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IPG DXTRA is partnering with anti-racism education non-profit WE ARE, Ad Council, and ADL (Anti-Defamation League) on Dear White Parents, an initiative encouraging White parents to talk with their children about racism early and often. The campaign features a website with a curated library of age-driven resources and discussion guides, anti-racism workshops and discussions, and a short, unscripted film featuring four families introducing and discussing racism with their children. The project was conceived by Margenett Moore-Roberts, IPG DXTRA’s chief inclusion and diversity officer. A multi-disciplinary team from across several IPG DXTRA agencies collaborated on the platform. The collective included members from The Brooklyn Brothers, Golin, Hugo & Cat, Resolute Digital, R&CPMK and Weber Shandwick. The campaign will be highlighted as part of the Ad Council’s Racial Justice Series, a platform designed to support creatives from like-minded organizations dedicated to dismantling systemic racism and injustice. “We’re committed to driving awareness and momentum for the people and organizations who have dedicated their careers and lives to fighting racism,” said IPG DXTRA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andy Polansky.
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Ballard Partners forms a strategic alliance with Sacramento-based advocacy firm RESOLUTE Co., expanding the firm’s footprint into California. Resolute’s services include strategy development, policy analysis, relationship building, campaign consulting, public communications and direct lobbying. Its nine lobbyists have experience in such sectors as high-tech/social media, finance, energy, education and gaming. “This strategic alliance now allows us to provide our clients with greater advocacy reach in the largest state in the nation,” said Ballard Partners president and founder Brian Ballard. Ballard Parners has offices in Washington, DC, Tallahassee, West Palm Beach, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and Tel Aviv.
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| Shannon Lee |
The American Marketing Association Chicago names Shannon Lee, vice president of creative & engagement at StudioNorth, the chapter's new president. Lee will head up the organization at it launches a series of both in-person and virtual initiatives led by marketing pros from the Chicago market and beyond. AMA Chicago, the country's largest AMA chapter for the second year in a row, has also welcomed four new board members and created a strategic relations board position to facilitate communication between the AMA Chicago and the organization’s collegiate chapters. “The strength of our chapter is due in part to the incredible leadership, programming, and resources our board members have worked so hard to bring to the community," said AMA Chicago executive director Bonnie Massa.
FGS Global launches its AI Advisory practice and acquires Memetica, a specialist technology consultancy in AI-driven threat detection and mitigation across social, dark web and fringe platforms... The Harris Poll, which is part of Stagwell, launches Harris QuestRQ, a reputation system for business, communications and marketing leaders... The Change Agencies, an inclusive communications agency network, brings on The Holliday Collaborative Agency in Indianapolis and Meraki Communications Group in Alexandria, VA, as members.
The Public Relations Global Network adds Agence Profile in Paris and IDDEA Comunicaciones in Bogotá to its membership... Signal Group, a DC-based firm, launches AI Frame, a PA offering to help organizations understand and manage how they appear across Large Language Model AI platforms... Spears Group, a New Orleans-headquartered integrated marketing and advertising agency, sets up shop in Houston... IPREX brings on new partner agencies in Italy, Chicago, Las Vegas and India.
The New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America names Attention Comms CEO Paul Cohen as 2026 president of its board of directors. Cohen succeeds Ken Kerrigan, who has held executive posts at Bliss Group, Infinite and Weber Shandwick... Startr Co. of Los Angeles, marks its 10th anniversary with the launch of a renewed brand identity and redesigned website.... Michael Best Strategies, an affiliated consulting firm of national law firm Michael Best, is introducing a corporate advisory service.
Real Chemistry launches RC Resolve, a healthcare advisory practice... Seven Letter, a bipartisan strategic communications firm, adds offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Huntsville... GMMB founding partner David Mitchell died on Jan. 2 at 75. Mitchell’s career in communications began in June 1978, when he joined the staff of the United Auto Workers as assistant to the director of public relations and publications.
Berns Communications Group expands its advisory services and rebrands as Berns & Co... DVV Media International, a B2B media and events company serving the transport and logistics markets, sells its Road portfolio of products to Mark Allen Group... MAD Global Strategy of New Jersey launches a Washington presence. 
