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 Senior Account Supervisor 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 Dickson’s, Kin Shop, Perilla, Metromix’s Hot Plates Live, and Bark Hot Dogs, among others. Email Aaron   Kayt Mathers Senior Account Executive Kayt hails from Portland, OR, where she worked in restaurants and for a wine importer before moving East. In New York, Kayt continued her wine education with stints at fine wine retailers Vino and Thirst Wine Merchants. She then joined Teuwen One Image PR, where she coordinated media campaigns and events for food and beverage clients ranging from Aquavit to Athenee Greek Wine Importers. Kayt is a member of the NY Women’s Culinary Alliance and is fluent in French and Spanish. Email Kayt