I believed in the Ruder Finn heritage since I arrived 11 years ago—it’s what drew me to the company after years in corporate marketing in the travel industry. And I’ve stayed with the company because of the people I’ve been able to work with and the clients I’ve had the privilege of knowing and promoting. Now, having the opportunity to launch Finn Partners, the future is brighter than ever.
When I started in this business, the Internet was just catching fire—it was intoxicating, and it led me to create and direct strategic communications programs for pioneers that touched nearly every aspect of the medium—starting with Spyglass, creator of a web browser that became the basis for Internet Explorer, and including Autobytel, Napster, Citysearch, and Evite. As the Internet discovered the power of social media, we partnered with Demand Media and its properties, including LIVESTRONG.COM, eHow.com, Demand Studios and Pluck.
Now, as technology and consumer products go hand-in-hand, I’m working with brands that are at the forefront of consumer demand: Logitech, StubHub, Active.com and others. All brands bent on the desire to build what their customers want and to push the envelope of what’s possible.
When I was named to PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 list in 2010, I was shocked and excited—but more than that, I was proud of my teams, my clients and all we had accomplished together. At my alma mater, Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, we are taught the power of independent thinking—and of our responsibility to carry that on in our professional and personal lives. I’m so pleased to be part of a team—the Finn Partners team—that believes in that as well.