SHANDWICK PROMOTES RYAN BENBO

The Minneapolis-Saint Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of Ryan Benbo to group manager in the corporate, community and public affairs practice.

Benbo manages key defense and government services accounts, including BAE Systems and Opus Government Programs, providing strategic planning, public affairs, media and community relations and tradeshow media relations support. Benbo also has worked to develop award-winning campaigns within the defense industry by leveraging innovative electronic communications tools and strategies. His media relations efforts have helped to position key clients in the real estate industry to be recognized as leaders in environmental and sustainable building practices.

Benbo is active in his community serving on the Board of Spiritual Guidance at New Creation Lutheran Church in Perham, Minn., and by serving as a mentor and member of the Board of Directors at Perham Kinship Program. A native of Winger, Minn., Benbo earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Northwestern College in Roseville, Minn.

SHANDWICK ANNOUNCES THREE PROMOTIONS

The Minneapolis-Saint Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of three employees in the health care and corporate, community and public affairs practice groups.

Kristen Thistle was promoted to director in the health care group. Thistle is an anchor in the health care practice, co-leading one of the leading professional associations for interventional cardiology, The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. In addition to her client work, Thistle leads the agency’s Employee Action Group and volunteers on the board of the Ronald McDonald House. A native of Wayzata, Minn., Thistle holds a bachelor's degree in speech/communication with summa cum laude honors from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.

Jackie Dummer has been promoted to account executive in the health care practice group. Dummer specializes in media relations, supporting the American College of Surgeons, Ecolab and a variety of other health care clients. A native of Menomonie, Wis., Dummer graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich.

Amanda Huneke has been promoted to account executive in the corporate, community and public affairs practice group. Huneke provides project management support and has played an integral role in the launch of campaigns for clients in the government and defense industry. A native of Zumbrota, Minn., Huneke graduated with a bachelor's degree in mass communication with an emphasis in public relations from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

CLS hires Ellis as Director of Talent

Tracey Ellis has been named director of talent at public relations firm Carmichael Lynch Spong and will be based out of the Minneapolis office. Ellis will lead all human resources initiatives and professional development responsibilities.

Ellis comes to Carmichael Lynch Spong with more than 15 years of experience in human resources management including recruiting, employee relations, performance management and professional development and training. Her professional experience includes a total of five years with The Home Depot in Minneapolis , where she was most recently human resources manager for the Midwest region, and a total of six years with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“Tracey has quickly become a key contributor to the growth of Carmichael Lynch Spong, by attracting like-minded achievement addicts and demonstrating a passion for our profession,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president. “Her expertise in human resources, paired with her enthusiasm and work ethic, makes Tracey a perfect addition to our leadership team.”

While at The Home Depot, Ellis managed forecasting, scheduling, and labor management; oversaw compensation guidelines; and managed the recruiting and hiring of associates.

While at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ellis was the human resources market leader in the Assurance Practice. In this role she was responsible for providing human resources support to 13 partners and 130 staff as well as monthly labor forecasting, preparing annual budgets and managing annual review process. She had previously served as human resources manager for the firm. Ellis also served as human resources manager at Coopers & Lybrand LLP in Minneapolis ; was a recruiter at Pro Staff Accounting/ITMinneapolis; co-owned an export/import start-up business; and also worked in broadcast TV and radio in Georgia .

Ellis received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Iowa and she is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Minnesota Workforce Council. She also has participated in the Special Olympics and Relay for Life.

WEBER SHANDWICK ANNOUNCES EIGHT PROMOTIONS

The Minneapolis-Saint Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of employees in the financial services, technology, corporate, community & public affairs and interactive and emerging media practice groups.

