Meet the Team - PR Experts Behind the Strategy

We are proud to be a diverse team of professionals with a wide range of experience representing established and emerging concepts. Our team has helped businesses grow at all levels of growth and development.

A smiling man with short, reddish hair and a beard, wearing a gray blazer and black shirt, poses in front of a plain light brown background.

Bob Spoerl

Co-founder and Director of Public Relations

Bob Spoerl is the co-founder of Bear Icebox Communications, where he brings together a foundation in journalism, a passion for strategic storytelling, and a growing focus on the role of AI in communications. With a background in philosophy, Bob approaches leadership with both curiosity and intention—always looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible in modern PR.

A woman with long dark hair wearing a black turtleneck sweater and a beaded necklace smiles in front of a plain beige background.

DeAnna Spoerl

Co-owner and Director of Client Services

DeAnna Spoerl is the Chief Brand Officer at Bear Icebox Communications, blending creative vision with strategic execution. She’s also the founder of Letty Sparrow, where she celebrates Chicago’s most talented fashion designers through storytelling, style, and sustainability.

A man with light brown hair wearing a navy blazer and a blue polka-dot shirt smiles at the camera against a plain brown background.

Sean Wille

Director of Operations

Sean Wille serves as Operations Director at Bear Icebox, leveraging his background in Fortune 500 brand management and hospitality entrepreneurship to lead and streamline efforts across PR, marketing, and communications initiatives.

A middle-aged woman with shoulder-length light brown hair, wearing a black blazer, light top, and gold necklaces, smiling in front of a plain brown background.

Susan Stoga

Senior PR & Crisis Communications Strategist

Susan Stoga brings decades of public relations and strategic insight to Bear Icebox, with a focus on crisis communications and campaign development for clients in medical, manufacturing, and service sectors. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and leading industry publications.

Cristy Brusoe

Senior Media Relations Strategist

Cristy is an expert with national media, working for a variety of clients, from App Data Room to NFL Play 60 to Noodles & Co and HouseMaster, landing interest from the New York Times, Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and more.

A man with short curly hair wearing a gray suit jacket and white dress shirt smiles at the camera against a plain brown background.

James Rodriguez

Senior Account Manager & Media Specialist

James Daniel Rodriguez brings a diverse background in media relations, public affairs, and business strategy to his role as Senior Account Manager at Bear Icebox. With experience across financial services, manufacturing, NGOs, and more, James crafts compelling campaigns that elevate brand presence and amplify executive voices.

A young woman with curly brown hair and glasses smiles confidently. She is wearing a black blazer, gray top, and layered necklaces, standing against a plain brown background.

Danna Tabachnik

Account Manager

Danna Tabachnik is a seasoned communications pro with experience spanning entertainment, live events, spirits, and cannabis. As an account manager at Bear Icebox, she leads campaigns with a storytelling-first mindset and a focus on media relationships that make an impact.

A young woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a light green blazer over a white top and a delicate necklace, with a plain brown background.

Katie Burns

Senior Account Manager

Katie Burns brings years of PR experience across agency and advocacy spaces, specializing in B2B communications, media strategy, and executive visibility. At Bear Icebox, she leads client accounts with a sharp eye for content and connection.

A man with short hair and a trimmed beard wearing a white dress shirt with blue buttons stands in front of a plain beige background, looking confidently at the camera.

Geo Lawrence

senior account coordinator

Geo Lawrence, our Senior Account Coordinator, brings a sharp mix of PR savvy, content creation, and digital media expertise. From press releases to social strategy, he helps shape compelling narratives for mission-driven brands—and was recognized as one of PCC’s 30 Under 30 in 2023.

A young person with shaggy brown hair, a light mustache, and an earring smiles at the camera. They are wearing a light striped shirt and a necklace, with a plain beige background.

Gavin Lipinski

ACCOUNT FELLOW

Gavin Lipinski supports the Bear Icebox team with media research, content development, and campaign execution. With a background in journalism and fashion communications, he brings a thoughtful, story-first approach to both client work and Letty Sparrow, where he contributes writing on menswear and sustainability.

A woman with long brown hair and bangs smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white blouse with lace details and a black bow tie, standing against a plain beige background.

Audrey Carroll

Account Manager

Audrey Carroll brings a sharp mix of media relations, digital strategy, and messaging expertise to Bear Icebox. With a track record in political campaigns, nonprofit advocacy, and public affairs, she helps clients craft powerful narratives and drive results through earned media.

A young woman with long wavy dark hair, wearing a black dress with a white collar and buttons, smiles softly in front of a plain light brown background.

Johana Goxhaj

Operations Specialist

Johana Goxhaj supports the Bear Icebox team as Operations Specialist, bringing a background in finance and account management to streamline workflows and enhance team collaboration. Her focus on strategy and execution keeps client initiatives moving forward smoothly.

A woman with curly black hair smiles while wearing a black top and large geometric gold earrings, posed against a plain brown background.

Deidra Durham

Social Media & Content Growth Specialist

Deidra Durham brings 10+ years of experience in media planning and digital strategy to Bear Icebox, where she leads social media growth and content development. Her insight into audience behavior and storytelling helps elevate both client and agency visibility across platforms.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a red blazer over a white top, gold hoop earrings, and layered necklaces, smiles in front of a plain beige background.

Patti Thomas

Social Media & Content Growth Specialist

Patti Thomas brings 30 years of PR and communications expertise to Bear Icebox, helping brands tell their stories and stand out in a crowded media landscape. Her work spans from Alpha to Zika — securing national coverage for iconic Chicago food brands like Alpha Baking Co., family destinations like LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, and education on the Zika virus. Her campaigns have earned coverage on WGN-TV, in Better Homes & Gardens, the Associated Press, and in top industry publications.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Let us help you find your PR sweet spot

Talk to us today to learn more about what we can do for your brand to drive awareness and help you find the honey jar you’ve been looking for with all the other agencies and campaigns you’ve run before. It’s time for some real organic honey.

Schedule Now