Walter Kraft, executive vice president, has more than 20 years of public relations, communications management and editorial experience. He has led dozens of major, successful public relations campaigns at Caponigro Public Relations in industries including automotive, consumer/retailing, financial services, manufacturing, government and many others. Before joining CPR, he was News Director at WXYZ-TV in Detroit, Mich. for five years, leading the top-rated communications and information operation of more than 100 people. He was responsible for the successful development of several community-outreach programs as well as news and promotional campaigns to enhance the station's image and visibility. Before becoming News Director, he held positions including writer, producer and executive producer; working on daily news assignments. His experience includes strong leadership in strategic planning, crisis communications/management and writing. Under his direction, WXYZ-TV won several of the most prestigious national awards - the Alfred I. duPont, Peabody, I.R.E. (Investigative Reporters and Editors) and three Emmy Awards for news coverage.
		Sharon R. McMurray, senior vice president, is a communications strategist with more than 20 years of experience in public relations, news media relations, financial communications, and consumer and employee communications. She is a seasoned counselor to senior management on communications and public relations issues, including crisis communications and reputation management. As senior vice president and director of Comerica Incorporated’s Corporate Communications Department for more than ten years, Sharon led the corporate communications efforts for all of Comerica’s significant business transactions including mergers, acquisitions, strategic alliances, divestitures and leadership transitions. She was a member of the executive team that coordinated the year-long celebration of Comerica’s 150th anniversary, including the creation of “Promises Kept,” a book detailing Comerica’s history; ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange; multiple employee celebrations in three states; and significant news media coverage. Sharon currently serves as chair of the board of Common Ground, the primary crisis intervention and prevention agency in Oakland County, and president of the board of Marian High School, a Catholic college preparatory high school for young women in Bloomfield Hills. She is a graduate of Wayne State University, an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, and a graduate of the Greater Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Detroit program.
		Chuck Ragains, senior vice president, provides senior-level public relations counsel and implementation for several of Caponigro Public Relations' clients. He has more than 30 years of leadership experience in public relations and marketing communications in the corporate, agency and nonprofit sectors. He is the former President and Partner of the Franco Public Relations Group in Detroit. He was with the firm for 12 years, progressing from Vice President to Executive Vice President to President and Partner. His experience there included developing strategic public relations programs, managing high-level editorial and media relations projects, and providing counsel to senior management at client organizations in a variety of industries. Before joining the Franco Group, he was with Burroughs Corporation (now Unisys) for more than 16 years. His positions there included responsibility for public relations, marketing communications, advertising, investor relations, corporate publications, employee communications and speechwriting. His experience also includes four years with a nonprofit, human-services agency where he was responsible for media relations, community relations, and government relations programs. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts degree in Journalism, both from Michigan State University.
		Maribeth Farkas, account supervisor, Maribeth Farkas provides assistance and support to account teams serving Caponigro Public Relations' clients. She is an experienced writer and media-relations specialist. Before joining Caponigro Public Relations, she was a Public Relations Coordinator at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester. She was a member of Crittenton's public relations staff for six years. Her public relations experience includes writing and producing several newsletters. She also has significant experience developing media information materials in a variety of corporate and technical areas. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in communication from Michigan State University. She is actively involved in the Public Relations Society of America and Michigan Health Care Communicators Association, where she is a board member and officer of its Southeast Division.