French/West/Vaughan (FWV), one of the nation’s leading independently held public relations and integrated marketing agencies, announced six promotions across its agency network. The promotions follow a successful year for the agency, as well as FWV’s recent acquisition of Metro Detroit-based The Millerschin Group.
“Our agency’s growth is a direct result of our associates’ hard work and dedication to the highest caliber of client service and support,” said FWV Chairman & CEO Rick French. “We are proud to recognize and congratulate these six talented individuals on their well-deserved promotions.”
Kaitlyn DeSimone has been promoted to Account Supervisor. In her new role, DeSimone will continue delivering strategic support for key clients, including leading apparel and Western lifestyle brands. Before joining FWV in 2021, she worked with tech and business-to-business (B2B) companies focused on advertising. DeSimone graduated from East Carolina University with a Master of Business Administration, a certificate in marketing and a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising.
FWV has appointed Anne Bowers to Senior Account Executive, where she will continue supporting clients across a range of sectors, including apparel, sports, real estate and food & beverage. Joining the agency as an Account Executive in 2022, she has prior agency B2B and business-to-consumer (B2C) public relations experience. Bowers holds a bachelor’s degree in communications science and social inquiry from Virginia Tech.
Lauren French has been promoted to Senior Account Executive. Since joining FWV in 2020, she has contributed to client accounts in the sports, public affairs, apparel and pet products spaces, among others. She held previous positions with the Carolina Hurricanes, NC State University Athletics and the Durham Bulls. French graduated from NC State University with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.
The agency has named Madeline Hiller to Senior Account Executive. Hiller will continue providing media relations and account service support for technology, corporate, sports and education clients. Hiller joined the agency in 2021, bringing prior experience in nonprofit and event communications. She helps mentor future communications professionals as a member of FWV’s internship committee. Hiller holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Sarah Grace Johnson has been named Social Media & Influencer Marketing Specialist. She will continue supporting the social media team to execute influencer marketing campaigns and aid in community management and content development for multiple agency clients, as well as maintain her role on FWV’s internship committee. Johnson graduated from NC State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications with a public relations concentration and a minor in journalism.
In addition, CGPR – FWV’s Greater Boston office – has promoted Ben Pejko to Assistant Account Executive, where he will continue to support consumer brands in the active lifestyle space. Pejko is an Emerson College graduate with both a Master of Public Relations and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with minors in environmental studies and public relations.
FWV employs more than 130 public relations, public affairs, social media, advertising and digital marketing experts among its Raleigh, New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Detroit and Tampa offices. To find information on careers at FWV, visit fwv-us.com/Careers.
About French/West/Vaughan
Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., FWV is the most decorated agency in the history of the Southeast region, amassing nearly 1,500 PR, advertising and digital marketing awards on behalf of its blue chip roster of clients. It employs more than 130 associates across its agency network. It is a partner in IPREX, a global network of independent PR and communications agencies with offices in more than 100 markets across the globe. For more information, visit fwv-us.com.