01/19/21

Padilla Announces Agency Promotions

MINNEAPOLIS (January 19, 2021) – We’re pleased to announce the promotion of 20 of our team members who have performed extremely well in their current roles, and who have demonstrated the ability to excel in their new positions helping clients build, grow and protect brands and reputations.

“We’re all proud of these colleagues and all they’ve accomplished,” said Matt Kucharski, president, Padilla. “They demonstrate our values and beliefs on a daily basis, and we appreciate the contributions they make to clients and to our firm’s culture.”

New York

Michelle Amoroso was promoted from senior director to vice president in Padilla’s Food, Beverage and Nutrition Practice. In addition to leading strategic communications plans for Quebec Maple Syrup Producers and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, she will support annual planning, staff mentoring and development, financial administration, and business development for Padilla’s Food and Beverage Practice.

Brandon Skop was promoted from senior director to vice president in Padilla’s Health Practice. He leads new business efforts through diverse integrated communications experience and helps recruit and retain employees – building Padilla’s footprint in the national health sector market.

Lauren Tannenbaum was promoted from brand director to senior brand director at Joe Smith, a division of Padilla focused on brand consulting, innovation and design. With more than 15 years of experience in consulting and brand strategy, she is part of the Joe Smith leadership team and provides strategic counsel to clients across all industries.

Viviana Pinzon Correa was promoted from director to senior director in Padilla’s Food, Beverage and Nutrition Practice. She leads the agency’s beverage alcohol work (both B2B and consumer) and manages corporate communications for Avocados From Mexico, among others. She is a key member of the agency’s Diversity + Inclusion Council, which focuses on recruitment, retention, training and agency content.

Julie LePere was promoted from account supervisor to director in Padilla’s Food, Beverage and Nutrition Practice. She led the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s foodservice program for seven years and managed FrieslandCampina Ingredient’s branding initiatives, along with digital and influencer campaigns for Ribera y Rueda and American Dairy Products Institute.

Sarah Hess was promoted from account executive to senior account executive in Padilla’s Health Practice.

Amanda Abell was promoted from brand strategist to senior brand strategist at Joe Smith, a division of Padilla focused on brand consulting, innovation and design.

Carson Creehan was promoted from assistant account executive to account executive in Padilla’s Health Practice.

Richmond, Va.

Joel Erb was promoted from senior director to vice president in Padilla’s Creative and Digital Group. He joined the agency in 2017 when Padilla acquired INM United, the digital agency he founded. Since then, Joel has led digital strategy for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, Winnebago Industries, Dole Food Company and Virginia Wine.

Neil Cox was promoted from director of digital production to senior director of digital production in Padilla’s Creative and Digital Group. He has helped grow the digital capability of the agency, launching programs for American Dairy Products Institute, Produce for Better Health Foundation and Florida Sweetcorn.

Emily Valentine was promoted from director to senior director in Padilla’s Insights and Strategy Group, which she has helped build over the past three years. With 12 years of experience in marketing, campaign and brand planning, she provides strategic guidance to Cargill, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, New York Wine & Grape Foundation and Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. She also guides strategy for many of the agency’s business development efforts and is a frequent speaker on cultural trends and insights.

Bryn Snyder was promoted from brand strategist to senior brand strategist at Joe Smith, a division of Padilla focused on brand consulting, innovation and design.

Minneapolis

Katina Shelton was promoted from senior generalist to director of Padilla’s Human Resources Group. She oversees staff recruiting, onboarding, training and benefits, among other HR functions. She is a key member of the agency’s Diversity + Inclusion Council.

Amy Jensen was promoted from director to senior director in Padilla’s Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Practice. She provides strategic counsel and guidance for Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health and Sound Agriculture. Amy also serves as Chief of Staff for Padilla, supporting and leading many initiatives across the organization.

Sadie Knudson was promoted from associate designer to designer in Padilla’s Creative and Digital Group.

Katie Pawelczyk, MS, RD, was promoted from account executive to senior account executive at FoodMinds, a division of Padilla focused on food and nutrition affairs, consulting and communication.

Hannah Sabroski was promoted from assistant account executive to account executive in Padilla’s Health Practice.

Jack Wozniak was promoted from assistant account executive to account executive in Padilla’s Technology Practice.

Chicago

Emily Messerly was promoted from account supervisor to director in Padilla’s Health Practice. She leads strategic communications for Medtronic’s leadless pacemaker franchise, as well as other clients in the pharmaceutical space.

Haley Hickman was promoted from account executive to senior account executive at FoodMinds, a division of Padilla focused on food and nutrition affairs, consulting and communication.


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