Meet the Team | Bear Icebox Communications

We are proud to be a diverse team of professionals with a wide range of experience representing established and emerging concepts. Our team has helped businesses grow at all levels of growth and development.

Bob Spoerl

Co-founder and Director of Public Relations

Bob brings years of experience in agency life creating campaigns that deliver results. A graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and former WTTW fellow, he has a keen pulse on Chicago media as well as real estate and retail media through years working with franchises.

DeAnna Spoerl

Co-owner and Director of Client Services

DeAnna brings over 15 years of experience in communications, sales, finance and customer service. As a semi-serial entrepreneur, she’s helped start and grow three companies and provide consultation for other brands. She’s people-focused and results driven.

Sean Wille

Director of Operations

Sean gained expertise in brand management and marketing under Fortune 500 leadership before launching a hospitality group, focusing on PR, marketing, & communications. With a background in operational efficiency and strategic restaurant management, he brings a unique skill set to drive success across a wide range of industries.

Susan Stoga

Senior PR & Crisis Communications Strategist

Susan brings extensive experience in PR and strategy including campaigns for food manufacturers, restaurants and food-related organizations. She has worked with iconic brands such as Vienna Beef, Portillo’s, Hilton and more.

Cristy Brusoe

Senior Media Relations Strategist

Cristy is an expert with national media, working for a variety of clients, from App Data Room to NFL Play 60 to Noodles & Co and HouseMaster, landing interest from the New York Times, Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and more.

James Rodriguez

Account Manager + Media Relations

James joins our team and brings a background in political PR and communications. He’s a graduate from NYU with a study in political science. His skills have helped land media placements that keep our clients in the news and happy.

Danna Tabachnik

Account Manager

Danna is a storyteller passionate about shaping narratives and elevating brand awareness. After graduating from Drake University with a Master’s in Communication, she joined the agency world. Danna has experience in multiple industries, including entertainment, live events, spirits and recreation.

Katie Burns

Account Manager + Media Relations

Katie graduated from Iowa State University and started her PR journey in Des Moines, Iowa, where she was able to gain valuable experience writing content, connecting with reporters, and gaining coverage for a variety of clients across different industries.

Geo Lawrence

senior account coordinator

Geo graduated from Loyola University Chicago and is an experienced social media manager, photographer, writer and PR pro. He was the recipient of the Publicity Club of Chicago’s 30 Under 30 Award and was recently an assistant account executive at a Chicago-based agency before joining our team.

Gabriela Silverio

junior coordinator

Gabriela is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago and a digital marketing specialist. She has experience working with global companies in Spanish speaking markets and is Hubspot and Google Analytics certified among other digital certifications.

Gavin Lipinski

ACCOUNT FELLOW

Gavin is on track to graduate from Columbia College Chicago in May, 2025 with a degree in journalism. Primarily focusing on magazine creation and communications with experience contributing for fashion magazines and blogs. He gained a creative perspective that manifests in a multimedia approach focused on creative solutions.

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