Based in Portland, Oregon with satellite offices in Washington & Colorado, Akimbo Communications was established in 2008 and specializes in promoting all things outdoor, wellness, and active lifestyle. With decades of experience across agency and in-house corporate marketing positions, we offer our clients a more holistic approach to communications and public relations. We like to consider ourselves an extension of your company – a partner to offer strategy, support and consistent communication on behalf of your team and brand.

kate gaeir, FOUNDER / principal

Practically raised in the world of sports marketing and media relations, Kate's first industry job was working for Nike as a print model at age five. As a native Oregonian, she later pursued marketing positions at adidas Golf and Helly Hansen where her passion for PR blossomed. In 2008, Kate returned to Portland and established Akimbo Communications to offer authentic and personal communications support for clients in the outdoor and active lifestyle industries. Equally at home among the dense forests and rippling rivers as the concrete jungle of the urban landscape, Kate's network extends coast to coast - and all the mountain towns in between - and specializes in crossing endemic companies over into sought after lifestyle brands through placements in both core and general consumer media outlets. She focuses on the whole picture: marketing, events and public relations to build campaigns that are creative, inspiring and successful. When not in the office or on a plane, Kate can be found refueling on fresh air with her family and dog, Hazel at their cabin in the shadow of Mt. Hood.

casey raymer, account EXECUTIVE

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Casey took the outdoor passions she grew up with and made them a part of her career. With over 20 years of experience in the outdoor and action sports industry, her enthusiasm, ability to adapt and work ethic led to various roles and responsibilities – most recently as the Global Marketing Director for Ride Snowboards. In July 2014, her family made the move to Ketchum, Idaho, and soon after she jumped on-board with Akimbo Communications. Casey loves to stay on top of the ever-evolving marketing landscape and her passion lies in public relations, copy writing and project management. With many years spent in house driving brand objectives, she fully understands the benefits that a good PR firm can offer and is proud to be a part of the Akimbo team. When outside the office, you’ll find her making the most of the outdoors with her husband and two sons, adventuring in and around their home in Anacortes, Washington at the gateway to the beautiful San Juan Islands.

ABIGALE YOUCHA, account MANAGER

Abigale is a native East Coaster who has always had a passion for outdoor recreation. When the mountains of Colorado called, she answered. Working as a Certified Recreation Therapist in Colorado Springs, Abigale fell in love with the people and landscape of the rocky mountains. When she found an opportunity to work in the cycling industry she jumped at it, including seven years across brand marketing at Pearl Izumi before joining the Akimbo team. With a passion for mountain biking as her driving force, she eagerly adventures off to explore new trails and camp with her husband. Beyond biking, Abigale enjoys cross-country skiing, split-boarding, running, and baking. 

Margaux Maertens, account MANAGER

Raised in Maine, Margaux grew up chasing fresh air and big views,  a pull that's shaped both her career and the brands she's drawn to. She most recently cut her teeth in brand marketing as the Brand Marketing Manager for Sea to Summit, the global outdoor gear company, before going independent to work directly with clients across the outdoor, lifestyle, and specialty food and wellness space. Today she splits her time between her own client roster and contract work, moving fluidly between PR writing, media outreach, content production, social strategy, and campaigns. Margaux has a soft spot for brands that feel human rather than polished for polish's sake, and a knack for turning a scattered set of ideas into a clear, compelling story. When she's not deep in a content calendar, you'll find her teaching yoga, fly fishing, riding motorcycles, or planning her next backpacking trip with her pup, Summit.