Merisa Ashbaugh

Senior Account Executive

Merisa is a talented writer with fresh, creative ideas who keeps her finger on the pulse of all the latest communication and cultural trends. These attributes, along with her drive to help clients succeed, have enabled her to develop and implement strategic media relations plans to elevate those she serves in the economic development, environmental, higher education, non-profit and transportation arenas.

Since joining the firm in 2018, Merisa has built and maintained working relationships with local media outlets throughout several states, as well as trade publications, securing extensive news and feature coverage for clients. In addition to drafting and pitching media materials, she also writes social, newsletter, blog, website, advertising and marketing content; collaborates with designers and web developers to carry out the design of these materials; and coordinates targeted ad buys.

Merisa graduated from McKendree University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and a minor in Organizational Communication. While completing her undergraduate studies, she worked as a staff writer for the student-run newspaper, The McKendree Review, and gained valuable hands-on skills through internships at Allied Integrated Marketing and The Hauser Group.

team members:

Julie Hauser

PRESIDENT

A 30-year veteran of the PR industry, Julie’s experience includes time as editor of a major metropolitan magazine, as well as more than 25 years as principal of a St. Louis-based public relations firm that has the honor of having client relationships dating back to the firm’s earliest years.

Kelly Harris

SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Kelly is a creative, enthusiastic, go-getter with a steadfast commitment to helping those she serves effectively communicate key messages to target audiences in an ever-changing marketplace.

Abigail Rolland

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Abigail has been providing media relations, strategic communications implementation, reporting and internship program supervision, since joining The Hauser Group team in 2015.

supporting team members:

Kiera Monaco

FINANCIAL MANAGER

Kiera joined The Hauser Group as a member of the finance team in December 2022. A licensed CPA, she started her career in the public accounting industry in Chicago, sharpening her skills at one the nation’s top four accounting firms. She will put that experience to use as she takes an active role in the day-to-day management of The Hauser Group’s financial operations.

interns:

Julie Garcia

INTERN

Julie is a senior at the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) where she is earning her bachelor’s degree in communication.

Michal Kate Reynolds

INTERN

Michal Kate is a senior at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a concentration in journalism. She is also earning a minor in marketing.