Interdependence PR: Chicago Firm With Performance Guarantee

Interdependence Public Relations (IDPR) is a Chicago PR and media communications agency led by President Sarah Schmidt. It describes itself as a tech-powered agency that pairs senior media relations veterans and former journalists with proprietary AI, and it sells a performance guarantee rather than a standard retainer. It serves technology, consumer, health, professional services and other clients.

Originally published September 2020. Updated October 18, 2026.

Who leads Interdependence Public Relations?

Sarah Schmidt is president and executive leader, according to the firm's website, which says she drives brand and account strategy, client satisfaction, team management and business growth. She holds a master's degree in advertising and public relations from Marquette University. The firm's website describes her experience across consumer products, travel, fashion, retail, entertainment, professional services, technology and healthcare. O'Dwyer's current listing also names Lindsey Rathjen as senior vice president for health and Geetha Kerlin and Molly Bell as vice presidents for consumer, entertainment and travel, and reports that the agency named Matthew Aversa to lead a newly launched entertainment division as vice president.

How has Interdependence described itself over time?

O'Dwyer's carries two versions of the firm's agency statement. The earlier listing, which gave 110 employees, described a leading integrated communications firm whose experts weave brand storylines through its Interviewed AI, staffed by PR and media relations veterans and experienced journalists. The current listing, with 75 employees, describes a partner where seasoned human expertise, proprietary AI and a performance guarantee converge, and says clients buy reputation, authority and momentum rather than press releases or retainers. The firm's current statement adds that if it does not deliver what it promised, it keeps working until it does.

Item	Earlier O'Dwyer's listing	Current O'Dwyer's listing
Employees	110	75
Positioning	Integrated communications firm using Interviewed AI	Human expertise, proprietary AI and a performance guarantee
Founded	2011	2011

What is the performance guarantee?

Interdependence says its clients do not buy press releases or retainers and that it converges seasoned human expertise, proprietary AI and a performance guarantee. The firm ties compensation to committed earned-media results, which is the firm's own description and has not been independently tested.

What does Interdependence do?

O'Dwyer's lists integrated marketing campaigns, public relations, media relations, social media and digital, influencer marketing, crisis, event and experiential, strategic brand development and work in health and wellness, nonprofit, B2B and tech, travel and lifestyle, financial, real estate and law. O'Dwyer's also reports a newly launched entertainment division. Clutch reviewers describe media relations, influencer marketing, SEO management and social media engagement. EPR's technology PR agencies page covers the wider category.

Which clients has Interdependence worked with?

O'Dwyer's lists ATI Physical Therapy as a client. Clutch reviews describe engagements for an airspace security and defense company, a snack producer, a real estate software company, a financing company, a debt relief company, a molecular testing laboratory, a bank, a humanitarian nonprofit, an attractions industry association, an education company and a sporting goods company, among others. These are agency-reported or client-reported.

What do clients say about Interdependence?

Clutch's review summaries say Interdependence is noted for good value for cost, fitting client budgets and delivering timely results, and that clients appreciate its flexibility and client-centric approach. Some clients noted the firm could improve the depth of its relationships with challenging tier 1 publications to further enhance coverage. These are summaries of client reviews and have not been independently verified.

How does Interdependence compare with other Chicago PR firms?

Interdependence is a mid-sized independent. EPR's Chicago PR firms directory is the closest comparison, and peer profiles include Greentarget and Public Communications Inc.

Firm	Detail, per EPR's firm directory
Interdependence	Chicago tech-powered digital PR firm with a performance-based fee model
Greentarget	Chicago firm founded in 2005 for professional services
Public Communications Inc	Independent Chicago firm founded in 1962; healthcare, conservation, education, culture and nonprofit clients
Walker Sands	Chicago B2B growth services agency founded in 2001

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Related: PR agency profiles, Technology PR agencies, Chicago PR firms, Greentarget, 5W Public Relations