Jennifer McFadden was promoted to account group manager in the financial services group. Since joining the agency in 1999, McFadden has been providing public relations counsel and support to financial service organizations, as well as government clients, who are looking to raise public awareness and drive behavior change. McFadden is a superior manager of her teams and consistently delivers high-quality work and client service. In addition, she also serves on Weber Shandwick’s internal public relations committee and North American Financial Services practice. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, McFadden was an investor relations representative for Lutheran Brotherhood Securities Corporation (now Thrivent Financial for Lutherans). A native of Port Byron, Ill., she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and communication from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

Nora Hayes has been promoted to account supervisor in the financial services group. Hayes specializes in collateral development, media relations and special event planning for clients in the retirement industry. She is a gifted project manager who brings tremendous organization, client service and counsel to all of her accounts. In addition to her work on client accounts, Hayes leads Weber Shandwick’s pro bono work with a local non-profit legal services organization servicing Minnesota’s immigrant population. She is also currently the treasurer of Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communications. A native of Jackson, Mich., Hayes received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., and holds a certificate in business communications from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

Jessi Newman was promoted to senior account executive in the financial services group. Newman provides strategic counsel and project and account management for several clients, driving the development of deliverables and managing teams for financial services organization and government clients. She is a skilled media relations professional with a strong work ethic and exceptional client service. In addition, Newman lends her leadership skills to the agency’s office-wide United Way campaign and Employee Action Group. A native of Orono, Minn., Newman holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a certificate in women’s studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Carolyn Parsons has been promoted to account group manager in the corporate, community & public affairs practice. Parsons provides project management, creative and strategic development and implementation of public relations programs on behalf of several clients. In addition to her impressive client work, Parsons serves as a strong ambassador for Weber Shandwick in the community. She has led pro bono efforts and represents the agency in the current class of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber's Leadership Twin Cities. Within Weber Shandwick, Parsons spearheads In Balance, an employee-focused work-life balance program and served a two-year reign as a member of the agency’s Employee Action Group. A native of Stillwater, Minn., Parsons holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn.

Stephanie Connolly has been promoted to account executive in the corporate community & public affairs practice. Connolly specializes in media relations, public awareness and affairs and tradeshows for her clients. She brings a high level of enthusiasm, creativity and a keen understanding for how to deliver great results to all of her account teams. Connolly also lends her media relations expertise to the agency’s pro bono work with a local non-profit organization providing high quality programs to inner city youth. A native of St. Paul, Minn., Connolly holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communication from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Albert Leung was promoted to account executive in the technology practice. Leung provides project management support and implementation of media outreach programs on behalf of his technology clients. His strong work ethic, exceptional writing skills and calm demeanor have earned Leung distinction among his team members and clients. In addition to his client work, Leung also serves on Weber Shandwick’s internal public relations committee. A native of New Hope, MN, Leung holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications with an emphasis in public relations from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn.

Josh Purdy has been promoted to account executive in the technology practice. Purdy focuses on writing, analyst relations and tradeshow and media relations for technology organizations. In addition to delivering strong client service, he is a highly successful media relations professional. Purdy is also actively involved in the agency’s Employee Action Group. A native of Ogden, IA, Purdy holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

Leah Janz was promoted to senior graphic designer in the interactive and emerging media group. Janz designs and produces print materials for clients, including logo designs, event invites and collateral, press kits, brochures, campaign materials, newsletters and signage. Janz’s strong design skills enable her to understand her client’s communication needs and make them stand out from the crowd. A native of Tintah, Minn., Janz holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design with summa cum laude honors from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn.

Pearson Promoted to Senior VP at Weber

The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of Aaron Pearson to senior vice president in its technology practice.

Since joining Weber Shandwick in 1997, Pearson has been instrumental in building strong relationships with key technology accounts. Pearson specializes in developing trade media relations, analyst relations and vertical market programs primarily for enterprise technology companies.

"Aaron has contributed significantly to the success of our technology practice in Minneapolis and other offices around the world. He brings depth-of-knowledge and a deep understanding of the enterprise software market to our clients," said Sara Gavin, President of Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis-St. Paul office.

Before joining Weber Shandwick, Pearson worked at Minneapolis-based Dillon Advertising & Public Relations. He holds a master’s in marketing from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. He received his bachelor’s in journalism magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota’s School of Journalism & Mass Communications.

