Denise Bentele, APR,
President & CEO
Denise has extensive experience in journalism and public relations. Her role is to oversee public relations consulting for Common Ground clients and coordinate staff development. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and received her APR accreditation from Public Relations Society of America.
Community Involvement:
Past President, PRSA-St. Louis Chapter
Volunteer, Women Support and Community Services
Member,
Rockwood School District student nutrition and fitness committee
Member,
Counselors Academy
Member, Missouri Venture Forum
Member, Missouri Hospital Association
Member, Missouri Biotechnology Association
Member, RCGA St. Louis
Expertise:
Business-to-Business communications
Healthcare communications
Planning
Crisis management
Lynese Hoffman,
Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer
Lynese is the co-founder and CFO of Common Ground Public Relations. Lynese’s financial and extensive business operations experience assist the agency in the day-to-day business of serving its clients and staff. She has 15 years of experience as a CFO in the public relations industry. Lynese graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, majoring in accounting, from Southeast Missouri State University.
Community Involvement:
St. Louis Executive Board Member, Alumni Chapter of Southeast Missouri State University
Member, Counselors Academy
Member, Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce
Member, FOCUS St. Louis
Member, St. Louis alumni chapter of Southeast Missouri State University
Member, RCGA St. Louis
Cheri Winchester,
Account Supervisor
With a background in journalism and public relations, Cheri's role is to develop strategic communications programs that support product sales, motivate employees and enhance brand recognition and credibility. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in agricultural journalism from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
Community Involvement:
Member, PRSA-St. Louis Chapter
President , Troy Chamber of Commerce
Expertise:
National Media Relations
Communications for medical products, managed care and bioscience
Brooke Foster,
Senior Account Executive
With a background in journalism, community advocacy and strategic communications, Brooke's role is to plan and execute public relations strategies for Common Ground clients. She has developed innovative messaging and implemented far-reaching campaigns for numerous clients, from local art organizations to multimillion-dollar political initiatives. Brooke earned her B.A. in English from Rhodes College and also holds and M.F.A. in English from Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Community Involvement:
Founding Board Member, Safe Connections Young Professionals
Speaker, St. Louis Young Authors' Conference
(Past) Executive Board Member, StudioSTL
Member, IABC-St. Louis Chapter
Expertise:
Media Relations
Writing
New and Social Media
Meghan Heeter,
Account Executive
With a background in publications and advertising, Meghan's experience ranges from writing, to promotion planning, to media relations. As an account executive, Meghan supports the team with targeted media contact and trend research and by executing media relations strategies. She earned her bachelor’s degree in media communications with a minor in public relations from Webster University.
Community Involvement:
Member, IABC-St. Louis Chapter
Expertise:
New media
Publishing
Nina Kult,
Account Executive
With a background in writing and media relations, Nina brings her experience as a journalist to Common Ground Public Relations. Prior to joining Common Ground, Nina worked as a reporter for newspapers in Chicago and St. Louis, and handled event planning and promotion for the St. Louis Aces. As an assistant account executive, Nina supports the team by writing for client publications and monitoring local and national news. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in English from Iowa State University.
Expertise:
Writing
Media Relations