Swanson Russell announced the promotion of Kellie Wostrel, APR, to senior vice president/director of public relations. Also promoted are Allen Forkner, who moves to public relations manager in the Lincoln office; and Casey Mills, who takes a new role as social media manager.
“Under Kellie’s leadership, and with Allen and Casey in their new positions, our growing public relations team will have every opportunity to further its professional development and success,” said Jeff Patterson, APR, former director of public relations who continues as an agency vice president. “These promotions recognize their exceptional talent and contributions, as well as their ability to help our agency and clients navigate the evolving disciplines of public relations and social media.”
Since joining the agency in 2008, Wostrel has played an essential role on the public relations staff, most recently as public relations manager in the Omaha office. The Omaha native has developed public relations strategy and programs for some of the agency’s largest agricultural clients including AMVAC Chemical Corporation and Koch Agronomical Services. She is a past president of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Nebraska Chapter. In addition to her accreditation in public relations (APR), Wostrel earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
In his eight years at the agency, Forkner has built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable public relations professionals in the hunting and shooting industry. The Rapid City, S.D., native has provided public relations counsel to clients such as Leupold, SIG SAUER and Cannon Safe. He graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in news editorial.
Since joining the agency in 2014 as a public relations associate, Mills has integrated multiple social media strategies and tools that have benefitted virtually all clients across the Lincoln and Omaha offices. Originally from Burns, Wyo., Mills graduated from Hastings College in Nebraska with a bachelor’s degree in media production and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a master’s degree in news editorial.