CLS Promotes Powers and Nordeen

Carmichael Lynch Spong has promoted two employees of its Creative Resources team in the Minneapolis office. Robert Powers has been promoted from design director to creative director and Craig Nordeen has been promoted from designer to senior designer.

"Bob and Craig are catalysts of creative development at Carmichael Lynch Spong and they continue to bring ingenuity to the table and provide our clients with work that cuts through the PR clutter," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong.

Powers joined Carmichael Lynch Spong two and a half years ago from his last position as a freelance designer for clients including Carmichael Lynch Spong, as well as Wellbridge Inc. and the law firm of Briggs and Morgan. Prior to freelancing, Powers handled advertising design and brand management for Blount Inc., and various design assignments at Upfront Productions.

Based in the Minneapolis office of Carmichael Lynch Spong, Powers manages and implements the conceptual and production process for all creative materials produced by the firm. He works closely across all client teams.

Powers graduated with bachelor’s degree in art and English writing from Concordia College in Moorhead , Minn.

Nordeen joined the Minneapolis office of Carmichael Lynch Spong in early 2006 as a designer. His current responsibilities include providing art direction for all of the firm’s clients and leading the creative process on projects that range from media kit design to production of event marketing materials.

Prior to Carmichael Lynch Spong he worked at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P., a law firm in Minneapolis , where he created marketing and case-specific designs and illustrations for the firm and its clients.

Nordeen received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Minnesota , Duluth .

Carlson and Tuthill promoted at Weber Shandwick

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotions of two employees in the consumer marketing and corporate, community and public affairs practices.

Jessica Carlson, who joined the agency in 2005, has been promoted from account executive to senior account executive in the consumer marketing practice. Carlson, an Eagan, Minn. native, graduated with a bachelor's degree in English and management studies from St. Olaf Collage in Northfield, Minn.

Stacey Tuthill, who joined the agency in August 2006 as an intern, has been promoted from assistant account executive to account executive in the corporate, community and public affairs practice. In addition to her work on client accounts, Tuthill is a member of the Weber Shandwick | Minneapolis office Employee Action Group. A native of Faribault, Minn., Tuthill graduated from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn., and holds a bachelor’s degree in business entrepreneurship.

Ringham promoted to Client Relationship Director at Fast Horse

Betsy Ringham has been promoted to Client Relationship Director at Fast Horse, a Minneapolis-based consumer marketing agency. Ringham had been a Client Relationship Manager with the firm.

Ringham, who joined Fast Horse in 2006, specializes in the development and execution of marketing campaigns, media relations and special event coordination on behalf of local and national clients.

"Betsy’s promotion to Client Relationship Director reflects her growth as a counselor," said Jörg Pierach, President of Fast Horse. "She has distinguished herself through an unwavering commitment to her clients as well as our agency culture, and we are delighted to recognize her efforts with this promotion."

At Fast Horse, Ringham has been instrumental in the execution of several high-profile marketing campaigns for clients such as The Coca-Cola Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, University of Minnesota’s West Bank Arts Quarter and MacPhail Center for Music.

Ringham began her career in Chicago, first as a member of Hill & Knowlton’s public affairs team and then as an associate at Burson-Marsteller, where she worked with clients such as National Cattleman’s Beef Association, Marshall Field’s, Illinois Lottery and Minute Maid. Ringham graduated with a B.A. in communication from the College of Saint Benedict , in St. Joseph , Minn.

MACCABEE GROUP PROMOTES SCHWARTZ TO DIRECTOR

Heather Schwartz, Senior Account Executive - Strategy Planning for Maccabee Group, has been promoted to the new position of Brand Public Relations Director by the Minneapolis-based public relations agency.

In her new role at Maccabee Group, Schwartz will direct integration of the agency’s media relations, corporate communication and event marketing services – along with services from a network of advertising, graphic design, sales promotion and interactive marketing partners -- into a unified, measureable service focused on supporting outstanding brands for the agency’s clients.

RANDY SANDS PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AT WEBER SHANDWICK

Expanding Expertise in Financial Services Practice

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of Randy Sands to executive vice president in the financial services practice group.

