Bringing a wealth of knowledge in environmental studies and psychology, Tracy L. Teuscher, MS, APR, OCVN, has made significant strides as the founder and chief executive officer of The Buzz Maker Public Relations and Save Ohio Bees. She has established herself as a prominent figure in both the public relations and nonprofit sectors, leveraging her expertise to promote sustainability and foster community engagement. With a Master of Science in environmental studies from Prescott College and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Teuscher combines her academic background with her passion for conservation and communication.
Her journey in public relations began in 1998 as a director of public relations for Crowl, Montgomery & Clark in Canton, Ohio. Ms. Teuscher quickly demonstrated her understanding of communication and public relations complexities. She later became communications director for The Enthusiast Network before founding The Buzz Maker in 2005. Under her leadership, The Buzz Maker has gained recognition, earning accolades such as being named a Top PR Agency in Ohio by UpCity for 2023-2024 and making lists of the top public relations firms in both Cleveland and Columbus.
Ms. Teuscher’s professional certifications show her commitment to excellence in her field. She holds an advanced certification in ecotherapy from Pacifica Graduate Institute and is an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist. Her accreditation in public relations from the Public Relations Society of America underscores her expertise in the industry. Throughout her career, she has prioritized ongoing education, having also completed a negotiation and conflict management certification through the American Negotiation Institute.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Teuscher is deeply committed to civic engagement. She actively participates in the PRSA Counselors Academy and has served as a volunteer speaker and educator for various organizations, including the Jackson Rotary Club and Kent State University. Through her work with Save Ohio Bees, a nonprofit she founded, she focuses on restoring pollinator habitats and providing educational resources to the community. Ms. Teuscher emphasizes the importance of a relational approach to conservation, stating, “As a certified naturalist, I serve as the president, director, and conservation educator, providing free and low-cost experiential programming to the community.” She has significantly impacted numerous nonprofits, contributing to restoring human-nature connections. Her work is driven by a desire to heal both humans and nature, a mission she embraces wholeheartedly.
During the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Teuscher and her team successfully assisted their clients in navigating this unprecedented situation. This global crisis tested the resilience of many businesses, including The Buzz Maker. She offered strategic communication guidance and support, developing a Responsible Restart Communication Guide to help organizations communicate effectively with their stakeholders. Ms. Teuscher also practices philanthropy, as evidenced by The Buzz Maker’s contributions to local nonprofits, which included donations exceeding $2,375 to support the Save Ohio Bees initiative.
Ms. Teuscher attributes her success to her education, faith, and mentorship from prominent figures like Brian Tracy and Tony Robbins. She believes that her ability to connect with others through storytelling is essential for creating meaningful relationships. She sees listening, interpretation, writing, and conflict management as vital skills that help organizations engage their audiences effectively.
In her creative endeavors, Ms. Teuscher has also made her mark as a songwriter and shared her insights through podcasts and interviews. Her song “From Your Heart to Mine,” released in 1993, showcases her talent and passion for music. Additionally, she has been featured in interviews discussing ethical communication and healing with nature, reinforcing her commitment to environmental stewardship and social impact. She is dedicated to helping businesses, communities, and the environment thrive. Her mission is to create positive social and environmental change, a goal she pursues through her roles as a public relations professional, ecotherapist, and conservation educator. With a vision that aligns with her values, Ms. Teuscher aims to inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world.
In the next five years, Ms. Teuscher plans to leverage her skills to assist brands, communities, and the environment in flourishing. She envisions a society where professional communication and creative services contribute to positive social impact. “Doing good is good business,” she asserts, emphasizing her belief in integrating a higher purpose into business practices.
Ms. Teuscher’s experiences, from her upbringing with a father who served as the director of the planetarium in Virginia Beach to her work in public relations, have shaped her perspective on the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship. She has remained committed to lifelong learning, recognizing that her diverse background in social services and publishing deepens her insight into the challenges businesses face today. Her unique combination of education, certifications, and experience sets Ms. Teuscher apart in her field. She has developed a reputation as a dedicated professional with knowledge of the intricacies of communication, particularly in the realms of public relations and nonprofit work. Her journey as an introverted leader has allowed her to hone skills such as listening and compassion, which she considers vital in her profession.
The awards and accolades Ms. Teuscher has received reflect her commitment to excellence and her contributions to the field of public relations. Being honored with the Public Relations Society of America, known as PRSA, Tom Duke Public Relations Excellence Award in January 2021 is a significant recognition in her career. This award, named after a mentor who significantly impacted her journey, symbolizes her dedication to the profession and her community.
Ms. Teuscher is a trailblazer in public relations and environmental advocacy. Her work with The Buzz Maker and Save Ohio Bees continues to inspire others and fosters positive change. Her story reflects a commitment to education, civic engagement, and the belief that communication can create impactful relationships. As she moves forward, she is steadfast in her mission to connect people and the planet, paving the way for a more sustainable and compassionate future.
