Abel Communications announced promotions of its senior leadership, as founder Greg Abel has taken on the new role of CEO and longtime agency leader Gina Richmond has been named President.
As CEO, Abel will shift his full-time focus to leading the firm’s growth strategy through business development, new partnerships, and special projects, including writing and speaking about business and public relations leadership.
In Richmond’s new role, she will oversee the firm’s day-to-day operations, lead staff, and develop new service lines to drive company growth. A valued member of the Abel team since 2010, Richmond previously held positions including Account Manager, Director of Client Service, and Senior Vice President.
“Gina earned this promotion through a decade of exceptional client service, mentoring of staff and overall leadership,” Abel said. “For myself, it’s also an exciting new chapter and I’m looking forward to leading from a high level while giving Gina the support she needs to maximize the potential of our exceptional team.”
He continued, “Obviously we are all living through challenging times, but with an improved leadership structure, we feel better positioned than ever to support our clients and ensure the long-term success of the firm.”
In addition to his role as CEO, Abel is a member of the Executive Committee of PRSA Counselors Academy, a section of the national organization focused on the success of independent firms, and a member of the GBC Leadership Class of 2019. Richmond was named a Baltimore Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient in 2016, and is former President of the Baltimore Public Relations Council. She also regularly speaks at industry events and, in 2019, launched the firm’s Innovation Lab, a workshop that helps clients uncover unique solutions to their biggest challenges.
“I am energized and motivated to help make Abel Communications the best and most forward-thinking PR firm in the Mid-Atlantic,” Richmond said. “While we continue to look ahead and plan for the future, we remain focused on helping our clients manage through the current crisis today.”
Abel Communications also announced two additional promotions as Jessica Fast has been promoted to Director of Client Services and Amanda Mantiply has been promoted to Senior Account Manager.
Founded in 2005 by Greg Abel, Abel Communications has evolved into one of the top PR firms in the region. The firm was recognized most recently by the Baltimore Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work and by PRSA Maryland, where the team received seven awards for its work in creative tactics, media relations, public service, and events.
