The CB&A Team
A wise person once said, “It’s not about where you are, it’s about who you’re with.” We couldn’t agree more. CB&A’s team of smart PR pros is dedicated to providing stellar customer service and unparalleled market expertise. Whether planning an event or creating a social media campaign, we collaborate with you to bring out the best in your brand, every day.
-
Charlene Blohm
Founder & President



Charlene earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has more than 20 years experience in the communications and marketing fields. Since founding CB&A in 1991, Charlene has worked with publishers and manufacturers whose products span the educational landscape, from traditionally printed books to broadband-delivered online curriculum. Her expertise in developing and implementing strategic marketing plans has been fine-tuned over the years, and she’s now one of the “go-to” people in the educational publishing industry. Charlene began her career as a reporter, columnist and managing editor for newspapers in Montana and Texas. charlene aat cblohm dot com -
Emily Embury
Education Division Manager
Senior Account Executive

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and women’s studies. Devoted to working with organizations whose overall mission benefits the community, she completed internships with two nonprofit organizations while in college. Emily joined CB&A in 2004, and was promoted to Account Executive in 2007 and Senior Account Executive in 2012. She works in partnership with clients to develop and execute strategic public relations and social media plans to achieve their visibility goals. In her expanded leadership role, Emily also oversees campaigns, manages team members and supports the overall growth of the agency. She is an active member of PRSA and regularly attends Social Media Breakfast events. A certified master gardener, Emily enjoys digging in the dirt and spoiling her dog Barley. emily aat cblohm dot com -
Carie Breunig
Special Needs Division Manager
Account Executive
Carie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and business. She had 13 years of marketing, public relations and social media experience at marketing communications firms and technology start-ups in the Milwaukee and Madison area prior to joining CB&A. With this diverse background, Carie brings a well-rounded approach to the team, and a passion for telling brand stories through creative messaging and tactics that complement the CB&A philosophy. Carie has provided PR direction and support to such well-known brands as Nestlé HealthCare Nutrition, Allstate Insurance, Johnson Controls, and Schneider National. She is a long-time PRSA member and regularly attends local marketing events. A Southern girl at heart, Carie prefers summers in Wisconsin (over winters), and enjoys living in the country, playing the guitar, and golfing, hiking and canoeing with her husband. carie aat cblohm dot com
-
Martha Jacobs
Administrative and Project Coordinator
A true go-getter and diligent organizer, Martha brings CB&A an element of “quality assurance” for clients. Martha earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. With meticulous attention to detail, Martha tracks and analyzes client coverage in media outlets worldwide. Essentially, Martha maintains the large information base necessary to keep a busy public relations firm connected with its success! Additionally, Martha assists our bookkeeper and supervises special events at education conferences and trade shows. When she’s not at the office, Martha can be found reading a good book, catching up on her favorite TV shows or cheering for her favorite football team—the Packers! martha aat cblohm dot com -
Saul Hafenbredl
Account Manager

Saul attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with an emphasis in strategic communication. While in school, he held positions with several Madison-based organizations such as the Associated Students of Madison, StudyBlue, Inc. and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. Saul joined CB&A as a PR & social media account coordinator in 2011, and was promoted to account manager in 2012. In his expanded role, Saul completes more strategic client work while playing a larger part in leading account services. He prides himself on adding innovative nuances to traditional methods and helping clients surpass their goals. A Wisconsin native, Saul has adapted to the state’s decidedly temperamental climate. He enjoys outdoor activities and breathing as much fresh air as possible. saul aat cblohm dot com -
Katie Waite
PR & Social Media Account Coordinator
Katie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in speech communication from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. A strong advocate of college internships, Katie backed her classroom experience with four PR internships in a variety of industries including radio broadcasting, university relations, non-profit/association and relocation/moving. Prior to joining the CB&A team, Katie worked as a marketing specialist for Stanley Convergent Security Solutions in Naperville, Ill., where she was responsible for overseeing and developing consistent brand messaging for all of Stanley’s marketing initiatives. Her blended background in marketing and public relations provides clients a well-rounded perspective in helping them achieve visibility. Outside of the workplace, Katie enjoys running, traveling and cheering on her beloved Green Bay Packers. katie aat cblohm dot com -
Chris Swietlik
PR & Social Media Account Coordinator
Chris earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and communication from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis. During his time at St. Norbert College, Chris hosted a show on the college radio station, was co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and interned in the college’s office of communication. Prior to joining CB&A, Chris spent two summers interning at an advertising and marketing firm in his hometown of Cedarburg, Wis. As an account coordinator, Chris is able to pursue his love of working with the media as well as his passion for writing. In his spare time, Chris can be found Frisbee golfing, reading a good book or enjoying the latest movie blockbuster. chris aat cblohm dot com -
Andria Casey
PR & Social Media Assistant Account Coordinator
A student in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Andria is an aspiring strategic communications professional. Her passion and creativity generate an eagerness to learn and produce work of high quality. Outside of the classroom, she continually strives to improve her communication skills through leadership in Public Relations Student Society of America, including her current position as chapter president. When not consumed with internships, student organizations or school, Andria is a TV buff, certified scuba diver and aficionada of languages, with a particular love of the Spanish language. andria aat cblohm dot com -
Paul Mamelka
IT Admin
Paul administers our Macintosh network, maintains the RSS feed, and endeavours to keep the CB&A website up-to-date. He’s also the author of our in-house database system, resident podcast producer and copy editor of last resort. Although loathe to admit it, he’s spent some 30 years working with computers as a systems analyst, programmer and web designer, including stints with Control Data Canada, State of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio. He completed his degree in mathematics and computer science at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Though definitely a Packer Backer, his sports loyalties are rooted in Toronto, where the Argonauts, Raptors and Maple Leafs play. paul aat cblohm dot com