Rhea + Kaiser (R+K) has added seven new staff members to their Naperville, Illinois integrated communications agency.

Dustin Gerdes will serve as the Manager of Analytics and Customer Engagement, growing the field to better target and engage R+K’s clients.  He comes from Groupon and earned an undergraduate degree in marketing and psychology from Eastern Illinois University and an MBA from DePaul University.

Patrick Barkley will be taking on the responsibility of R+K’s new video production unit.  He is an Emmy award-winning video technician, with credits like “1st Look,” “Open House,” “Living Healthy Chicago,” and “Your Money.”

Pam Caraway comes on board as the new Account Supervisor, Public Relations.  Formerly a senior editor at Southern Farmer, Caraway now takes on public relations for the Bayer cotton seed brands, horticulture and seed growth business.

Steve Knapp joins the team as a copywriter on the Bayer account.  His past work includes award-winning digital, TV, video and print copy for McDonald’s, Ohio Tourism, NOVA Southeastern University and pharmaceutical clients.

Emily Johnson is now a full time Account Manager, Public Relations after her service as a freelancer for the company.  She comes from an ag accounts background and will be taking on the Bayer business.

Chris Oakland is working as an Assistant Account Manager, supporting the Bayer account.  He has a degree in marketing from Michigan State University and has worked for Young Life and a customer support liaison for Genius Room at Apple.

Alex Greer is stepping into an Assistant Account Manger role as well.  He comes from an internship at at North Caroline agency and was responsible for content creation, event coordination, media relations and social/digital media for such brands as Diageo, Mercedes-Benz and NASCAR.  His degree comes from Michigan State University.

Check out the website to learn more about Rhea + Kaiser, their staff, award-winning work or career opportunities.