Peter Mayer today announced it has hired five new employees since mid-December, continuing a rapid increase in the company’s ranks that started in early 2011.

“We’re investing in new talent that will allow us to better meet the growing specialized needs of our clients,” said Mark A. Mayer, agency president.

Erin Durbin has been hired as a Digital Account Executive. Erin comes from Baltimore, where she was the communications coordinator for the Carson Scholars Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing academic achievement in America’s young men and women. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with concentrations in advertising and psychology from the University of Miami.

Emily Edson has been hired as a Junior Account Executive. Emily completed Peter Mayer’s summer internship program. She majored in communication and rhetoric and minored in studio arts at the University of Pittsburgh.

Valerie Galati has been hired as an Associate Project Manager for CenturyLink. Valerie comes from St. Charles Vision, where she was working in sales and marketing. She majored in public relations at the University of Miami.

Brian Oberkirch has been hired as Director of Interactive Strategy. Brian comes from Wieden + Kennedy in Portland, Ore., where he spent the past year as a senior digital strategist. He has 15 years of experience in advertising, marketing and public relations, working with clients such as Nokia, EADS Telecom and Procter & Gamble. Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in communication marketing and a master’s degree in communication arts from the University of South Alabama; he earned a Ph.D. in humanities from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Danielle Russo has been hired as a Graphic Designer. Danielle comes from ShoppersChoice.com in Baton Rouge, where she was a web and graphic designer. A native of Mandeville, she earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from LSU.