ELENA VERLEE, Founder and President

Elena has 17 years of experience in international public relations, specializing in brand building and strategic communications for technology companies. Elena began her career at a Shandwick agency in San Francisco, where she was an integral part of the account team for the agency’s anchor clients, Unisys and Quantum Corporation. She has also managed accounts for Nelson Bostock Communications, one of the UK’s top 10 independent PR agencies, working with clients such as NTL, Videotron and Kasten Chase Applied Research. Prior to founding Cross Border Communications, Elena was in the Philippines, where she was responsible for the day-to-day operation of a subsidiary of Dutch multi-national Akzo Nobel.

Elena is an active member of, and has been recognized by the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs for building a business with high growth potential. She has also received nominations for Business in Vancouver’s 40 Entrepreneurs under 40 awards, as well as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year for one of Canada’s largest banks and one of Canada’s largest business schools. She was a founding member of the Vancouver Art Guild and a former board member of the International Coach Federation, Vancouver chapter.

At Cross Border Communications, Elena is responsible for new business development and providing the best team to service each client’s unique needs. She is currently based in Asia and is author of a PR book for entrepreneurs wanting to do their own PR.

ELIZABETH ESTRELLA-BASILIO, Managing Director

Elizabeth has over 15 years of experience in managing public relations programs and marketing communications focusing on events, promotional materials development, web design and copywriting. Her versatility has allowed her to successfully provide direction and management for Cross Border's many clients from start -ups to larger public corporations.

Elizabeth began her career at PicoPower Technology as part of an eight-man start-up. Her vital role in all of its marketing communications activities contributed to its market recognition. When Cirrus Logic acquired PicoPower in its start-up state, Elizabeth joined the company's corporate marketing communications team as MarCom and PR programs manager.

She later moved to National Semiconductor and held senior positions in PR and event management Prior to becoming managing director for Cross Border Communications' Silicon Valley office, Elizabeth was with streaming company SeeItFirst.com as director of Marcom and PR.

At Cross Border Communications, Elizabeth is responsible for new business development and continues to play a key role in providing PR and Marcom direction to existing accounts.

SONIA DEWEY, Director, Strategy and Creative

Sonia has over 15 years of experience in the full spectrum of marketing and marketing communications, both agency and client-side. Specializing in strategic planning, marketing communications and event marketing, Sonia has built brands and market share for global technology companies, financial institutions and retail organizations.

With expertise in brand and strategic development, and a background in hands-on account management, writing and creative direction, Sonia has steered all facets of successful campaigns including customer research, internet marketing and web sites, global advertising, marketing collateral, PR and events. Sonia has held positions such as marketing director of an internet portal firm, marketing communications manager for Seagate Software and advertising account director for clients such as HSBC, CIBC, Xerox and Sun Microsystems.

At Cross Border Communications, Sonia is responsible for providing strategic counsel, creative direction, writing and events for Cross Border clients.

FIONA KEYS, Director, UK Programs

Fiona has worked for over 14 years in public relations, gaining her experience from the UK's top agency specializing in technology, Text 100, and agencies such as Firefly Communications and Insight Marketing. She provides clients in the UK a full range of services, such as: media and analyst relations, media training, press launches and special events, tradeshow support and writing press materials. She is especially familiar with technologies such as data communications, B2B marketplaces, video streaming, next generation switching, data warehousing and printers and faxes. Fiona speaks French.

With 15 years of editorial experience coupled with 12 years of high-tech marketing background, Chris is uniquely qualified within the Asian marcom industry. Living in Asia for the last 13 years, Chris was editor-in-chief of Asian Electronics Engineer and Asian Electronics Engineer-China before becoming the publisher and editor-in-chief of EDN Asia and the publisher of Electronic Business Asia.

Prior to moving to Hong Kong, he held a number of marketing positions with hi-tech firms in the Silicon Valley, marketing products ranging from $0.15 components to $2,000,000 IC-testers. An electronics engineer by training, Chris holds B.S.E.E. and MBA degrees from the University of Southern California.

At Cross Border Communications, Chris is responsible for directing programs in China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Singapore.