Carolyn Krieger, Founder
Carolyn Krieger is the founder of CKC Agency. Her impeccable reputation, unwavering integrity and endless creativity as a public relations powerhouse are the foundation upon which CKC Agency is built. Carolyn is genuine, and the deep, trusted business, client and media relationships she has developed during her 35+ year career transcend the typical. She relishes her role as a sought-after source and sounding board for everyone from corporate leaders to clients, media contacts from the boardroom to the newsroom, and seasoned to young industry professionals.
Early in her career, this Michigan State University communications graduate was one of Detroit’s most prominent, in-demand radio promotion directors, creating iconic contests and garnering local and national publicity at three of metro Detroit’s top-rated radio stations. She was recognized nationally as Outstanding Woman in Radio Mid-Management by the American Women in Radio and Television. Carolyn also received the prestigious honor of being inducted into the National Association of Professional Women 2015-2016 Woman of the Year Circle. In addition, she was honored as a top woman leader by the Michigan Business and Professional Association, receiving its 2018 “Leadership in the Workplace” award, and was named an “Esteemed Woman of Michigan” in 2018.
Carolyn’s exuberant passion and unbridled enthusiasm for publicizing worthwhile projects and people are reflected in CKC Agency’s mission. Her expertise in generating positive press and big buzz has resulted in hundreds (and hundreds!) of print, broadcast and online articles, features, stories and segments. And it is one of the reasons why CKC Agency’s client roster has always been referral-based.
Carolyn’s life has always followed a path of synchronicity. She embraces every challenge by finding “the gift” in each situation. For Carolyn, personal friendships, business introductions and client relationships fall seamlessly into place. There is a sign that perfectly captures Carolyn’s philosophy of life as well as CKC Agency’s belief about business that hangs on a wall at our offices: “Work hard and be nice.”
These five simple words speak volumes about Carolyn Krieger.
Pat Baskin
Pat Baskin is CKC Agency’s strategic powerhouse. She is a proven leader with a track record in the world of corporate communications and public relations. For years, Pat has focused on helping clients grow their businesses with public relations tactics, and has helped corporations effectively communicate and motivate their employees. Her recent career credentials include working for two well-known advertising agencies in the U.S. – Lowe Campbell Ewald and Doner Advertising.
If it has anything to do with communications, Pat has done it all – media relations, crisis communications, issues management, market research, strategic partnerships, event strategy and planning for both the client and advertising agency side of business.
Pat is passionate about developing creative blueprints to attain successful PR project goals for clients. Her ability to collaborate with team members is always upbeat and enthusiastic. In addition, her organizational skills and methodology pave the way for teams to “get things done” precisely and painlessly.
Her mission-possible approach has garnered her several industry awards, including from the American Marketing Association and Public Relations Society of America.
This sports participant and enthusiast enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Alison Schwartz
Alison Schwartz is a public relations dynamo who stops at (next to) nothing to secure ‘the story.’ Her work ethic is best described as ‘whatever it takes’ and her PR expertise is second to none. She is resourceful, respectful and really knows how to marry what a client offers with what the media desires. Alison is adept at developing a story’s special angles, creating compelling press releases and pitches, and presenting the information strategically, highlighting the benefits to each media outlet and the advantages to sharing it with their audience. She reaches for the stars for every CKC Agency client and in doing so Alison has become a shining star in the industry.
After first collaborating with clients to create an effective public relations program, Alison coordinates every detail to ensure each story is shared effectively in the media. From gathering the information a reporter needs to arranging interviews, Alison leaves no PR stone unturned.
An accomplished journalist in London before setting down roots in Michigan over 20 years ago, Alison was the clinical news editor of a weekly health industry newspaper in the U.K. and the health editor of a best-selling women’s weekly magazine. She was also a regular contributor to The Telegraph Magazine and a freelancer for other national magazines and newspapers. Her beautiful British accent is a delight and while she recently became a United States citizen, we’ve told her to embrace every aspect of her American side as long as she never loses her enchanting English enunciation.
Alison adores her husband and three sons and is their head cheerleader at school activities and sporting events. She also makes sure that no one she is in contact with…from clients to celebrities to her coworkers…ever goes hungry, ensuring that they have a cup of coffee, a spot of tea and something sweet to eat.
Isabel Meier
Isabel Meier is an outside-of-the-box thinker with a passion for writing, both defining qualities that set her apart as a creative public relations professional.
Isabel is a team-player with an innovative mindset, and the skills she possesses benefit CKC Agency’s clients big time. Always up for a challenge, she is a hard-working, diligent learner who prides herself on her attention to detail, ability to adapt to new situations and capacity to adjust to fast-paced environments.
Isabel plays an integral role at CKC Agency, writing and editing press materials, maximizing publicity opportunities, and maintaining trusted relationships with the media and the agency’s valued clients.
Throughout her college career, Isabel found ways to experience public relations with on-the-job experience, including working in the insurance industry in communications, event planning and social media content creation. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Isabel graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Publications.
Sydney Owens
Sydney Owens, CKC Agency’s college intern, is a hard-working, enthusiastic individual with a passion for learning.
Dedicated and team-oriented, Sydney is focused on adjusting to new situations and approaches every task with a creative. strategic mindset. She is utilizing her writing, communication and design skills on behalf of CKC Agency and its clients.
Sydney has gained most of her professional experience in public relations at Central Michigan University. An active member of on-campus groups including PR Central, the student-run public relations firm, and Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), she has had the opportunity to work with clients as well as gain valuable experience in the non-profit industry.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Sydney will graduate from Central Michigan University in December 2020.
