https://mailchi.mp/c1250efaee91/cooksey-taps-vice-president-mary-kate-jeffries-to-lead-agencys-distinguished-real-estate-and-development-practice
DALLAS – Oct. 31, 2022 –
North Texas-based strategic communications firm Cooksey Communications today promoted Mary Kate Jeffries, most recently a vice president and account manager at the agency, to lead its distinguished Real Estate & Development Practice. Jeffries will draw on over two decades of experience at top-tier PR agencies and well-known hospitality management companies to advise Cooksey’s commercial real estate, residential real estate and economic development clients on their PR and marketing programs and to guide the practice group’s overall operations.
“Mary Kate possesses an in-depth understanding of the brand positioning needs of leading real estate firms, and she has crafted prominent economic development groups’ high-impact PR and marketing campaigns since joining our firm two years ago,” said Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “Our clients trust her implicitly for clear, confident strategic communications guidance and support.”
“As do our Real Estate & Development clients, the Cooksey team benefits from and greatly appreciates her thoughtful leadership,” said Jason Meyer, agency president and co-owner. “In this new practice oversight role, Mary Kate will ensure Cooksey stays at the forefront of communications best practices and continues serving the industry leaders who are directly responsible for driving the region’s dynamic growth.”
At Cooksey, Jeffries currently leads or co-leads a number of key accounts including the agency’s award-winning work with the Anna Economic Development Corporation; City of Richardson and Richardson Economic Development Partnership; Credit Union of Texas; HistoryMaker Homes; Harrison, Walker & Harper, LLC (HWH 1887); Irving Economic Development Partnership and The Real Estate Council (TREC).
Jeffries is actively involved in the North Texas Community, serving on the East Dallas Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board and as a volunteer for the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden PR & Advertising Committee. She is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), a 2022-23 board candidate for PRSA’s Dallas chapter, a sustainer member of the Junior League of Dallas and a past board member of the Dallas Historical Society. She also recently graduated from the T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute. Jeffries received her bachelor’s degree in public relations and her master’s degree in journalism from Boston University.
“I’m excited to assume my new role and help further Cooksey’s longtime expertise in serving the real estate and development industries, particularly at a time when our region is booming with activity and opportunity in both sectors,” said Jeffries. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside our growing team as we showcase our clients’ successes and support them as thought leaders in their industries.”
With today’s announcement, Cooksey has now named three distinguished, experienced North Texas communicators to head up its three primary, industry-focused practice groups:
• Kelly Morris, leading Cooksey’s Professional Services Practice,
• Tom Bryson, leading Cooksey’s Public Sector Practice, and
• Jeffries, leading the Real Estate & Development Practice.
For more information about Cooksey’s robust PR and marketing experience in these and other related industry sectors, please visit the Clients and Sectors pages of the Cooksey website.
About Cooksey Communications
Founded in 1994, Cooksey Communications is a Texas-based strategic communications firm specializing in three core focus areas: (1) Professional Services clients such as law firms, financial services firms, A/E/C (architecture/engineering/construction) firms, and other B2B and B2G service providers; (2) Public Sector clients including governmental entities and educational institutions, as well as planning and advocacy groups dealing with critical infrastructure issues such as transportation, water supply, flooding and energy; and (3) Real Estate & Development clients such as commercial and residential real estate firms and economic development agencies. Cooksey repeatedly has been named one of the top PR firms in North Texas by the Dallas Business Journal, and its team members are trusted counselors to senior executives in the industry sectors listed above. For more information, visit www.CookseyPR.com.
https://mailchi.mp/c80a21abef7d/cooksey-adds-promotes-team-members-to-support-client-needs-8683713
DALLAS – Oct. 11, 2022 –
North Texas-based strategic communications firm Cooksey Communications today added Kelly Morris to its team as Professional Services Practice leader. Morris will use nearly two decades of public relations, marketing and journalistic storytelling experience to advise Cooksey’s professional services clients on PR, marketing and community engagement programs and to guide the practice group’s overall, purposeful growth.
