Blogger bios
Rebecca Kopf has more than 20 years of public relations and marketing experience with a variety of business-to-business, consumer-oriented and non-profit organizations in developing and implementing strategic communications programs on a local, regional, national and global basis. PR Etc. has offices in both Rockford and Madison.
Kopf has led the communications activities for a wide breadth of clientele including technology (software, hardware, analysts), health care, non-profit organizations, biotechnology, consumer products, legal services, food service, hospitality, retail, financial services, city governments and manufacturing.
Her experience includes a full spectrum of marketing initiatives, such as, strategic direction/planning/implementation, corporate and brand positioning, collateral development, press release creation, community affairs, crisis management, media relations, industry analyst relations, presentation and media-interview training, trade show coordination, and editorial services, among others.
Prior to establishing PR Etc. in 2002, Kopf’s roles included Director of Marketing and Communications for Doculabs, Inc., an independent technology research and consulting firm and Senior Vice President for Corporate Technology Communications (CTC) where she lead and set overall account direction for the agency’s emerging technology, medical/ biotechnology groups.
Before joining CTC, Kopf was Manager of Public Relations for Platinum Technology and Manager of Global Public Relations for Compaq Computer Corporation in Houston, Texas. In addition, she has held account management positions with Zeppos-Remsik-Mueller, Inc., a Milwaukee-based agency, and Vollmer Public Relations in Houston. She was also a general assignment reporter for the Wisconsin State Journal.
Kopf holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston.
She is the former President of the River District Association Board of Directors and also sits on the boards for YWCA of Rockford, The Literacy Council, American Cancer Society of Northern Illinois Region, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and March of Dimes in Dane County (Wisconsin). She also sits on the advisory committees for TLN/TV51, March of Dimes in Dane County (Wisconsin) and is the lead marketing liaison for the United Way of Dane County in Madison, Wisconsin and is involved with Next Rockford.
Kylie Crull is the first impressions officer at PR Etc. She graduated from Drake University in Des Moines with a degree in public relations. While in college, she was a Presidential Scholar and member of PRSSA. She lives in her hometown of Winnebago. Her hobbies include literary and cinematic studies, spending time with her dog and anything that involves being outdoors.
Carrie Skogsberg is an account executive at PR Etc. where she manages public relations and marketing activities for clients. Carrie began her career in 2001 at WEIU-TV, the student-run news station at Eastern Illinois University, and graduated in 2003. Over the past five years, Carrie has worked as the public relations director for the Mid-Central Illinois Regional Council of Carpenters and as the communications coordinator for the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Carrie lives in Byron with her husband Brent, an agent for Country Financial, and her yellow lab puppy Fergie. She enjoys boating on the Rock River, hosting get-togethers with friends and traveling.
Bill Swick is an account executive at PR Etc. He has a combined 20 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and journalism, including 10 years of writing for a Chicago suburban newspaper. Swick holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications. A transplant from the Chicago suburbs, Swick has been living in the Rockford area for 11 years. He lives in Durand.
