Capstrat bolsters firm's capabilities with six new hires

Capstrat, a strategic communications firm based in Raleigh, has added six new professional staff members.

Ann Walter joins the firm as Media Buyer/Planner. Ann joined Capstrat after stints at BBDO and Kelly, Scott & Madison where she was a media buyer for clients such as DaimlerChrysler, MGM, Discovery Networks and Edward Jones Financial. She is a graduate of Miami University in Ohio.

Carson Mataxis has been hired as a Digital Media Designer. Carson was previously with Raleigh-based Murphy & Associates, a film and video production company specializing in corporate, educational, commercial and documentary work. Carson is a graduate of North Carolina State University where he completed the DaVinci Scholars program, which required him to pursue two degrees simultaneously, one through the College of Design and one through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. His work has earned three Telly awards, two Aurora awards and a MCAI Silver Reel of Merit.

Ben Laws, Project Coordinator, previously worked for N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Britt Cobb's 2004 campaign and has been involved in numerous other political campaigns. Ben completed his bachelor's degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in political science and in journalism and mass communication.

Thomas Ainsley also joins the company as a Project Coordinator. Thomas is a graduate of East Carolina University where he completed a double major in political science and communication with a concentration in public relations. He was a charter member of the Public Relations Student Society of America at ECU.

Dalena Turner has been named the firm's Human Resource Manager and will oversee all aspects of training, development, recruitment and benefits. Turner has more than 10 years' experience, having most recently served as Human Resource Manager for Volt Services Group in Cary. She is a graduate of Indiana University.

Jeanne Cardillo, Receptionist, is a graduate of North Carolina State University and has the distinction of being the twelfth Capstrat intern to be hired by the company.

Capstrat is a strategic communications firm based in Raleigh. The company's services include public relations, public affairs, marketing communications and design. Capstrat was recognized in 2003 by PRWeek, the public relations industry's leading trade publication, as one of the nation's best Mid-Sized Agencies. For more information about Capstrat, visit www.capstrat.com.