“Kelly’s deep knowledge of the North Texas civic and business community, coupled with her advanced communications skills, makes her the perfect fit to lead our distinguished Professional Services Practice,” said Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “After helping the Dallas Regional Chamber and well-known clients headquartered in DFW, she has the connections, savvy and client-service mindset to lead high-impact PR and marketing initiatives for the ‘best of the best’ in the regional professional services sector.”
Morris, a DFW native and Texas Christian University (TCU) journalism graduate, most recently served as vice president of communications at the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), where she oversaw multiple newsletters and developed editorial content around its four strategic pillars: economic development, education and workforce, inclusion and community engagement, and public policy.
Prior to joining the DRC, she was part of the communications team at Ursuline Academy of Dallas and then worked at another full-service PR agency in Dallas, where her clients included engineering giant AECOM and Capital One. Morris began her career as a sports reporter, with stints at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Shreveport Times and Times-Picayune (New Orleans) covering numerous sports.
Morris is actively involved in the community. She is a longtime participant in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Mentor 2.0 Program, a transformative one-to-one support system for low-income high school students and also volunteers for Rainbow Days, a Dallas-based nonprofit that helps youth in adversity build coping skills to create a positive future. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Dallas chapter.
“I join Cooksey Communications at the best time,” Morris said. “I’ll guide the growth of the Professional Services group while also collaborating closely with senior-level colleagues who are growing the agency’s two other core, industry focus areas: the Public Sector Practice and the Real Estate & Development Practice.”
Cooksey’s Professional Services Practice serves sophisticated financial and professional services firms that are leaders in their respective areas, including law firms, banks and credit unions, private equity firms, architecture/engineering/construction firms, and other prestigious B2B and B2G service providers.
Earlier this summer, Cooksey announced the addition of Tom Bryson, who draws on nearly four decades of journalism and municipal communications experience, to lead its dynamic Public Sector Practice. Cooksey plans to announce the leader of its Real Estate & Development Practice later this fall.
About Cooksey Communications
Founded in 1994, Cooksey Communications is a Texas-based strategic communications firm specializing in three core focus areas: (1) Professional Services clients such as law firms, financial services firms, A/E/C (architecture/engineering/construction) firms, and other B2B and B2G service providers; (2) Public Sector clients including governmental entities and educational institutions, as well as planning and advocacy groups dealing with critical infrastructure issues such as transportation, water supply, flooding and energy; and (3) Real Estate & Development clients such as commercial and residential real estate firms and economic development agencies. Cooksey repeatedly has been named one of the top PR firms in North Texas by the Dallas Business Journal, and its team members are trusted counselors to senior executives in the industry sectors listed above. For more information, visit www.CookseyPR.com.
DALLAS – Sept. 29, 2022 –
North Texas-based strategic communications firm Cooksey Communications recently added Collin Yoxall to its team as a senior account executive in its distinguished Public Sector Practice Group. Yoxall’s work at Cooksey focuses on evaluating communication structures and practices, developing and executing media relations strategies, developing and executing high-impact marketing programs, and facilitating stakeholder engagement on behalf of governmental entities, higher education institutions and economic development organizations.
“Collin’s strong background in conducting extensive research for local, state and federal campaigns combined with his recent communications and media relations experience in higher education, along with his past work at Cooksey, will be vital to supporting the growth of our Public Sector Practice,” said Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “We’re excited to have Collin back on the team after his time in higher education, and we’re confident he will be a valuable asset to our public sector clients.”
Before rejoining Cooksey, Yoxall gained experience conducting research and facilitating communications for all three levels of electoral campaigns. He also developed client service and copywriting skills as a part-time employee for Cooksey in 2019-20 while completing his master’s degree in strategic communications at Texas Christian University (TCU). His experience in public educational institutions includes serving as a communications specialist at The University of Texas at Arlington, and most recently in a marketing and communications role at TCU’s AddRan College of Liberal Arts, where he managed and created content for social media, developed relationships with key local media outlets and assisted in faculty expert development.
