C.O.nxt Welcomes Food System Focused Talent to Its Growing Team

HARTLAND, Wis. (December 5, 2022)—C.O.nxt recently welcomed three talented team members to the 100% employee-owned agency. These new hires bring a wide variety of food system experience, enhancing the agency’s robust team of agriculture and food communicators.

Samantha Murnin joins the team as an account executive. Murnin has a wealth of experience in agricultural communications and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science with a minor in agriculture business from Colorado State University. Murnin has worked with agencies, breed associations and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“Taan brings our clients and agency so much value,” said Steuer. “To collaborate and learn with a group of peer agency owners and operators is really powerful. There is global representation, which highlights both the similarities and differences in how we operate, but at the end of the day we all want to run great agencies, work with great clients and do great work. To have a trusted network that provides fresh perspectives, new solutions and cutting-edge industry insights is unique, and I’m proud to be a part of shaping its future.”

“Samantha is an incredible asset to our team and our clients,” says Matt Olson, Account Supervisor. “We are thrilled to welcome such a dedicated and talented account executive to our growing client services team.”

In her role at C.O.nxt, Murnin is responsible for day-to-day client contact, leading tactical execution of campaigns while maintaining budget and developing new solutions for her clients.

Kelli Calkins joins C.O.nxt’s digital and media team as a social media manager. Calkins has served in a variety of social media and marketing positions around Wisconsin and serves as a social media influencer in the food and beverage space. She holds a Bachelor of Science in interactive web management and a minor in journalism from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.

“Kelli has already demonstrated an incredible knowledge of the ever-changing social media landscape and how best to leverage it for our clients,” says Amy Rohweder, Digital Director. “Her keen sense of social media savvy helps us show up for our clients in new and exciting ways.”

At C.O.nxt, Calkins spearheads social media strategy, uncovers new social trends and delivers insightful and actionable analytics to help our clients optimize their social presence.

Rochelle Ripp Schnadt joins the team as senior public relations supervisor. Schnadt is an experienced agriculture marketing and communications specialist with a demonstrated history of PR and media relations success, including having served as Wisconsin’s 65th Alice in Dairyland. Schnadt holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness, marketing and communications from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.

“We are so excited to welcome Rochelle to the C.O.nxt team,” says Jen Wallace, EVP Creative Services. “Her dedication to the industry, work ethic and relationship-building skills make her the perfect choice to lead our public relations team.”

As Senior PR Supervisor, Schnadt oversees all client and agency PR efforts and works closely with the media and influencers to help our clients show up in unexpected, impactful ways.