Hi there. I’m Abby.

I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a marketing and consulting career across a who’s-who list of the most impressive brands on the planet. Over the last 20+ years, my teams and I have driven exceptional results for our clients and our agency. My work is conducted through a lens of equity and inclusion and a deep commitment to the consultative communications craft.

In addition to the work featured on this site, I’m working on my first (as yet untitled) book, set for publication in 2024. That title focuses on distilling my 25 years of professional wisdom into bite-sized guidance. To be added to the waitlist, click below. 

While we’ve snagged a variety of accolades and awards over the years, including Cannes Lions, Emmys, Employee- and Team-of-the-Year awards, none of them compare to the daily badge I wear with the most pride: working mom.

When I’m not at work, you can find me in a National Park, curled up with a book, trying a new recipe, cracking a joke or meditating.

Let’s connect!

BOTTOM-LINE SUCCESS ACROSS VERTICALS

As managing director of the Retail Consultancy and then the CPG consultancy, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of driving commercial success for our clients and our firm. While it’s tough to choose, here are three standout client examples of work that I love to do.

Retail | Challenger Brands | QSR

  • Dethroned Burger King’s position as the #2 QSR, a historic takeover in a highly competitive space

  • Led comms strategy for massively successful breakfast daypart launch

  • Designed aggressive market advancement plan including establishing “Fast Food Done Right,” a unified narrative for all efforts

Retail | Cult Brands | Outdoor | Global

  • Successfully grew engagement (and US footprint) for unique Swedish brand

  • Maintained relationships with priority audience(s) while expanding into adjacent media and consumer verticals

  • Drove increased cache for the Classic event (which included backpacking and camping with clients and media for four days!)

CPG | “Boring” & “Taboo” Topics | Equity

  • Drove outsized results for “below the belt” brands, including various toilet paper, incontinence and FemCare products

  • Favorite moment: establishing the Alliance for Period supplies, a non-profit dedicated to the eradication of period poverty

CORPORATE & REPUTATION STRATEGY

Brand promotion demands brand protection. I have a host of experience in managing a number of corporate reputation and strategic initiatives. Here’s a sampling:

Franchisee Relations

Franchised companies need a system that is deeply rooted in a strong, shared purpose.

  • From establishing “Own Your Opportunity” for Wendy’s to leading recruiting efforts for Ace Hardware during the pandemic, I have deep experience in delivering programs that answer franchisee needs and simultaneously “grow the whole”

  • Example clients: Ace Hardware, Aspen Dental, Hallmark, Massage Envy, Wendy’s

Issues & Crisis Needs

These are dynamic times for brands. My experience runs the gamut on I&C needs, including:

  • Establishing cross-functional issues management protocol

  • Working quickly, decisively and cohesively across teams and departments as reputation issues arise

  • Drafting statements, actively monitoring press coverage and working quickly to protect corporate reputation

  • Providing counsel on key topics including: product recalls, social justice, client defections, corporate restructurings, PAC inquiries, etc.

  • Collaborating as appropriate with key industry groups

Executive Visibility

In support of corporate strategy, I have:

  • Pitched and prepped countless C-suiters for interviews and public appearances

  • Written speeches, bylined articles and led social media efforts as part of speakers bureaus and corporate visibility programs

  • Regularly secure coverage in key outlets, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Adweek and AdAge.

  • Directed corporate presence at worldwide industry events, including Cannes International Advertising Festival and Advertising Week, among others.

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

I want things to be better for those that “come after me.” In recognition of this, I devote ample time outside of work to building the communities and industries that I care about deeply, including:

PRSA Chicago Chapter President

As President of PRSA Chicago, I led one of the largest chapters in the country with nearly 300 members. We delivered programs and activities to meet the professional development and networking needs of this varied constituency.

Advisory Board Member

Work collaboratively with the President and members of her cabinet and committees to drive a world-class liberal arts experience at my undergraduate university, DePauw University

Ambassador’s Council

The YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is dedicated to empowering women and eliminating racism by providing support to all women along various stages of their journeys. As a member of the Ambassadors Council, I provided support by raising awareness of the organization’s mission and funds to support these critical programs and services across the region.

AGENCY AND THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Managing Director, CPG

Hand-selected to grow largest sector in agency

Leading integration for firm’s top client

Chicago Marketplace Leader, Ketchum

Led Ketchum’s second-largest marketplace through agency reorganization, Covid-19 implications and Chicago unrest.

Performed these duties in addition to client responsibilities.

Managing Director, Retail Sector

Stabilized and returned division’s largest sector to growth during a pandemic.

Rapidly innovated client approaches to corporate reputation respond to continued evolution in Retail.

Storyworks

Helped design and operationally implement Storyworks, agency’s first formalized, cross-functional paid, earned, social and owned media approach.

Replicated success globally; drove millions in revenue growth.