Based in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Caliber Senior Account Executive Maddie Hirsch joined the team in February 2022. She sat down with Caliber Culture Manager, Kate Forster, to talk about her career in PR, love of Taylor Swift and passion for the Mizzou marching band. Read on to learn more about Caliber Senior Account Executive Maddie Hirsch in this Staff Spotlight interview.

Kate: Since we’re a work-from-home friendly workplace, tell us about “home” for you!

Maddie: I’m originally from the northern Chicago suburbs, moved to Missouri to attend college, and worked there for a few years at a content marketing agency after graduation. Shortly after starting at Caliber, I moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to be closer to my family, who moved here when I left for college. The town is right on the Wisconsin-Illinois border near Lake Michigan, so I’m close enough to where I grew up to visit friends and family who still live in the area while also exploring a new location. 

Kate: Since joining Caliber, what career milestone makes you proud?

Maddie: One of my favorite parts of my role as a Caliber SAE is helping to secure media coverage for clients. In my first six months, I helped to secure over 80 pieces of coverage across tier 1, local and trade publications. Plus, I’ve been able to help clients secure various speaking opportunities and win top fintech awards in the industry. 

Kate: What do you like to do outside of work?

Maddie: Many of my fellow Caliber team members know I’m a huge marching band geek. Outside of work, I’m currently the president of the board of directors for the Marching Mizzou Alumni Band. My role as president involves planning alumni band gatherings and performances, fundraising and scholarship support for the student band and so much more.

Kate: What’s something your colleagues don’t know about you?

Maddie: Many people are surprised to hear that I knew since I was 16 that I wanted to go into public relations. I found my passion for public relations through volunteer experience in my high school band program. I started writing press releases and pitching local media about upcoming concerts and fundraising events to help spread the word, build awareness and invite the community to participate. I’ve always enjoyed the service aspect of public relations. I love getting to help startups and businesses build their brand and increase awareness of the great work they’re doing, which hopefully helps them attract more customers. My time at Caliber has shown me many ways to help clients gain awareness in the industry, and I’m looking forward to continuing to help clients achieve their goals through our PR efforts. 

Kate: What’s your favorite part of your job as a Caliber Senior Account Executive?

Maddie: My favorite part of my role is working with our fantastic clients and team members daily. My role involves being the main point of contact for all of my clients, so I love connecting on our weekly calls to catch up on what is going on in their world, whether it’s coordinating announcements or even sending inspiration for future content or social post ideas. Plus, I love working with so many members of Caliber’s leadership team, which has allowed me to grow significantly in my role in such a short amount of time since joining the agency. Caliber hires incredible PR professionals who know the industry and want to help you grow in your career. 

Kate: What’s one accomplishment from your childhood that you still brag about?

Maddie: I started a candy cane gram fundraiser my sophomore year of high school modeled after the scene in Mean Girls, and it was one of the most fun experiences of my life that showed me the power of public relations and entrepreneurship. Plus, who doesn’t love getting a fun holiday treat?

Kate: What’s one thing that amazes you about fintech or innovation in financial services?

Maddie: One of my favorite aspects of fintech is the common goal to encourage financial literacy and accessibility for all. It’s well known across the industry that financial services and insurance are confusing or inaccessible, so I love that so many companies, including many of our Caliber clients, are taking action to democratize access to financial services and insurance for all. 

Kate: What are you most thankful for?

Maddie: This holiday season, I am most thankful for my incredible support network of family, friends and colleagues. They have supported me through so many life changes over the last year and helped to challenge me to be my best self each day. Also, thankful for Taylor Swift, her music and the chance to attend her upcoming tour. 

Kate: If you had to include one ingredient in every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Maddie: No question about it: I would include bagel seasoning in every meal. I already put it on many things besides bagels, including soups, eggs, chicken, etc. I’m sure I could find more creative ways to make it happen.