude a year early in 2008, her degree is in General Studies with an emphasis in English and Christian Ministry Studies.
Justina is an avid runner and reader. She and her husband are very active in their church where they have served as high school fellowship leaders. They reside in central Missouri with their five children, twenty chickens, three cats, two goats, one dog and many beehives.
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Stephanie Donelson | Director, DesignStephanie joined VAN LEUVEN Communications, Inc. in 2015 managing Purina Check-R-Board Days events and Purina Cattle Mineral Meeting nationwide. She supports dealers with their event coordination, logistics and publicity to make each of their events a success.
As the daughter of a military family, Stephanie was born in Yokosuka, Japan, but calls Jacksonville, Florida home. Though most Naval families are frequently moved around, Stephanie was lucky that she was able to stay in Jacksonville throughout her childhood, even attending college at the University of North Florida where she earned her degree in Communications, specializing in Public Relations. After college, her professional experience has focused on strengthening and maintaining customer relations for various companies, including a stint in the Florida Keys where she managed a small hotel, and where she met her husband! After two years of a lot of sun, the two returned to the mainland and settled in his home state of Missouri, where they welcomed their son and daughter.
Because she has spent a lot of time managing customer relations, Stephanie understands the importance of honest communication and providing consistent, excellent service. She takes pride in forming trusting relationships, and always has a smile on her face!
When she isn't spending time with her family, Stephanie enjoys reading classic literature, exploring historical sites, and prefers watching PBS over reality television...unless it's about ghost stories. Then she will stay glued to the television, and will leave the light on when she sleeps.
Connie Foody | National Director of OutreachConnie joined VAN LEUVEN Communications in 2018 and has an extensive background in Sales and Marketing. Connie was a marketing assistant for several years for a major retail chain and was known for her strong relationship-building. She is instrumental in developing relationships with our prospective clients and goes above-and-beyond to ensure her clients are well-served and loved.
Connie's "Home Grown Farm" includes a husband of 26 years, six children, and a 17 year old pup named Roxxi. Family time is her top priority, but she also enjoys the beach, the lakes, and the mountains whenever she gets a chance.
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Emily Bock | Account Executive
Emily Bock comes to VAN LEUVEN Communications, Inc. with great enthusiasm and a love of the farm. She grew up on the farm in Egypt Mills, Missouri and is elated to finish her degree in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State this year. Emily is eager to support her clients with her adept organizational skills, customer service, and willingness to do what it takes to go the extra step.
Emily spends her free time with her husband, Eric, and her sweet dog, Tucker. She loves the opportunity to spend time on the farm with Eric and his father—planting beans and corn, harvesting, and taking care of hundreds of cattle. She also has a talent and passion for refurbishing furniture in her spare time, bringing old pieces back to life.
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Tracy Phillips | Senior Account DirectorTracy Phillips brings over 25 years experience in human resources, office management, and client relations to VAN LEUVEN Communications, Inc. She is detailed-oriented, resourceful, and always gets top results for her clients. She manages Dealer Relations, the Honor Show Chow Top Performers Program, and the Rabbit Club of America for Land O'Lakes Purina.
Tracy grew up in the historic Italian neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, called “The Hill”. She now lives in the suburbs of St. Louis with her husband and amazing dog, Mango, but can still provide fantastic Italian restaurant recommendations. If she’s not snorkeling in exotic places with her husband on vacation, you can find her reading or watching movies.
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Teresa Puterbaugh | Senior Account DirectorTeresa Puterbaugh was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Teresa was eager to start her career in education and after graduating she became a Head Start Teacher, which is an organization that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. From there Teresa became a Pre-K teacher at the University of Tennessee. She took on the responsibilities of intern supervision and training of undergraduate students, training graduate assistants, as well as conducted and supervised parent meetings. She also has experience in working with classroom management, creating and implementing lesson plans, conducting weekly meetings with co-workers, and has lead several lectures to undergraduate students.
After the University she became a Second grade teacher where she was awarded “Teacher of the Year” not once but twice and was part of the leadership committee. Teresa is a natural leader and has served as PTA President, Vice-President and for the past 7 years has held the title of Executive Board Member of the PTA. Her list of accomplishments also include the PTA Lifetime Achievement Award and PTA Volunteering Partnership Award.
Teresa uses the skills she has learned as a leader in education in her role at VAN LEUVEN Communications. Not only is she the definition of a team player, but has managed several projects including the Purina CheckPoint Program and Check-R-Board Days. She excels in customer service by listening and responding to the needs of each client.
When Teresa is not leading the PTA or heading up projects at VAN LEUVEN, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 beautiful daughters.
Roz Rushing | Account Executive"I spent 20 years in the feed store industry wearing many hats...a manager, HR, social networking expert, and part owner!"
I wanted to introduce myself and let you know that I will now be your contact and representative through VAN LEUVEN Communications. I plan to continue to offer you the excellent service you are used to receiving from Tracy Phillips. Tracy has been promoted as a leader on our ever growing social media team, so she will still be very active with your account, just not your day to day contact.
