Beekeeper Group, a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs and advocacy firm, has acquired nearby Alexandria, VA-based Pivot Point Communications in a bid to expand expertise in media relations, earned media, branding and integrated campaigns.

Casey Kincheloe, Shana Glickfield & Vanessa French(L to R) Casey Kincheloe, Shana Glickfield & Vanessa French

Founded in 2010, Beekeeper has sought expansion by acquiring smaller teams and boutique agencies that already have an existing process and can easily meld with their firm.

Pivot Point was founded in 2009 by Vanessa French and Casey Kincheloe, who have earned a reputation for developing creative integrated marketing campaigns with a focus on branding and earned media.  Notable clients have included 1776, Americans for the Arts, Coexist Campaign, Department of Labor, George Washington University, NAACP, National Pork Board, Port City Brewery, Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington Gas, and The Women’s Tennis Association.

“In joining Pivot Point with Beekeeper Group, we have the chance to bring a talented team into the hive, not just skilled individuals,” said Shana Glickfield, partner, Beekeeper Group.

Beekeeper lectures and teaches young women on how to negotiate their salaries, prepare for interviews, and update their resumes and portfolios.  Further instruction is offered on how agencies work, managing a team and handling clients.

Pivot’s French and Kincheloe are also active mentors of young women in the PR and creative industries. Beyond day-to-day mentoring, they lead bootcamps, give guest lectures and speak at conferences related to women in the workforce.

“With a majority of women in the communications industry—up to 63 percent according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—the partners at Beekeeper realize the importance of having more female role models not only for our staff, but for our industry,” Glickfield told O’Dwyer’s.