Carrie Skogsberg, 27

By Emily Hartzog

Carrie Skogsberg is a people-person, and as lead account executive for PR Etc., a public and media relations company, she finds that quality serves her well.

“(In my job) my mind is all over the place. I get to meet all kinds of people and learn about a variety of industries for my clients,” she explained. “It makes the job fun.” Whether she’s pitching a story to an agri-business trade publication or overseeing the development of a Web site, Skogsberg brings a cheerful demeanor to her work, and feels that being an outsider has its advantages.

“As I’m learning about a client and their industry, I can present a fresh angle, a different insight,” she explained. She feels the same way about her decision to settle down in Rockford. “I think the people who move here are the most positive about our community.”

A native of Springfield, Ill., Skogsberg met her husband while attending Eastern Illinois University and the couple relocated to Rockford in 2004. Soon after, Skogsberg was hired as communications coordinator for the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB), a position that allowed her to explore all the region has to offer. She quickly became active in the community, serving on various boards and committees and networking with other professionals.

Today, Skogsberg is chair of the River District Association Promotions Committee, and active with Midway Village, Next Rockford, Byronfest and Heartland Church. Her professional and volunteer responsibilities aren’t the only things growing — she and her husband are expecting their first baby in October.