Roz joined VAN LEUVEN Communications in March of 2020 and spent 20 years in the feed store industry wearing many hats...a manager, HR, social networking expert, and part owner. She grew up on a small farm in Sandy, Oregon and was an active 4-H member raising and showing pigs and dairy cows. She married her best friend/husband Chris in 2001 and we went on to have her own farm raising pigs, cows, goats, rabbits, chickens, a horse and of course cats and dogs. She is a proud step-Mom to two “kids” that have both served in our armed forces and has one grandson currently living in Germany on an Army base.
She is excited to be a member of the VAN LEUVEN team and be able to work with her passion of helping build business for other feed store owners. She loves talking with customers and finding out their “why” and how she can help to expand their business in the marketplace. She enjoys creating content and marketing of businesses and loves to plan events. In her free time she loves to read and travel. her husband learned early on that while traveling if they come across a feed store they must stop. She really enjoys talking with different feed store owners and employees and seeing what great things they all do for their communities. When she is not working she also volunteers at her local fire department and do administration tasks for them. Roz currently resides in the small farming community of Tygh Valley, Oregon.
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Aren Sheets | Account Executive
Aren joined VAN LEUVEN Communications in the fall of 2017. Her main focus is on placing new orders for dealer programs and meetings. She works closely with team members to inform them of upcoming events to ensure each one is a success. She spent a number of years building business for several local restaurants, as an “Expert Funologist” aka Marketing Director, which included special events and promotions, hiring talent as well as designing advertisements and menus. Her creative skills and networking expertise helped her form new relationships with vendors and customers. From there she became the activities assistant for a chain of retirement communities. There she interacted with residents, planned outings, coordinated, entertained and hosted many corporate and resident parties. She has been a proud member of the Kirkwood Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce for the past 10 years and has served on several committees. She spent the past 7 years as a commercial loan coordinator helping to start up and sustain business.
In 2013 Aren and her husband Paul were married at her parents property in Hawk Pointe, MO, known as Cabin Creek Lodge. They enjoy spending time there, with their two boys, building, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors.
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Briana Sievers | Account ExecutiveBriana Sievers, know as Bri by friends and family, has worked at VAN LEUVEN Communications since 2017. She plays a key role in Check-R-Board Days and Cattle Meetings, working with dealers in the upper Midwest and North Central States. Bri was born and raised in Cape Girardeau, MO. After high school she attended Southeast Missouri State for Business Administration and met her husband Justin. The two then moved to North Dakota where they welcomed the addition of their daughter, Dakota. After 2 1/2 years of the braving the cold, they are now relocating to the Sunshine State, Florida. Bri's husband proudly serves as an Officer in the United States Air Force. They enjoy spending time with family, playing with their two German Shepherds, Abby and Jake, and take in an occasional Cardinals baseball game.
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Mia Varra | Director, Social MediaMia Varra joins the VLC Team with 20+ years of Agriculture Sales and Marketing experience.Mia and her husband Matt and two children own and operate a cow/calf and hay ranch in the Panhandle of Western Nebraska and Northern Colorado. Mia grew up in the central valley of California on a wine grape, walnut and peach orchard but her true love has always revolved around horses and cattle. Mia attended Oregon State University and completed a degree in
Agriculture Communications/Journalism and a minor in Animal Science. She then began a career in veterinary pharmaceuticals sales and later she thrived for 11 years in sales and marketing for an animal reproductive ultrasound company which enabled her to travel the country and make many lasting friendships.Mia is known for her understanding of the agriculture industry and strong communication and marketing skills. Mia’s talents in photography, graphic design and videography aid in her passion to work with small businesses and assisting them in achieving their sales goals. Mia has lead businesses in new product releases, website redesigns and updates, designing print
brochures, sales support materials, print advertising and social media marketing.
When Mia is not working on her ranch with her family she is usually found cooking italian food for a crew of hungry cowboys, playing guitar and entertaining at a campfire pit, or competing in rodeo or working cow events on her horses. Mia also enjoys leading the local 4H photography club and helping her children in their 4H horse and craft projects.
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Krista Vincil | Vice PresidentKrista Vincil, joined VAN LEUVEN Communications in 2017. Growing up in Lenior City, TN, she knew at a young age she had a passion for helping others. She received a degree in Psychology and Criminal Law at Bryan College and went on to become a Law Enforcement Officer. Krista served her community by using that same passion for assisting others to help make her city a better place to live. Not only is she a strong leader in her community, but Krista also leads people to better health. She counts her health as a blessing and helps others gain knowledge though daily workout regiments and a healthy eating lifestyle. She uses compassion, discipline and creativity to lead her VAN LEUVEN team in event planning and team building, while always maintaining an ethical and professional responsibility in doing what is best for the client. When she isn't helping others she enjoys cheering her children on in their various activities and spending time with her husband of 9 years.
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