Since joining the firm in 1999, Sands has led successful account teams for many of Weber Shandwick’s top business-to-business and government clients, including the Internal Revenue Service, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America and Prudential Retirement. Sands recently led the firm’s efforts to win the U.S. Census Bureau account. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, he managed communications for the commercial business unit of Travelers (previously The St. Paul Companies).

With more than 20 years of public relations, marketing and communications experience, Sands brings to his new position a long history of managing strategic communications programs for Weber Shandwick’s numerous government, retirement and other financial services clients, as well as experience in crisis communications.

"Randy is a significant contributor to the success of our financial services practice – both in Minneapolis and well beyond – with regard to leadership, client service, account management and new business," said Barb Iverson, president of Weber Shandwick’s North American financial services practice.

Sands is a graduate of the University of Kansas. He also is a member of the Public Relations Society of America.

Weber Shandwick Promotions

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of employees in the consumer marketing and corporate, community and public affairs practices.

Whitney Mares has been promoted to account supervisor from senior account executive in the consumer marketing practice group. Whitney helps lead projects and accounts for clients such as The Allstate Foundation, the United States Army and a number of food and beverage companies.

Prior to joining Weber Shandwick in 2006, Whitney established a public relations department for the nation's top nonprofit student lender, and managed a consumer outreach and sampling campaign for Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream as well as trendspotting and market research for liquor giant Brown-Forman. Whitney holds a master's degree in strategic public relations from the University of Southern California and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ithaca College.

Angela Gassett has been promoted to account executive from assistant account executive in the corporate, community and public affairs practice group. Gassett provides writing and media relations support to clients including The Opus Group, National Marrow Donor Program, a Minneapolis-Saint Paul branding campaign and the REACH Project.

Gassett is also active in the Twin Cities office’s Employee Action Group (EAG) and helps organize the agency's annual "Telling Your Story Workshop," a day-long public relations workshop offering free counsel to local non-profit organizations. A native of Milaca, Minn., Gassett holds a bachelor's degree in public relations and psychology from the University of St. Thomas. She is an active member of the St. Thomas Young Alumni Council.

Weber announces Four Promotions

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of employees in the financial services and health care practices.

Tonya Tennessen was promoted to account supervisor in the financial services practice. Having joined Weber Shandwick last year, Tennessen plays a key role on the award-winning Go Direct campaign of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. She manages the campaign's national media and partner outreach efforts. Tennessen has also served on Weber Shandwick's pro bono client selection committee and currently directs Weber Shandwick's pro bono work with a local non-profit legal services organization servicing Minnesota's immigrant population. A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Tennessen holds a bachelor's degree in English, Economics and secondary English Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The health care practice has promoted Toccara Torres, Stacy Buehner and Rachel Lonsdale from assistant account executives to account executives.

Torres works on the American College of Surgeons and the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis accounts providing account management, media relations, newsletter editing and production and event coordination. In addition to her work on client accounts, Torres is a member of the Weber Shandwick Minneapolis office United Way committee as well as the Employee Action Group (EAG) Green Committee, which supports office-wide, environmentally friendly initiatives. A native of St. Peter, Minn., Torres graduated from Macalester College with a bachelor's degree in communications and media studies.

Buehner plays a key role on several health care accounts including the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Hazelden Foundation, American College of Surgeons, Prime Therapeutics, Boston Scientific and Army Healthcare (AMEDD). She provides media relations and writing expertise to all of her clients and recently helped manage a national campaign for the Hazelden Foundation. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Buehner held an internship at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview in the communications department. Originally from Canistota, S.D., Buehner graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in journalism focusing on public relations.

Lonsdale plays a key role on the Boston Scientific and Carlson Wagonlit Travel account teams where she provides media relations, research and analysis and strategic planning support. She also manages media tour booking for both of these clients. A native of Eau Claire, Wis., Lonsdale graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts and Political Science.

