ripeorange is a full service marketing, communications and design firm. We are a company developed out of the passion our team holds for this industry, the need for a custom approach and the desire to make businesses succeed.


Steve Churm, President

Steve Churm owns one of the leading independent regional media companies in Southern California, publishing OC METRO, OC Menus, OC Family, Inland Empire Family and Southland Golf in print and online. With a monthly print circulation for the magazines of nearly 300,000 coupled with seven interactive websites, Churm Media has a total monthly audience of more than 1 million readers and viewers in one of most dynamic markets in the world. Churm Media also owns ripeorange, a marketing, communications and design firm.

In addition to managing the overall day-to-day business and team management operations for Churm Media, Steve shares his time, knowledge and expertise speaking at many business conferences and actively participating with many community organizations throughout Southern California. Steve has been recognized as an industry leader in business by local and national media, including FOLIO: Magazine.

Before launching Newport Beach-based Churm Media in 1990, Steve Churm worked as a journalist and editor for four California newspapers, including six years at the Los Angeles Times, where he covered politics and the environment.

Churm currently serves on four nonprofit boards, including The Orange County Business Council, Irvine Chamber of Commerce, The Values Institute and Human Options. Steve is married with three children and lives in Irvine. Churm studied journalism and geography at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. Churm's passions include studying small business, surfing, skiing, geography, the Eastern Sierra and cooking.
Anna Romiti, Vice President
As Vice President of ripeorange, Anna oversees all client relations, employees and day-to-day operations of the company. She is a crucial part of the strategic development of the company’s goals and initiatives. Anna has more than 10 years of experience in marketing and public relations beginning her career as Churm Media’s director of marketing. While holding the director of marketing position, she created and executed the strategic marketing campaigns for Churm Media, all of its niche brands and renowned annual events such as the OC METRO’s Hot 25.

Anna earned her undergraduate and masters degrees in communications from Chapman University. She is married with 1 son and lives in South Orange County. She enjoys running, hiking and spending time with her family.
Luke Hodsdon, Director of Design
As Director of Design, Luke manages all the design processes from inception to completion for the firm and its clients. He plays an integral part in the development of ad campaigns, conceptualizing ideas and delivering the final look and feel of the client’s marketing plan. Luke has more than seven years of experience in graphic design and excels at team management. Among his other duties, Luke creates art-related content for company events such as OC METRO’s Hot 25, 40 Under 40 and 20 Women to Watch. Luke lives close to the beach and enjoys bike riding with his girlfriend, blogging on his website, ninethreestudio.com, cooking and trying to keep current on design trends with his Google RSS feed reader.
Kristin Bush , Communications Director
As Director of Communications for ripeorange, Kristin works in collaboration with the firm’s various clients to create and implement public relations strategies that communicate the client’s message and align with the client’s overall business and marketing objectives. Kristin brings more than 10 years of experience in the combined fields of public relations and marketing to ripeorange. After earning a BA in Communications from San Diego State University in 2000, Kristin secured a position with Beth Binger Communications, a boutique public relations firm in San Diego. Kristin relocated to Orange County in 2001, accepting an editorial position at Ingram Micro and working her way up to Project Manager within the marketing department. In 2006, Kristin brought her agency and corporate experience to the nonprofit sector, working as Communications Manager at Orange County United Way.

Kristin was raised in Marin County, Calif. and has a great appreciation for fine wines. An active person, Kristin enjoys hot yoga, long walks and snowboarding in Mammoth. Kristin and her husband live in Huntington Beach with their daughter, Savannah, and bullmastiff, Buddy.

Jeff Kitchen, Web Development
Jeff Kitchen has been in the web/Internet field for more than 15 years. Jeff started out doing design work, moved to IT consulting, then to more advanced web development and design. Jeff has been with Churm Media for more than 13 years. He has worked with a vast array of other companies in numerous industries including non-profit organizations. Jeff is an extremely dedicated, hard working individual with a strong passion and drive for his work.
Ashley Affeldt, Marketing Associate
As a marketing associate, Ashley assists with all aspects of agency services and client needs. Ashley plays an integral role in development and implementation of social media content and campaigns. Ashley joined ripeorange as an intern in 2008 while earning her BA in Communications from California State University, Fullerton. While at Cal State Fullerton, Ashley led the production, planning, implementation and execution of a fundraising event for a local nonprofit. Ashley’s successful PR efforts helped draw more than 700 people to the event and raised a tremendous amount for the organization. Exhibiting a passion and enthusiasm for PR and social media, Ashley was hired on full-time with ripeorange in 2009. Ashley lives in Irvine and enjoys working out, playing with her dog, traveling and going to the beach.
Katie Watson, Marketing Associate
Katie Watson received her BA in Communications from Arizona State University. Prior to joining the team at ripeorange, Katie worked in the financial sector where she discovered her love for marketing, event planning and public relations. In her spare time, Katie enjoys going to the beach, exercising with her dog, traveling and just being with family and friends.