In addition to his master’s degree, Yoxall also completed his bachelor’s degree at TCU, where he majored in political science with an international relations emphasis. He is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
About Cooksey Communications
Founded in 1994, Cooksey Communications is a Texas-based, strategic communications firm specializing in public stakeholder issues-related communications for government/economic development, transportation, water, energy and education clients, and strategic communications for professional services, real estate/development, retail/hospitality/consumer and nonprofit clients. Cooksey repeatedly has been named one of the top public relations agencies in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex by the Dallas Business Journal. For more information, visit www.CookseyPR.com.
DALLAS – July 18, 2022 –
North Texas-based strategic communications firm Cooksey Communications recently received two Platinum Awards and five Gold Awards in the 2022 dotCOMM Awards, an international competition that honors the best web and digital work in the industry.
These seven award wins highlight Cooksey’s diverse and robust experience in using digital public relations and content marketing tools. Cooksey’s Platinum and Gold-level recognitions in this awards competition were as follows:
PLATINUM
GOLD
The dotCOMM Awards is administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, an international organization that oversees awards and recognition programs and honors outstanding achievement and service to the profession.
There were more than about 2,500 entries from throughout the United States and many other countries in the 2022 dotCOMM Awards competition. Typically, about 13% of entries win Platinum, the top award, and around 13% win the Gold Award. Approximately 5% are Honorable Mention winners.
About Cooksey Communications
Founded in 1994, Cooksey Communications is a Texas-based, strategic communications firm specializing in public stakeholder issues-related communications for government/economic development, transportation, water, energy and education clients, and strategic communications for professional services, real estate/development, retail/hospitality/consumer and nonprofit clients. Cooksey repeatedly has been named one of the top public relations agencies in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex by the Dallas Business Journal. For more information, visit www.CookseyPR.com.
DALLAS – July 5, 2022 –
North Texas-based strategic communications firm Cooksey Communications recently added Regan Welch to its team as an assistant account executive. Welch supports a variety of Cooksey clients across the professional services, commercial real estate and government sectors.
“Regan joins Cooksey with strong training from TCU’s acclaimed strategic communications program, exceptional writing skills and hands-on experience in both PR and marketing, making her a valuable addition to the Cooksey team,” said Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “We believe she will contribute immeasurably to our agency culture and also be a valuable asset to our client account teams right out of the gate.”
Before joining Cooksey in this full-time position, Welch gained experience at a Fort Worth-based agency, where she honed her skills in traditional and emerging PR practices. She also developed client service and copywriting skills through her time as an account executive for Texas Christian University (TCU)’s student newspaper, The Skiff.
Welch graduated from TCU with a Bachelor of Science degree in strategic communication and a minor in business.
About Cooksey Communications
Founded in 1994, Cooksey Communications is a Texas-based, strategic communications firm specializing in public stakeholder issues-related communications for government/economic development, transportation, water, energy and education clients, and strategic communications for professional services, real estate/development, retail/hospitality/consumer and nonprofit clients. Cooksey repeatedly has been named one of the top public relations agencies in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex by the Dallas Business Journal. For more information, visit www.CookseyPR.com.
https://mailchi.mp/099d5d35b988/cooksey-adds-promotes-team-members-to-support-client-needs-8659561
DALLAS – June 6, 2022 –
North Texas-based strategic communications firm Cooksey Communications today added Tom Bryson to its team as vice president and Public Sector Practice leader. Bryson will draw on nearly four decades of journalism and municipal communications experience to advise Cooksey’s public sector clients on stakeholder communications and engagement best practices.
“Tom’s extensive background in local government communications, coupled with his demonstrated leadership abilities in the industry’s premier professional organizations, makes him an ideal candidate to lead our growing Public Sector Practice,” said Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “Tom brings invaluable, hands-on experience and connections with peers across Texas and nationwide, further bolstering our ability to provide city clients and other public sector organizations with clear, confident counsel and meaningful support.”
