OUR TEAM

Wally		CEO
		Key Responsibilities: President of overall operations Credentials: 18 years experience in marketing & advertising When you think of Wally the word passionate definitely comes to mind. Whether he's in the office or not, he's constantly strategizing over the next big idea. When he does, however, turn it off and pull himself away, you most definitely will find him spending quality time with his wife and kids. Wally enjoys the outdoors and takes in as much bow hunting, fishing and four-wheeling as he can with his son. On any given evening, April through October, you have a good chance of finding Wally sitting around the fire-pit in his back yard surrounded by family and great friends.

Dawn		CFO
		Key Responsibilities: Managing the company's financial operations Credentials: 9 years experience in handling financial accounts In the realm of Dawn's day, she expresses there is nothing "ordinary". Managing the company's income and spending takes a lot of planning and close attention to detail. She is often referred to as the "penny pincher" of the office, but she definitely keeps the office in line! When the day-to-day processes are done, she is usually trying to develop more efficient tracking systems to better measure the company's success. When Dawn isn't at work, you won't find her far from her family - she loves spending time with her husband and her kids; a daughter, a son, and a Yellow Lab... In her mind there is nothing better than a family day - everyday!!!

Kari		Vice President of Operations
		Key Responsibilities: Developing marketing strategies for new and existing clients throughout the US as well as providing guidance and support to staff within the agency Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Cornell College with emphasis in Consumer Psychology; Member of Society of Consumer Psychologists There’s no such thing as an “odd request” when it comes to Kari’s job. From overseeing daily activities to conceptualizing long-term marketing strategies, every day brings forth a new array of tasks. She aims to learn and understand our clients needs and to identify the best strategies to fulfill their expectations. When not searching for the next ‘big idea’, Kari can be found spending time with friends and family or at home playing with her three rambunctious pups. She’s always on the move and has even been told that she lacks the ability to just relax!

Bill		Director of Research and Technology
		Key Responsibilities: Database management and IT support Credentials: Over thirty-two years in IT and database management experience. Often referred to as the "genius of HPR", Mr. Ladd provides technical support, doing whatever it takes to help meet HPR's business goals. Mr. Ladd's career closely parallels the growth of information technology's impact on the business world. From the mainframes of the early seventies to today's mobile web-based technologies, Mr. Ladd has continued to stay apace of the changing skills required to meet the demands of today's business environment.

Stephanie		Account Manager
		Key Responsibilities: Working with clients to assist in building strong marketing strategies. Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Robert Morris University. Beginning her career at HPR as Administrative Assistant helped Stephanie to gain a broad understanding of everything we do. Given that her interest in the marketing field was triggered during her last quarter in college, she enjoys the diversity and learning experience her new position provides. Stephanie’s need for a challenge and drive to succeed helps her to create positive relationships with clients and effectively meet their campaign goals. When away from the office, Stephanie enjoys spending time outdoors with her friends and family, whether it’s fishing, camping, or simply soaking up the sun on the Illinois River.

Rachel		Account Manager
		Key Responsibilities: Assisting clients in building marketing strategies. Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism with a minor in English from Eastern Illinois University Rachel comes to HPR after working 4 years at ABC Newschannel 20 as a News Producer. She has no problem generating her creative skill set and doing whatever it takes to get any task done. She has a positive outlook on life and the drive to succeed. She is excited to be a part of the marketing team at HPR and help develop new marketing strategies. Outside of the office, Rachel is the head varsity cheerleading coach at LHS and the cheerleading coach at Robert Morris University. Besides cheering she also enjoys spending time with her son.

Gersi		Account Manager
		Key Responsibilities: Working with customers throughout the U.S. to develop targeted campaigns using research and creative approach. Establish productive, professional relationships with key personnel in assigned strategic accounts. Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Finance from Western Illinois University. Gersi is an extremely motivated and goal-oriented individual with an outstanding skill set for understanding consumer needs. He prides himself on his work ethic, leadership skills and critical and creative thinking. He also has exceptional computer and finance skills. Gersi works incredibly well in team situations and is always a reliable source to depend on. During free time he likes to spend time with family and friends, traveling and play outdoor sports.

Bryce		Regional Sales Manager
		Key Responsibilities: Overseeing sales and growth development for clients throughout the US Credentials: 30+ years experience in automotive and business management Bryce is always on the go! He primarily handles clients in the automotive industry which suits his background well. Bryce is great at developing effective marketing campaigns, but when it comes to computers - his luck just fades away! Despite his misfortune with technology, Bryce is very personable and enjoys working with dealers on everything from direct mail to TV promotions. Outside of the automotive world, Bryce enjoys spending time with his wife , 3 children and 2 dogs who keep him busy!

Sarah		Senior Graphic Designer
		Key Responsibilities: Designing from conceptual to final stages while using perfectionism and innovative ideas to surpass the client’s expectations. Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications Design from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. A project is never complete until the client is happy! While creating innovative ideas Sarah is also prioritizing, multi-tasking, organizing, and keeping a can-do attitude throughout the day. If there’s any obstacle in Sarah’s way, she will overcome it to become a well-rounded designer. When away from the graphics world, Sarah enjoys spending time her two dogs and cycling.

Adam		Graphic Designer
		Key Responsibilities: The development of visual campaigns to better serve the client. Credentials: Bachelor of Visual Arts from University of Illinois at Springfield Trained in the fine arts, but considered a dabbler in all things, Adam lends his rather keen visual sensibilities to the pursuit of print and layout design. Though still developing his talents with computing machines, he remains a patient, quiet and studious member of the HPR graphics team. In his second life, Adam continues to fare the sea of local artistry, and build his reputation as a painter and hipster-socialite.

Ben		Graphic Designer
		Key Responsibilities: Developing creative and unique ideas to present information in a way that is both accessible and memorable Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree in mass communications with a focus in advertising from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Over 7 years of professional graphic design experience. Messing around on a green-screened Apple II at the tender old age of 5 is one of Ben’s earliest memories. So it’s only natural he chose a career that involved manipulating copious amounts of pixels on a daily basis. Ben now spends his days manipulating those pixels into creative and attractive ways to present information for companies. Away from work, Ben enjoys running, television and movies, and spending time with his fiancé, Amy, and their 2 cats, Dudits and the aptly named Pixel.

Megan		Administrative Assistant
		Key Responsibilities: Professionally and efficiently managing visitors, consumers, telephone calls, and messages, as well as performing a variety of clerical duties that support client services, information and referral and the operation and presentation of a professional office. Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Concentration in Accounting from Robert Morris University in Springfield, IL. As the front face and voice of HPR, Megan is very passionate and thrives on helping others and guiding them in the correct direction. Her need for a challenge and aspiration to learn and help has kept her constantly involved in team-oriented athletic and academic organizations. Her positive and open-minded attitude is what has led her to be versatile in the business perspective. Outside of work she likes to spend time with her family, be outdoors and spoil her crazy Chihuahua, Mia.