Charlene Blohm – Founder & President Charlene earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Bachelor of Arts 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 is 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.

Kristen Plemon – Account Executive As a mother and former aspiring teacher, Kristen has a true passion for education. Although she feels she could not lead a classroom, experience shows she can help lead clients to PR success. After receiving her degree in Public Relations and Marketing Communications, Kristen began working with clients from a variety of industries to plan and implement PR programs. This included work for one of the largest apprenticeship programs in the country, and a joint program between the National Foundation for Energy Education and a Chicago-based trade association. She’s produced everything from press kits to company newsletters and specializes in media relations with local, regional, and national media outlets. Kristen’s goal is to help clients deliver the right message to the right audience utilizing a bit of creativity and finesse!

Emily Embury – 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 local nonprofit agencies while at college. In addition, Emily worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Admissions for three years, gaining unique insight into the world of higher education. Fresh out of college, Emily joined the CB&A team as PR Specialist. As Account Executive, she now formulates strategic public relations plans, drafts and coordinates outbound communications and helps her clients organize special events at major industry trade shows and conferences. Originally from Green Bay, Emily cheers for both the Badgers and the Packers.

Anne Smith – Account Executive Anne has 20 years of public relations and communications experience in nonprofit and corporate settings. For 12 years she led communications at General Casualty Insurance, now QBE the Americas, overseeing internal communications, public and media relations, and marketing communications. Anne is a member of PRSA and earned her accreditation in public relations (APR) in 2010. She's received numerous industry awards for her work and has been a guest speaker on change communications. She has a bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science from Marquette University. As a child Anne dreamed of being a teacher and is now married to a middle school principal, so she brings a passion for education and provides unique insights that benefit CB&A’s client family.

Martha Jacobs – PR Specialist 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 keeps track of articles on client companies worldwide in newspapers, magazines, blogs, Web sites, and other media. Essentially, Martha helps maintain the large information base necessary to keep a busy public relations firm connected with its success! Additionally, Martha assists our bookkeeper, and supervises planning for 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!

Lauren Rothering – Account Coordinator Lauren received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and Public Relations from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in scenic Winona, Minn. While in school, Lauren was editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper, The Cardinal, worked as a writing tutor, and was social media director for a local music festival. Prior to joining CB&A, Lauren served as a Public Affairs-Media Relations intern at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where she gained valuable hands-on experience in media relations while working with some of the most well-established media outlets in the world. When not at the office, Lauren can be found reading Russian novels, watching The Office, or exploring the Wisconsin countryside.

Saul Hafenbredl – Account Coordinator 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. As an Account Coordinator with CB&A, Saul collaborates with Account Executives to create dynamic and nimble communications plans suited for an increasingly complex media environment. He prides himself on adding innovative nuances to traditional methods, helping clients surpass their goals. A Wisconsin native, Saul enjoys active outdoor sports in the state’s narrow warm-weather season.

Lili Beck – Account Coordinator Lili attended Colorado State University and received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Technical Communication with a concentration in Public Relations, in addition to a minor in English. She's had several years of public relations experience working for Isthmus Publishing Company, Leprino Foods Company, Lightsource Creative Communications Inc., and Rodale Inc. While working for Rodale Inc., Lili was selected to be an apprentice for two NBC Today Show segments, and created The Biggest Loser Club Twitter account delivering 1,000 followers in eight weeks. When not at the office she has a love for skiing, reading, and photography.

Paul Mamelka – IT Admin Paul administers our Macintosh network, maintains the RSS feed, and tries valiantly to keep the Web site 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, the State of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research in San Antonio, Texas. He studied 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 and Maple Leafs play, mostly in a losing cause. But hope springs eternal.

Cinder & Ash – Morale A brother-sister act for eight years now, Cinder and Ash staff the CB&A Morale Encouragement and Observation Workcenter (MEOW), charged with keeping our spirits up, esp. when things are at their least awesome. They grew up fending off skunks, armadillos and raccons in our back yard in San Antonio, and signed on to the wagon train north in 2004 only under protest. Despite their feral origins, they’ve come to the conclusion that humans actually can be tolerable to live with as long as they provide toothsome vittles, a sunny spot to snooze, and bodacious body rubs. They like to keep bankers’ hours, but are expert at their job (and reverse psychology) – their infrequent appearances are greeted as a pleasant surprise, and with much enthusiasm. As Cinder puts it: Less is “Meow!”