Cooksey Communications Names Two Partners, Executive Vice Presidents

Cooksey Communications has promoted Colby Walton and Jason Meyer to Executive Vice Presidents and Partners in the firm. Both had been serving as Senior Vice Presidents and Account Managers, and have been integral parts of the company’s leadership team.

At the same time, Karen Berlin Cooperstein was promoted to Executive Vice President.

“As our company continues to grow and we enter our 21st year in business, it’s critical to have a long-term ownership plan for our company,” said Gail Cooksey, founder, president and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “Both Colby and Jason, along with Karen, are vital members of our team and represent the future leadership of the company.”

In her role as agency president, Cooksey remains deeply engaged in providing experienced counsel to the firm’s prestigious clients and in continuing to lead the firm’s general operations and strategic planning activities.

Walton, who has been with Cooksey for more than 17 years, is a seasoned communicator specializing in strategic communications, business development, media relations, brand awareness and crisis communications for professional services firms and business-to-business organizations. He also has significant experience working with municipalities, advocacy groups and regional planners.

He earned his B.A. from Duke University in public policy studies and history, and completed his J.D. at the University of Virginia School of Law. He serves on the board and executive committee for Leadership Fort Worth, and is a past president of the Duke University Alumni Club of North Texas.

Meyer, who joined Cooksey in 2011 after working for a leading advertising and public relations agency and the Keller Independent School District, has developed integrated marketing efforts for some of the region’s most recognized companies. He specializes in strategic communications, media relations, advertising and public policy.

Meyer earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of North Texas and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. His early career was spent in politics serving as an aide to elected members of the U.S. Congress. He currently serves on the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s Government Relations Committee and the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Public Policy Committee, in addition to other civic and philanthropic activities.

Cooperstein joined the Cooksey team nearly 10 years ago, bringing a unique skill set to the firm, having previously worked in management, strategic planning and fundraising. Her focus at Cooksey is developing strategic communications campaigns for public-policy or issues-related clients in areas such as transportation, education, energy and economic development.

She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Dartmouth College. She is active in the DFW community, including serving on the boards of the Dallas Stars Foundation and Irving Cares, and is an active member of the Dartmouth Club of Dallas.

Cooksey Names Two Partners and Executive Vice Presidents

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Michelle Frith Hargis Rejoins Cooksey

Dallas/Fort Worth-based public relations firm Cooksey Communications recently announced that Michelle Frith Hargis is rejoining the team to establish the firm’s Austin presence. Hargis, who previously worked at Cooksey for more than six years, returns to Cooksey as an account manager. She will provide senior leadership and experience to the firm’s newest market, as well as serve Cooksey’s Dallas and Fort Worth-based clients. Hargis brings years of public relations experience with a strong background in digital media and traditional media relations.

Hargis rejoins Cooksey after working for The Summit Group, a full-service marketing agency in Utah. Hargis’ background includes implementing media relations strategies, establishing community partnerships and providing media training and crisis communications consultation for clients such as banks, engineering firms, nonprofits, commercial real estate developers, risk management firms, and economic development agencies.

“Michelle is an experienced, knowledgeable professional who is a great fit and a tremendous asset to our clients and our junior staff,” said Gail Cooksey, president and founder of Cooksey Communications. “Her presence in Austin enables us to expand our footprint in this market so that we can further leverage our deep connections with transportation and government entities.”

Hargis has extensive strategic communications experience that she leverages to achieve substantial print, broadcast and online placements for her clients. She earned her degree in public relations from Southern Methodist University.

Cooksey Moves Up in Dallas Business Journal’s Top PR List

Cooksey Communications has moved up in the Dallas Business Journal’s rankings of largest public relations firms in North Texas. Cooksey moved up to #8 on the list. The firm has expanded its creative services department as it continues to grow into a fully integrated strategic communications firm.

Cooksey Again One of North Texas’ Top Women-Owned Businesses

Cooksey was once again named as one of North Texas’ top 100 women-owned businesses by the Dallas Business Journal! Cooksey came in at #83, and is once again a part of an incredible group of women-owned companies. Celebrating our 21st year in business, Cooksey continues to grow and be one of the most innovative firms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Cooksey plans to open an Austin office in the fall.

In case you missed it…

Cooksey President Gail Cooksey was recently featured in D CEO magazine’s “My Passion” section. Besides running a successful strategic communications firm for the last 21 years, many people don’t know about her love for painting. Here’s a link to Gail Cooksey’s feature in D CEO magazine!

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Gail Cooksey Featured in D CEO Magazine

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