Two members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation staff team have new responsibilities.
Sonnentag Named Director of Media Relations and Outreach
Cassie Sonnentag has been named WFBF’s Director of Media Relations and Outreach. Sonnentag has served as WFBF’s District 4 Coordinator since June of 2017.
In her new role, Cassie will oversee WFBF’s media relations efforts. She will write press releases and coordinate media events and interviews. She will oversee WFBF’s social media strategy and channels along with WFBF’s advertising. She will provide editorial content for Rural Route and other publications and work to develop and maintain partnerships with external partners and manage special projects as assigned.
Cassie and her husband, Allen (Bud), live near Cadott, where they are involved in the family’s business, Sonnentag Custom Farming, which provides custom harvesting services in the area. Cassie earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and communications and leadership from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Prior to joining the Farm Bureau staff, she worked for the newspaper publication, Dairy Star, as the Midwest regional reporter.
Viney Named Public Relations Coordinator
Marian Viney has been named WFBF’s Public Relations Coordinator. She previously served as WFBF’s Communications Specialist and Graphic Designer.
In this role Marian will write, edit and design content for WFBF’s district newsletters and postcards and assist with writing and editing for the Rural Route magazine. She will oversee the content and distribution of three digital communication pieces including Ag Newswire, Policy Pulse and County Leader Connection and maintain the organization’s website. With a passion for writing and editing, Marian will continue to contribute to Rural Route and to assist with other promotional pieces and media releases.
Marian and her husband, Doug, have three sons and live in Belleville, where she serves as clerk on the local school board and on other boards and as a member of numerous community organizations. Marian taught religious education from the time she was in high school until last year.
Marian grew up on a dairy farm near Oregon and was an active member of the Oregon Headliner’s 4-H Club and the Oregon FFA. She earned bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism with a minor in marketing from the UW-Madison.
After earning her degree, Marian worked at the American Society of Agronomy as an assistant, associate and managing editor of the Society’s journals, books and other publications. Prior to working with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Viney served as managing editor for Agri-View, a Wisconsin agricultural newspaper and as a marketing specialist with the Wisconsin Historical Society.
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