Carmichael Lynch Spong Names Kargas and Latta Principals

Carmichael Lynch Spong has recently promoted David Kargas and Maclaren Latta to principals. Kargas, an eight-year Carmichael Lynch Spong veteran, currently leads the firm’s Denver office, while Latta, a six-year veteran of the firm, continues to create award-winning work from Bozeman, Montana.

Kargas joined Carmichael Lynch Spong in 1999 and relocated to the Carmichael Lynch Spong Denver office in January 2002. He brings a strong background in journalism, strategic planning, account management and media relations. In addition to heading the Denver office, he serves as the lead contact on clients such as The Clorox Company, Dunkin’ Brands, American Humane Association, TransFair USA , and he plays an integral role in new business.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch Spong, Kargas worked at Bozell Kamstra, a Minneapolis advertising and public relations firm. There, he focused on trade media relations and internal communications for his clients. Prior to that he was a news reporter at the Monroe Times in Southern Wisconsin . He continues to freelance write for local business and lifestyle publications.

Kargas received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He’s also a board member of an anti-hunger charity group.

Latta joined Carmichael Lynch Spong in 2001 and brought with her a wide range of experience in account management, media relations and event planning. After five years in the firm’s Minneapolis office, she relocated to Bozeman , Montana .

Her current client responsibilities include managing the Maytag brand account team and providing counsel to the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation. As chair of the home and garden industry group, she also serves as a consultant to Sherwin-Williams, Lutron Electronics and other home-related clients. Her accounts have received national and regional recognition including two PRWeek Cause-Related Campaigns of the Year and multiple PRSA Silver Anvils and Bronze Anvils.

Latta’s background includes handling public relations and events for Big Sky Resort, operating a marketing consulting business and serving four years as a U.S. Senate staff member in Washington , D.C.

Latta is a graduate of the University of Colorado , where she earned a degree in economics and a minor in French. She is also an active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and enjoys volunteering for nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross and Ducks Unlimited.

"David and Maclaren are invaluable members of our firm as they have successfully led numerous clients since they’ve been here," said Douglas K. Spong, APR, president. "David’s exceptional writing, media relations, creative and strategic thinking have made him invaluable in new business and endeared him to his clients. Maclaren is a remarkably talented, dedicated and successful leader. She’s adored by her teams, and highly valued by her clients."

CLS Promotes Curtis Smith and Leslie Jones

Carmichael Lynch Spong has recently promoted two integral team members from its Minneapolis and San Francisco offices. Curtis Smith has been promoted to director of business development, and Leslie Jones has been promoted to counselor.

“We’re pleased to announce the promotions of two achievement addicts at Carmichael Lynch Spong,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. “With Curtis leading all new business development initiatives that come through our door and Leslie directing our San Francisco office and many client accounts, both are key to our growth.”

Smith joined the firm in 2006 as business development manager, and brought with him over a decade of marketing and business development experience, and over seven years experience with two of the largest public relations agencies in the world.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch Spong, Smith was senior coordinator at the Minneapolis office of Fleishman-Hillard. For nearly five years, Smith directed marketing and new business opportunities and managed the production of that office’s client marketing material. Before joining Fleishman-Hillard, Smith was a member of the marketing and new business team at the Bloomington , Minn. , office of Weber Shandwick. There he was responsible for distributing promotional material, managing the prospect database and preparing capabilities and collateral for new business presentations.

Since arriving at Carmichael Lynch Spong, Smith has led each new business opportunity from beginning to end. He’s also played an integral role in developing business development strategies for all of the agency’s practice group marketing plans, as well as helping increase the firm’s national presence to leverage Carmichael Lynch Spong’s reputation as the national champion of best practices.

Smith is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and serves on that organization’s PRSA Classics Awards committee. He is also a paid, on-call firefighter for the City of Golden Valley, Minn., where he also resides.

Two years ago, Jones joined the Minneapolis office of Carmichael Lynch Spong as senior associate and brought with her more than 10 years of experience in PR, television and business/technology consulting.

