James Byles

President

James uses his publishing and strategy expertise to help organizations communicate with their customers, engage their peers and compete in their marketplace through sophisticated custom media products. He and his team empower commercial and nonprofit organizations to tell their story, the way it’s meant to be told—powerfully, vividly and persuasively.

Prior to leading WCM, James ran Byles & Associates, a national advertising sales and contract publisher focused on business-to-business associations and for-profit clients.

Jacob Raim

Director of Digital Products

Jacob leads Washingtonian’s team of agile designers and developers. He oversees and guides the Media Company’s overarching digital strategy and is responsible for managing all web properties, digital content, and other digital channels and projects. A digital native with extensive experience in online marketing, content, and sales, Jacob seeks to drive digital growth in all facets.

Prior to his career at Washingtonian, Jacob worked at Monumental Sports and Entertainment for 10 years. He spent the first five as the lead web developer, and the next five leading the digital strategy for the organization.

Katherine Novak

Christine Deeds

Editorial Associate 

Christine works alongside James on the development and implementation of the Washington Physicians Directory’s marketing and business development strategy. She is responsible for overseeing the verification process, book sales, and advertising sales. Additionally, Christine manages editorial data for Washingtonian’s Top Doctors.

Prior to joining WCM, Christine served as the Production Manager for Automated Solutions Group Incorporated and as an independent contractor focused on preparing books/manuscripts for publishing. She has been creating publications for over 35 years.

Johanna Daproza

Production Manager

Johanna leads Washingtonian’s production team, coordinating with all departments and the printer to successfully produce each magazine. With experience in photo retouching and design, Johanna and her team strive for products that are of the highest quality, from the print to the color and sharpness of the final products. Her production work carries over to Custom Media to guarantee our magazines, coffee table books, and other projects look their best in print. Johanna works with clients to finalize approval of print jobs before they see production.

Prior to her career at Washingtonian, Johanna served as the director of creative services at TalentMEDIA Services and Vector Talent Resources.

Ken DeCell

Editor 

An editor and writer, Ken grew up writing for his parents’ weekly newspaper in the Mississippi Delta, was the founding editor of Memphis magazine, and spent three decades as a senior editor of Washingtonian.

Editor of several best-selling books and co-author of The Thirteen Keys to the Presidency (Madison Books, 1990), he also worked as a press secretary and legislative aide on Capitol Hill and as editor-in-chief of Roll Call.

Alice Ashe

Designer

Alice specializes in print design, web design, and branding and has over a decade of experience working with clients nationwide.

She designs everything from websites and annual reports to retail packaging and advertisements. Alice has a strong background in magazine layout and editorial art direction, and has commissioned photographers and illustrators on assignments worldwide. Her skillset also includes HTML and CSS, and she works with clients to produce thoughtful websites that are easily maintained and operated.