Before joining Cooksey, Bryson had an over three-decade career in municipal communications, serving for nine years as the community information administrator for the City of Duncanville and 22 years as the director of communications for the City of Farmers Branch. During his tenure at Farmers Branch, Bryson and his team were recognized more than 55 times with awards on the local, state and national levels. Previously, Bryson also worked as a local newspaper reporter.
“It is with a great deal of gratitude that I am excited to join the dynamic team at Cooksey Communications,” said Bryson. “The reputation of this agency and the quality of their work speak volumes in terms of their commitment to their clients. I am thrilled to be joining this team and, in some way, continue to serve the public sector that has been so good to me.”
He is a past president of the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) and the national City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA). In 2016, 3CMA recognized Bryson as the national Communicator of the Year, and in 2020, TAMIO bestowed upon him its highest individual honor, the Cheryl A. Soward Communicator of Distinction. A seasoned public speaker, Bryson regularly presents at state and national conferences on topics such as internal communications, media relations, First Amendment auditor awareness and more.
A New Orleans native, Bryson received his bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Louisiana State University. He is a founding member of the Advisory Board of the Certified Public Communicator program at Texas Christian University, where he also serves on the adjunct faculty and is an alumnus of its original cohort.
About Cooksey Communications
Founded in 1994, Cooksey Communications is a Texas-based, strategic communications firm specializing in public stakeholder issues-related communications for government/economic development, transportation, water, energy and education clients, and strategic communications for professional services, real estate/development, retail/hospitality/consumer and nonprofit clients. Cooksey repeatedly has been named one of the top public relations agencies in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex by the Dallas Business Journal. For more information, visit www.CookseyPR.com.
DALLAS/FORT WORTH – May 20, 2022 –
Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications, a North Texas-based public relations firm, has been named to The 400, Fort Worth Inc. Magazine’s list of the 400 most influential figures in the Greater Fort Worth area. The 5th annual class of The 400 was recognized last night during an awards ceremony at the Fort Worth Club and will be featured in a special issue of Fort Worth Inc. this summer.
An all-encompassing list, The 400 highlights top executives who wield significant influence in Tarrant County across a wide range of categories, including industry, philanthropy, nonprofits, government and public policy, economic development, professional services, education, civic affairs, arts, religion, sports and media, or within their own spheres.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized alongside other leaders within the wonderful Fort Worth community, many of whom we have had the pleasure to support over the years through our agency’s strategic communications work,” said Walton. “It is because of visionary, civic-minded individuals such as those recognized by Fort Worth Inc. that the city and region have seen continued growth and success in recent years.”
Over its nearly three-decade history, Cooksey has represented many of Fort Worth’s and Tarrant County’s leading businesses, nonprofit organizations and public sector entities. This includes significant engagements on behalf of the City of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau (now Visit Fort Worth), Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition, the Northeast Tarrant Transportation Summit, Hillwood/AllianceTexas, Freese and Nichols, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, OmniAmerican Bank (now Southside Bank), Whitley Penn LLP and many others.
Walton has served in various capacities at Cooksey since joining the agency in 1998, officially acquiring the company with his longtime business partner, Jason Meyer, earlier this year. During his 24-year tenure at Cooksey, Colby has helped establish and grow the agency’s proficiency in professional services marketing and municipal communications for clients facing an array of complex, high-stakes public relations issues.
Walton has also been involved in numerous professional and community service organizations outside the agency, including volunteer work on behalf of Leadership Fort Worth, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, the City of Colleyville, the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, the Duke University Alumni Club of North Texas and the Virginia Morris Kincaid Foundation.
About Cooksey Communications
Founded in 1994, Cooksey Communications is a Texas-based, strategic communications firm specializing in public stakeholder issues-related communications for government/economic development, transportation, water, energy and education clients, and strategic communications for professional services, real estate/development, retail/hospitality/consumer and nonprofit clients. Cooksey repeatedly has been named one of the top public relations agencies in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex by the Dallas Business Journal. For more information, visit www.CookseyPR.com.