The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced five new hires in the consumer marketing, interactive and emerging media, financial services and technology practices.

Heather Schwartz, APR, joined the consumer marketing practice as an account supervisor. Prior to Weber Shandwick, Schwartz served as brand public relations director at a local firm where she oversaw the marketing strategy, campaign development and execution for all consumer brand and health care accounts. Originally from Oakdale, Minn., Schwartz graduated from Augsburg College with a bachelor's degree in communications with a public relations emphasis. Schwartz is also an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and is the founder and co-chair of the Alphabet Bash, Minnesota’s marketing, communications, public relations and advertising communities’ premier networking event.

After completing her internship, Rachael Lybeck joined the interactive and emerging media practice as a junior graphic designer. A native of New Richmond, Wis., Lybeck graduated from University of Minnesota, Duluth with a bachelor's degree in graphic design.

Jessica Hannon also joined the interactive and emerging media practice as a graphic designer. Prior to Weber Shandwick, Hannon designed and produced newspaper advertisements, posters, billboards and direct mail for the Native American gaming industry. Hannon earned her bachelor's degree in graphic design from The Art Institutes International of Minnesota.

Courtney Finn joined the financial services practice as a senior account executive. Prior to Weber Shandwick, Finn worked on business-to-business and consumer accounts at a Las Vegas public relations firm. A native of Edina, Minn., Finn earned her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Vermont.

JoDee George joined the technology practice as an account group manager. Prior to Weber Shandwick, George was the director of issues management for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) where she balanced industry response to three of the largest ground beef recalls in history with the launch of proactive consumer campaigns on topics such as sustainability and food safety. Previously, George worked for PR firms in Kansas City, Mo., and Portland, Ore., where her clients covered food, beverage, agribusiness, technology and energy sectors. She recently joined the local North Central chapter of National Agri-Marketing Association’s board of directors and has been an active member of the Northwestern Alumni Club and Admissions Council and Junior League. George is originally from southern Wisconsin and graduated from Northwestern University with a political science degree.