Our Leadership

Our story.

Jeff Johnston

Founder and CEO

Our founder is a communications generalist, brand strategist and an award winning copyrwriter and director. He was responsible for the 800 Meters concept – a think tank melding best in the world brand strategy, creative execution and business vision. Jeff has the ability to cross the isles between all disciplines of communications – public relations, creative and traditional advertising to help create non-templated unique programs for this agency’s clients. Winner of hundreds of creative advertising awards he is even more proud of the firm’s accomplishments in PR and the media. Greystone, the precursor firm to 800 Meters, handled the rededication of the Jefferson Memorial with the National Parks Foundation, the dedication of the Koenig Sphere after 9/11 at Battery Park, and media relations for the World Forum on Democracy, the signature event of the 400th Anniversary of America Celebration. He has placed his clients on the covers of Time, Newsweek and the New York Times. In 2002 he founded LightCongress, then the largest media symposium in the world for the lighting and emerging green energy industries, held annually in New York. He is a member of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. In his spare time Jeff is avid golfer, fisherman and is working on his first novel. His hobby is political campaigns. Last year he led his 20th campaign to victory and is yet to lose a race.

Jon A. Di Gesu

Executive Vice President Brand Strategy

Jon brings years of marketing and communications experience and a strong grounding in both the business-to-business and consumer marketplace. Prior to joining 800 Meters, Jon was Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at Harmony Healthcare, a consulting company to the long term and post acute care industry. Prior he held key executive marketing and communications positions at Osram Sylvania where he launched some of the world’s most memorable campaigns in lighting for both commercial and consumer markets. He has held similar positions at Siemens, Unilever’s National Starch and Chemical Corporation, the Chlorine Institute, and the Prudential Insurance Company of America. Jon holds a B.A. in English from Fairfield University, and an Executive MBA from The Consortium of Executive Education, Babson College.

He practices Bikram Yoga, competes in charity 5K's, hikes the forests of northern New England with his dog Luka and, as a cancer survivor, does advocacy work for cancer research and care. Jon heads 800 Meters Boston office.