Grand Rapids, Mich. – October 11, 2013 – Lambert, one of Michigan’s top-ranked public relations agencies and the state’s largest investor relations firm, announced the addition of three new members to its RIPPLE+AFFECT digital and social media team.

Derek DeVries, Senior Associate
Derek DeVries was named senior associate in Lambert digital practice and will provide social media marketing, online reputation management and strategic counsel for a variety of clients across Lambert’s five other practices.  He comes to Lambert with over a decade of experience in digital public relations and marketing.
Most recently, DeVries served as marketing associate for 834 Marketing & Design.  Prior to that, he spent over a decade in higher education managing crisis communications, web development, online community management, digital marketing and employee communications.  He also has previous agency experience.
DeVries holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and currently serves as an adjunct professor at GVSU teaching public relations.

John VanderHaagen, Senior Associate
John VanderHaagen joins Lambert as a Senior Associate in the RIPPLE+AFFECT digital practice bringing with him social media management, sales management and live event promotion and production experience. He most recently worked as the Social Media Sales & Marketing Manager for the Detroit Red Wings American Hockey League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. During his time with the Griffins, VanderHaagen was responsible for all social media profiles and platforms. He was also the game night music coordinator for the arena.
Before joining the Griffins, VanderHaagen worked as the Director of Game Operations & Corporate Sales Fulfillment and Director of Ticket Sales for the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League. He also served as the Promotions and Operations Manager for the Orpheum Theatre and the Group Sales Manager for the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Performance Hall.

VanderHaagen is a Calvin College alumnus, graduating with a Business and Communication Arts & Sciences degree.

Abby Hartig, Associate
Abby Hartig has been added as an Associate to Lambert’s RIPPLE+AFFECTteam providing public relations, event planning, copywriting and social media best practices and implementation.

Most recently, Hartig worked as a Social Media Specialist at digital marketing agency Bevelwise. She managed social media and search engine marketing campaigns for a variety of clients ranging from local businesses to large national brands such as Ryder, MotorGuide and Surgeon’s Skin Secret. Her responsibilities ranged from SEO tasks, PPC campaign management, social media strategy and more.
Before joining the Bevelwise team, Hartig managed social media and reputation management for a local auto dealership group, building up their social presence and overseeing their review solicitation process among other duties.

Hartig graduated from Grand Valley State University with degrees in Public Relations and Advertising and Journalism.

About Lambert
Named the 2010 PRWeek Small Agency of the Year, Lambert (www.lambertweb.wpengine.com) is a top-10 Midwest-based PR firm and a top-20 investor relations firm nationally with clients based in 20 states and five countries.  As Michigan’s only statewide PR firm – with offices in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit –Lambert serves middle-market companies and national brands in five practice areas: Automotive, Consumer, Financial Communications, Health Care and Public Affairs. Lambert has posted 13 years of growth, been named an Edward Lowe “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” and earned four Silver Anvil awards – the PR profession’s highest honor.  Follow us on Twitter @LambertEdwards