In her new role as counselor, Jones will continue to manage client accounts such as Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Dixie-Pacific, Hasbro, PETCO, Therma-Tru and TRANE. Jones relocated to San Francisco in October 2006 to open the firm’s first West Coast office.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch Spong, Jones was a general news reporter and fill-in anchor at KMSP-TV (FOX) in Minneapolis , KRNV-TV (NBC) in Reno , Nev. , and KNVN-TV (NBC) in Chico , Calif.

Before entering into broadcast TV, Jones was a business process consultant and analyst at ACCENTURE in Minneapolis . There she specialized in customer relationship management and worked with clients such as Marriott International, Ford Motor Company and Best Buy. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota ’s Carlson School of Management and is currently pursuing her MBA in San Francisco .

Jones is a member of PRSA as well as the local PRSA chapter in San Francisco , where she chairs two committees. For the past four years she’s been a motivational speaker for high school students across the country with Monster’s “Making it Count” program and is a National Press Foundation Fellow.

Risdall McKinney promoted Melissa Neill

Risdall McKinney Public Relations (RMPR) promoted Melissa Neill to account supervisor. Hired in February 2007, Neill began as a senior account executive at RMPR.

Since joining RMPR, she has been supervising a number of accounts including Vision-Ease Lens, Zia and the “Awnings Today” consumer campaign, among others. Neill is also an essential asset on new business efforts.

"Melissa builds strong relationships with clients and provides exceptional leadership on her account teams," said Rose McKinney, president at Risdall McKinney Public Relations. "Her efforts have generated results that matter."

More promotions at Weber Shandwick

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotions of seven employees in the health care, financial services, consumer marketing and web relations practices.

Marta Fraboni, who joined the agency more than eight years ago as account executive, has been promoted from account supervisor to account group manager. She currently leads several public education and advocacy accounts in the health care practice. In addition, Fraboni helped develop and co-lead the agency's internal learning program.

Gerardo Obieta has been promoted from web designer to senior web designer as part of the web relations practice. Obieta has designed a multitude of internet press kits and developed several web sites for a variety of clients in several practices.

Leah Janz, who joined the agency as an intern in 2005, has been promoted from junior designer to designer. Janz leads designs for clients in all practices including financial services, consumer, health care, technology and corporate, community and public affairs. Janz graduated with a bachelor's degree in graphic design from the University of Minnesota.

Joni Written, who joined the agency in 2004, has been promoted from account executive to senior account executive in the financial services practice. Written currently works on an award-winning national campaign to promote direct deposit. She is also a contributor to the agency's external communications committee. Written graduated with a bachelor's degree in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations from Minnesota State University Mankato.

Steffen Ryan, who joined the agency in 2005 as an assistant account executive, has been promoted to account executive. He currently works on several key financial services clients. Ryan graduated with a bachelor's degree in both political science and international studies from the University of North Dakota.

Alison Baker, who joined the agency in 2006 as an intern, has been promoted from assistant account executive to account executive. In her current position, she works on several youth marketing accounts in the consumer marketing practice. Baker graduated with a bachelor's degree in both journalism and political science from the University of Iowa.

Jenny Kramer, who joined the agency in 2006 as an intern, has been promoted from assistant account executive to account executive. Kramer currently works on several food and beverage accounts in the consumer marketing practice. Kramer graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international management from Gustavus Adolphus College.

WEBER SHANDWICK ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced four employee promotions in the technology practice.

Jennifer Myers has been promoted to account group director. Myers has more than 10 years of public relations experience and specializes in writing, media relations and executive visibility. In the last year she started serving as day-to-day lead for Boston Scientific’s Intervention Cardiology and has earned great reviews for her direction of a regional medial relations program, among other things. Myers holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and English from St. Cloud State University.

Polly O’Grady has been promoted to account group director. O’Grady oversees Honeywell Process Solutions’ global public relations programs, which has ongoing programs in North America, Europe, Asia and a foothold in Latin America. O’Grady also serves as one of Weber Shandwick’s lead experts on crisis readiness and has won a Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America for excellence in crisis communications. She has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism and a master’s in agricultural economics.

