With her wealth of knowledge, Tracy L. Teuscher, MS, APR, OCVN, has made significant strides as the founder and chief executive officer of The Buzz Maker and the founder of the nonprofit Save Ohio Bees, for which she is a volunteer. She has established herself as a prominent figure in the public relations and nonprofit sectors, leveraging her expertise to benefit communities and the environment. 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 communications. Her education and experiential skillset help organizations address complex communication challenges, navigate persistent economic volatility, and develop environmental leadership plans.
The Buzz Maker will celebrate 20 years in 2025. Beginning her public relations career in 1998 and quickly learning the complexities of the field, Ms. Teuscher ascended to leadership roles for an advertising agency and a national publisher before launching The Buzz Maker in 2005. Helping social and environmental impact brands thrive, her firm’s people and work have been recognized to be among the best. Ms. Teuscher and her team specialize in a wide array of public relations, communications consulting, and naming and branding services, including for nonprofits. With Ms. Teuscher at the helm as a strong problem solver, her firm helps individuals and organizations communicate during periods of robust change, evolution, and growth. Under her leadership, The Buzz Maker was named a Top PR Agency in Ohio by UpCity for 2023-2024 and made lists of the top public relations firms in both Cleveland and Columbus in Ohio.
Ms. Teuscher’s accreditation in public relations through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) underscores her expertise in the industry. In this vein, she was honored with the PRSA’s prestigious Tom Duke Public Relations Excellence Award in 2021. The accolade is named after a mentor who significantly impacted her journey and commemorates the achievements of a public relations professional who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the profession through excellence, accomplished community involvement, and skillful leadership. Throughout Ms. Teuscher’s career, she has prioritized ongoing education, holding an advanced certification in ecotherapy, becoming a certified naturalist, and earning specialized certification in negotiation and conflict resolution.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Teuscher is deeply committed to civic engagement. She practices philanthropy, as evidenced by The Buzz Maker’s contributions to local nonprofits. Moreover, she is an active member of the PRSA, a former board member of the Akron Area Chapter of PRSA, and a volunteer speaker and educator for local colleges, universities, and business development centers. Through her work with Save Ohio Bees, she focuses on restoring pollinator habitats and providing educational resources to the community. Further, Ms. Teuscher emphasizes the importance of a relational approach to conservation, stating, “As a certified naturalist, I serve as a conservation educator to provide free and low-cost experiential programming to the community.” Her work as an ecotherapist serves to restore human-nature connections and is driven by the desire to bring healing to both humans and nature.
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 communications guidance and support, developing a Responsible Restart Communication Guide to help organizations communicate effectively with their stakeholders. She believes that storytelling allows organizations to connect with others in meaningful ways and has cultivated the abilities of listening, interpretation, and writing to engage audiences effectively.
In her creative endeavors, Ms. Teuscher is a published poet who has shared her insights through podcasts and interviews. Additionally, she has been featured in interviews discussing ethical communications 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, she plans to leverage her skills in the areas of environmental protection and conservation. Her work in professional communications and creative services aims to 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 unique combination of education, certifications, and experience sets her apart in her field. She has developed a reputation as a dedicated professional with deep knowledge of communications, particularly in the areas of public relations and nonprofit work. Her journey as an introverted leader has allowed her to hone skills such as listening and empathy, which she considers vital in her profession. As a trailblazer in public relations and environmental advocacy, her work with The Buzz Maker and Save Ohio Bees continues to inspire others and foster 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.