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.
		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.
		Dan Cherrin, Esq., vice president, Dan Cherrin provides senior public relations and government relations counsel, and direct media relations and lobbying services, to several Caponigro PR clients. Before joining Caponigro PR in 2005, he was Vice President/Managing Partner for the public relations/government relations firm Public I. He was with Public I for two years conducting public/media relations and branding/image campaigns, while also implementing comprehensive government relations/public affairs work. At Public I, he handled public relations and government relations for several of the firm’s clients, including: the Detroit & Canada Tunnel Corporation, the busiest passenger border crossing on the U.S. Canadian border; the City of Windsor, Ontario; StartupNation, a multimedia company with a nationally syndicated radio show; and, Gowlings, one of Canada’s largest law firms. Before joining Public I, he was the lead federal lobbyist for the Detroit Regional Chamber for three years. He is a registered lobbyist in the State of Michigan, with the U.S. Congress and in the country of Canada. Before his years at the Detroit Regional Chamber, he was an attorney at the Southfield law firm of Miller, Schpiece & Andrews, P.C. He earned his law degree from Michigan State University’s College of Law, after gaining his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan. He is actively involved in a number of business/community organizations. He is a board member of Childhelp USA, the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Thing Society and the Downtown Development Authority for the city of Berkley. He is a member of the Michigan Bar Association’s Committee on the Establishment of Business Courts and the American Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Division. He was named in 2003 to Crain’s Detroit Business’ “40 under 40” list.
		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.