Becky Musolf has been promoted to account executive. Musolf joined Weber Shandwick as an intern in May 2006. She has developed her media relations skills while serving as the point person for many Honeywell media relations work and is on a first-name basis with many key trade editors. She attended the University of Minnesota for a bachelor’s in strategic communication with an emphasis in public relations. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Musolf interned at GolinHarris in Chicago and WCCO-TV.

David Ratz has been promoted to account executive after joining Weber Shandwick as an intern in February 2006. For the past year, Ratz served as a day-to-day trade media relations contact for Xiotech, and has excelled in analyst and media outreach. He is also a key member of the Twin Cities team handling Microsoft business and coordinated all media outreach for two key industry conferences. He’s distinguished himself by working very hard to understand complex technologies and products, minding details and deadlines, and staying focused on results. Ratz holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and minors in political science and aviation management.

WEBER SHANDWICK ANNOUNCES TWIN CITIES PROMOTIONS

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of employees in the financial services; corporate, community & public affairs; technology and web relations practices.

Lida Poletz has been promoted to account director in the financial services practice. Poletz joined the agency in 2003 as an account supervisor and for the past three years has played a lead roll in an award-winning national campaign to increase direct deposit use. She has contributed tremendously with her exceptional writing, strategic thinking and project management skills. Before joining Weber Shandwick, she was a senior financial journalist for Reuters news agency, with postings in New York, London and Kiev, Ukraine. A native of Minneapolis, Poletz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota and also holds an M.B.A. with a marketing focus and an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University in New York.

Michael Koenigs has been promoted to account group manager in the corporate, community & public affairs practice, which he re-joined in 2006 as an account supervisor. Based in Chicago, he has built strong relationships with public affairs clients through his thoughtful counsel, attention to detail and infectious enthusiasm. Prior to re-joining Weber Shandwick, Koenigs worked for CKPR in Chicago managing the agency’s AirTran Airways account. A native of Marshalltown, Iowa, Koenigs graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in public relations.

Eryka Jackson has been promoted from senior account executive to account supervisor. Jackson joined Weber Shandwick in 2004 as a senior account executive. She currently provides strategic counsel, media relations and event planning support to technology clients and has developed a reputation for creative PR thinking well beyond the Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick. Before joining Weber Shandwick, she was a manager of marketing and corporate communications at PLX Systems Inc. Jackson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in English, applied linguistics from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va.

Andrew Krupicka has been promoted from junior web developer to web developer in the web relations practice. Krupicka joined the agency in 2005 as an intern. He currently specializes in creating and maintaining web sites, electronic press kits and newsletter designs, supporting all practice groups. A native of Minneapolis, Krupicka graduated from Brown College in Mendota Heights, Minn., with an A.A.S in visual communications.

WEBER SHANDWICK PROMOTES KURSCHNER TO VP

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of Tracy Kurschner from account group director to vice president. Kurschner helps lead corporate communications, including strategic counsel, media relations, communications support and high-end video productions for several clients.

Kurschner joined the agency in 1997 as a senior account executive and has been instrumental in building enduring and strong relationships with clients including Opus Corporation, Personnel Decisions International and the National Marrow Donor Program. She has been a leader of or key player in campaigns that earned four PRSA Bronze Anvil awards, a SABRE award of commendation, and a Minnesota PRSA Classics award.

Before joining Weber Shandwick, Kurschner spent nearly a decade in television news, ending her television career as a producer at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul. She has a degree in broadcast and newspaper journalism from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Scroggins promoted to Account Supervisor

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of Christine Scroggins from senior account executive to account supervisor.

Scroggins, who joined the agency in 2004, transferred to the financial services practice last year after spending two years in the technology practice. Since then, she has built strong relationships with government clients and financial institutions and was instrumental in developing strategic, creative marketing collateral to promote a new campaign.

Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Scroggins developed educational text books for Houghton Mifflin and National Geographic as an editor at Thomas Nieman Inc. in Chicago, and worked as an intern in the internal communications department at Rockwell Automation in Milwaukee. A native of Denver, she earned bachelors’ degrees in Spanish and international studies from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and also holds a Master of Science degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University.