Solomon McCown & Company, one of the region’s leading public relations firms, announced that Daniel F. Cence, a member of the agency’s senior leadership team for the past four years, is now Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner. Moving forward, the agency will be known as Solomon McCown & Cence.
“When you build a business that you love and pour everything you have into it, you hope that one day there will be a next generation to carry it forward,” said Helene Solomon, Founder. She and Ashley McCown will now serve as Co-Presidents. “We have known and worked with Dan for years. He is passionate about this agency and the high standard of work we do, and he is the right person to shepherd Solomon McCown & Cence into the next era,” added Solomon. “Ashley and I look forward to continuing on with Dan to support clients, staff and Dan’s vision for growth.”
Helene and Ashley have known and worked with Dan since he began his career in public relations more than 25 years ago. Since joining SM& in 2016, Dan has touched all aspects of the business, helping expand core services, lead the public affairs practice and launch and lead the government relations practice. He is both a talented communications and public affairs strategist adept at directing strategic communications, community and government relations, political intelligence, lobbying, procurement representation, ballot initiatives, and grassroots organizing as well as a gifted leader.
“I’m honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of the agency,” said Cence. “We have a talented, dynamic team that I’ve loved working alongside for the last several years and now am ready to lead. Helene and Ashley are great friends and mentors of mine, and I look forward to continuing to benefit from their partnership and insight in the years ahead.”
Earlier in his career, Cence was an aide to City Councilor Tom Keane, Government and Community Affairs Director for District Attorney Dan Conley, Press Secretary for Chris Gabrieli’s bid for Governor of Massachusetts and later was a part of Mayor Tom Menino’s reelection team. Prior to joining SM&, he co-founded Cence Cincotti Strategies.
Solomon McCown was founded in 2003 based on several principles. Working closely with pre-eminent companies in real estate, health care, education as well as mission focused and non-profit organizations, the agency delivers senior level counsel and outstanding public relations services. Guided by this passion and supported by an extraordinary group of committed professionals Solomon McCown has become a leading, fully integrated firm, providing crisis communications, public affairs, government relations and digital services. The company’s sweet spot is working with clients to solve complex problems at the intersection of business and policy.
“We are proud and grateful that we get to do what we do every day: work that matters, for organizations with a strong sense of mission, thanks to the hard work and dedication of amazing staff,” said McCown. “The ampersand at the end of our logo, communicates our belief in the power of collaboration, with clients, partners and staff. We could not be prouder to add Dan Cence’s name after that ampersand,” she added.
