Founder Keith Gilkes to remain on as Executive Chairman, long-time President Brian Reisinger to take over as CEO along with other staff upgrades
CONTACT: media@platform-communications.com
(Madison, Wis.) — Platform Communications announced today that Brian Reisinger will be promoted to Chief Executive Officer and Senior Writer while Keith Gilkes, the company’s founder, will shift his role to Executive Chairman. The company also announced a series of additional staff updates across the Marketing and Digital Division and Public Affairs Division.
“Platform is in strong and capable hands with Brian taking over as CEO,” said Keith Gilkes, founder, Executive Chairman, and most recent CEO. “Along with our other promotions and staff updates, having him take over this leadership position will continue to bring positive results to our client base. I am looking forward to the continuing success of Platform as I put my focus on helping clients develop successful communications strategies and working to expand Platform’s capabilities from my new position as Executive Chairman.”
“Helping to build Platform Communications has been an incredible opportunity, and I’m grateful for the chance to lead our firm into the future,” Reisinger said. “We have an amazing team of hard-working storytellers and strategists who help our clients make their case in the arena of public opinion, solve problems, and get real results. I look forward to continuing to show how a Midwestern firm can have national reach.”
Reisinger grew up on a farm in southern Wisconsin, then had a career in journalism and later in public policy, working on Capitol Hill and for federal and statewide political campaigns before joining Platform as the company’s first Vice President. He most recently served as President and Chief Content Officer, and is also an award-winning columnist and the author of Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family’s Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer.
In Platform’s Marketing and Digital Division, Anthony Birch is being promoted from Senior Vice President of Marketing and Digital Strategy to Executive Vice President of Marketing and Digital Strategy. As part of this role, he is taking on additional levels of management at the firm while continuing to lead the Marketing and Digital Division to new heights. He joins Platform’s existing Executive Vice Presidents, Rusty Schultz and Kathryn Kotowski. Anthony’s background spans local, statewide, and national marketing and communications efforts. His high-level experience continues to drive the firm’s innovation in marketing and storytelling, helping Platform’s clients effectively reach their audiences and inspire action.
Emelia Rohl was promoted from Account Executive to Senior Account Executive, taking on a larger strategic role within the Marketing and Digital Division. Along with her work in this department, she is taking on additional client-facing responsibilities. Emelia’s proven skill set in storytelling and digital strategy continues to bring meaningful stories to life and positively impact Platform’s variety of clients with digital and marketing needs.
Also within this division, Sophia Laib was promoted to the Account Coordinator position to better serve the company’s clients. Sophia first joined Platform in the intern program while still attending college, and she now plays a key role in supporting the Marketing and Digital Division. Sophia continues to leverage her strong background in public relations, marketing, advertising, and social media to provide positive outcomes for her department.
In the Public Affairs Division, Alec Zimmerman has been promoted to Senior Director of Advocacy and Strategic Communications, from Director of Advocacy and Strategic Communications. Alec has nearly a decade of political communication, messaging, and strategy experience, and uses his acumen to clients’ advantage in crisis communication and issue advocacy work.
Platform also recently hired Alex Walker to join as the Director of Public Affairs, due to his expertise in coalition building, stakeholder management, and other forms of organizing support for issue advocacy. Before joining Platform, Alex worked for a wide range of federal and state political campaigns, including those for Congressman Bryan Steil, gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch, and U.S. Senate candidate Leah Vukmir. He also worked in the private sector and in the State Capitol for Sen. Julian Bradley.
Also joining the Public Affairs Division is Heidi Skewes as an Account Coordinator. In this position, she will be focusing on providing positive results for clients by telling their stories in ways that are authentic, effective, and professional. Prior to Platform, Heidi worked for companies such as NBC/Universal and Disney, where she facilitated focus groups, led marketing and sales training, and dedicated herself to customer satisfaction.
Platform Communications is a Midwestern strategic communications firm specializing in public relations, crisis communications, public affairs, policy analysis, and advocacy campaigns. Based in Wisconsin with national reach, Platform has the expertise and relationships with policymakers and opinion leaders to get you real results.
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