We are thrilled to share today that we are growing our team! Mary, Anneliese, Gianna and Shannon all bring experience and enthusiasm that we cannot wait to add to our campaigns for our amazing clients.

First, however, we are so excited to announce that Katie Moran has been promoted to Senior Publicist. Katie’s unbelievable skill and passion for her work each and every day is amazing and inspiring to our entire team. Congratulations, Katie!

Mary Aruti (Controller) joins the Heron team with fifteen years of consulting experience in the areas of accounting, finance, and project management with KPMG and Resources Global Professionals, a spin-off of Deloitte. Prior to that, she served as an Accounting Manager at Barclays Global Investors. Mary has a BS in Accounting from Elmhurst College, Master Certification in Supply Chain from Michigan State University, and her Project Management Certification (PMP). In her free time, Mary enjoys running, baking desserts, and volunteering at i.c. stars.

Anneliese Peper (Social Media Director) comes to Heron Agency from Portfolio Hotels & Resorts, where she oversaw and implemented social media strategies and campaigns for 20+ hotels across the country, including major hotel brands such as Hilton, IHG, Marriott (including Starwood) and independent boutique hotels. A year prior to delving in the world of hospitality, she worked at a boutique social media marketing agency where she was a PR & Social Media Manager for 3 years. At this role, she managed campaigns for a variety of clients, ranging from mayoral and presidential campaigns to fashion brands and international expos. She also spearheaded the influencer marketing division and secured many placements on a national and international scale. With everything she does in social media, she is sure to bring an analytical mind with a creative eye. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Marquette University, majoring in Public Relations with a double minor in Marketing and Advertising. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her Italian Greyhound, working out at the gym and staying on top of pop culture.

Shannon Bonnilla (Account Coordinator) started with the Heron team as a public relations intern in the spring of 2018. Her experience made her fall in love with the world of PR, and the value there is in the industry. She credits her internship at Heron for her decision to pursue a career in public relations. During her time as a college student, Shannon worked in fundraising in her university’s Office of Alumni Relations, which helped her gain experience as a communications professional. Originally from Nicaragua, Shannon speaks English and Spanish, and hopes to someday be fluent in Portuguese. She moved to Chicago in the fall of 2014 to earn her college degree. Shannon graduated from North Park University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in business. In her free time, Shannon enjoys exploring different parts of the city, spending as much time in the sun during the warmer months, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.

Gianna Fontana (Account Coordinator) comes to Heron after spending time on the editorial teams at Michigan Avenue Magazine, College Fashionista and Her Campus Columbia. During her time at each of these publications, she gained a strong understanding of clear communication and what it means to be a great storyteller. She is excited to bring her experience to Heron and make a real impact for clients. Gianna studied Multimedia Journalism at Columbia College Chicago. Growing up as a competitive figure skater in a hockey-obsessed family, it’s no surprise that you can find Gianna cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks when she’s not in the office. She also loves to indulge in all the amazing beauty treatments Chicago has to offer and spend time with her big, Italian family.

Welcome, all!