NEW BRIGHTON, MINN. (July 2, 2008) – Risdall McKinney Public Relations recently hired Sarah Ryder and Laura Wightman full-time as assistant account executives. Previously serving as interns at Risdall McKinney, both are recent graduates of the University of Minnesota and were actively involved in the University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
“Laura and Sarah bring high energy to our team,” said Rose McKinney, president of Risdall McKinney Public Relations. “We saw their exceptional commitment and confidence first hand while interning at Risdall McKinney. Their fresh perspectives from active involvement at the University – both in and out of the classroom – will benefit our team and clients alike.”
Both Ryder and Wightman graduated from the U of M in May 2008 – Ryder with a B.A. in strategic communications and a minor in communications studies; Wightman with two B.A. degrees in strategic communications and communications studies.
Immediate past president of PRSSA, Ryder was responsible in increasing awareness for PR throughout the University and getting more student involvement in the organization. She was awarded the “Best of PRSSA” Dr. Willard Thompson scholarship. Prior to joining Risdall McKinney, Ryder gained experience as an intern at Himle Horner, and a reporter and editorial assistant at her community newspaper in Menominee, Wis.
Actively involved in PRSSA, Wightman was also a recipient of a Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship. Before coming on board at Risdall McKinney, she previously worked as a college marketing representative for Walt Disney Studios and Buena Vista Pictures Marketing. Wightman also gained strategic communication experience as a marketing intern for the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra where she researched expansion opportunities and maintained relationships with donors and ticket subscribers.
About Risdall McKinney Public Relations
Risdall McKinney Public Relations, a division of Risdall Marketing Group, LLC, is an integrated, marketing-oriented PR agency headquartered in New Brighton, Minn. With 2007 billings of $3.8 million, the agency is ranked as the seventh largest PR firm in Minnesota and is number 182 among the top 250 global firms ranked by the Holmes Report. Its client roster includes local, national and international work for business-to-business and consumer accounts, among others. Visit www.risdallmckinneypr.com for more information.
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