Swanson Russell, a public relations firm, announces four promotions and three new hires on the public relations teams of its Lincoln and Omaha NE offices.

“These promotions recognize four talented professionals who have done outstanding work for clients, the agency and our growing public relations staff,” said Jeff Patterson, APR, Swanson Russell’s senior vice president/director of public relations. “We welcome the three additions to our staff who are already making important contributions on their respective teams.”

Allen Forkner was promoted to senior public relations counsel in the Lincoln office.  Since joining the agency in 2010, he has led public relations programs for various clients including SIG SAUER, Leupold & Stevens, Inc. and Cannon Safe.

Jill Heggen was promoted to public relations counsel in the Omaha office.  Heggen joined the agency in 2011 and has planned and implemented public relations programs for FMC, Buckeye Nutrition, Merck Animal Health and other clients.

Kari Webber was promoted to senior public relations counsel in the Omaha office. Webber joined Swanson Russell in 2008 and has provided strategic counsel and tactical services to clients such as Reinke Manufacturing, Physicians Mutual and Wolfe Eye Clinic.

Samantha Gerken was promoted to public relations writer in the Lincoln office. Gerken is a key member of the account team for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and works on the Blue Star Gas account.

Wade Hilligoss joins the Lincoln office as a public relations writer. His client assignments include Minn Kota and Cannon Safe.

Also based in the Lincoln office, Casey Mills works as a public relations associate. He works on the PERC and Blue Star Gas account teams.

Laura Hirschman joins the Lincoln office’s PERC account team as a public relations coordinator. After receiving her BA from UNL she worked for the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln as an administrative coordinator.