R&J Strategic Communications, a full-service integrated marketing and public relations agency, announced the promotion of Tim Gerdes to Vice President of Creative & Digital Services. In his new position, Gerdes will lead R&J’s Digital and Creative practice areas, working to further integrate the agency and its marketing services. Gerdes brings to the position a unique understanding of the intersection of social, digital and creative marketing strategies and tactics, and how they work within the agency’s PESO model philosophy—the alignment of paid, earned, shared and owned marketing channels to increase impact.
Tim brings over 20 years of experience in digital and social media marketing, web and media design and project management, most recently serving as the Director of Digital Services for the agency. His hybrid set of skills sets him apart from most others in the industry, making him the perfect candidate for this new position. As the VP of Creative and Digital Services, Gerdes will continue to use his expertise as a designer as well as his knowledge of organic and paid social marketing, digital advertising and online reputation management to create and oversee the execution of integrated marketing campaigns for the R&J’s clients to help them achieve their business goals.
“Tim’s leadership of R&J’s Digital and Creative teams will further enhance our ability to create and execute fully-integrated, cross-discipline strategies for clients,” said Scott Marioni, President of R&J Strategic Communications. “His diverse experience and collaborative approach are critical to our helping our clients articulate clear, cohesive messages across multiple channels to maximum effect. We are confident that in his new role, Tim will continue to create more opportunities and value for both our clients and the agency.”
Prior to joining R&J, Gerdes spent over 20 years working in digital marketing, holding positions both in-house and at marketing agencies. Most notably, he served as a Project Manager at Philips, overseeing his division’s internet strategy, and advocating for his internal customers on a global brand management board responsible for the brand’s digital marking initiatives. Tim graduated from Thomas Edison State University with a BA in Liberal Studies and currently resides in Hamilton, N.J.
R&J is also pleased to announce that Dexter Cheng has been promoted to the position of Creative & Digital Coordinator. In his new position, Cheng will play a valuable role in continuing to integrate R&J’s digital and creative services into one to comprehensive and wholly strategic program. He will continue to be a driving force in the execution of social media campaigns, website design and development, as well as various other digital media and creative projects.
Since joining R&J in 2019 as a Web Development and Graphic Design Intern, Cheng has excelled in all facets of the position, and quickly proved to be an indispensable asset to the agency and its clients. Not only have his ideas and motivation inspired colleagues, but his graphic design and web development abilities make him a fundamental member of the team and have directly contributed to improved results for a number of clients.
“Dexter is a multi-talented developer and designer who brings a fresh perspective and creative ideas to our work. His thoughtful contributions have helped to bolster both the breadth and quality of creative and digital services we are delivering to consumer and B2B clients,” said Marioni. “We are thrilled to have added him to our strong and growing digital and creative team.”
A resident of New Brunswick, N.J., Cheng graduated from Rutgers University in January 2019 and received a BA in Information Technology and Informatics.
