Rhea + Kaiser adds seven new staff

Rhea + Kaiser (R+K) in Naperville announced the addition of seven new staff to the integrated communications agency.

• Dustin Gerdes is the agency's new Manager of Analytics and Customer Engagement. In this role, Gerdes will continue building the agency's analytics discipline offering his insights to better target and engage the customers of R+K's clients. Most recently, Gerdes managed the global analytics department for Groupon. He earned his undergraduate degree in marketing and psychology from Eastern Illinois University and an MBA from DePaul University.

• Patrick Barkley heads up R+K's new video production unit, which provides clients with video content and video production services such as on-location shooting and editing. Barkley is an Emmy award-winning video technician, and his talents have been featured on such prominent Chicago programs as "1st Look," "Open House," "Living Healthy Chicago" and "Your Money."

• Pam Caraway joins R+K as Account Supervisor, Public Relations. A former senior editor for Southern Farmer, Caraway will lead day-to-day strategic planning and tactical execution for public relations on the Bayer cotton seed brands, horticulture and seed growth businesses. Most recently, she served as a senior content specialist for a Chicago-based agency.

• By way of Columbus, Ohio, Steve Knapp comes to R+K as a copywriter on the agency's Bayer account. Knapp has created award-winning digital, TV, video and print copy for McDonald's, Ohio Tourism, NOVA Southeastern University and pharmaceutical clients. He is a graduate of Allegheny College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and economics.

•Emily Johnson joins R+K full time as Account Manager, Public Relations after a recent period as a freelancer for the agency. With previous agency experience on agriculture accounts, Johnson will provide public relations support across the Bayer business. She has master's degree in mass communications and bachelor's degree in history from Brigham Young University.

• Chris Oakland joins the agency as an Assistant Account Manager. He will provide account management support on the agency's Bayer account. After earning his marketing degree from Michigan State University, Oakland planned events for Young Life and worked as leader and customer support liaison for the Genius Room at an Apple retail location.

• Alex Greer has joined R+K as an Assistant Account Manager, Public Relations. Greer most recently worked as an intern for a North Carolina-based agency responsible for content creation, event coordination, media relations and social/digital media for such brands as Diageo, Mercedes-Benz and NASCAR. Greer is a graduate of Michigan State University.