Laura Schmidt serves as senior account supervisor, public relations, and new business manager at Rhea + Kaiser. Since joining R+K in 2005, she’s managed day-to-day PR needs for clients including Archer Daniels Midland Co., Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Sandvik Mining and Construction, and Underwriters Laboratories. As new business manager, Laura generates and shepherds new business opportunities in partnership with the R+K executive leadership team. Laura also leads the R+K corporate communications program, including contributing to and shepherding R+K’s social media presence and blog, media relations and internal communications/education initiatives. Prior to R+K, Laura was an account supervisor with Chicago-based Kathy Schaeffer & Associates, Inc. In recognition of her work, Laura has received four Silver Trumpet Awards from the Publicity Club of Chicago, as well as a Skyline Award from the Public Relations Society of America Chicago Chapter. She also has served as a panelist for Community Media Workshop, which provides communications counsel to area non-profits. Laura graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis on public relations.