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Narrative Strategies is opening an office in New York. The Washington, DC-based firm set up shop in West Palm Beach, FL last year. Caleb Barnhart and Graham Newhall have been hired as managing directors to head the new office. Barnhart was most recently an SVP at Sloane & Company and has also served as a director at Weber Shandwick. Newhall has led communications and messaging strategy for leading cryptocurrency advocacy organizations and advised on the national communications strategy for grassroots coalition Swing Left. “Caleb’s expertise in financial communications and crisis management, combined with Graham’s background in public affairs and AI search, give added dimension and depth to Narrative’s senior leadership team,” said Narrative Strategies CEO and founding partner Ken Spain. “Expanding our geographic footprint in New York is the next logical step as we continue our growth trajectory.”
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Deerfield Group, an agency working with healthcare and life sciences clients, announces an evolved brand identity that brings Triple Threat Communications, which it acquired in July, under the unified Deerfield brand. Triple Threat owner Tim Frank will now serve as Deerfield’s first chief commercial officer, helping to shape new offerings while continuing to lead key accounts across the agency. “By combining TTC’s kinetic creative DNA with our extensive strategic expertise and tactical execution, we’re not only expanding our services, but we’re unleashing brand potential at every stage of a company’s lifecycle and commercialization journey,” said Deerfield CEO Frank Burrell.
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DBC, which focuses on clients in the advertising, marketing and insights industries, launches DBC AI Optimization, a Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) offering. The new solution focuses on helping companies ensure that their PR and content strategies are optimized for visibility in generative AI outputs across such platforms as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and other large language models. DBC AI Optimization includes an AI Search Audit, which analyzes how a brand currently appears (or doesn’t) across generative search tools; website enhancement; and off-site support. “DBC AI Optimization will ensure our clients show up where decisions are being made in real-time conversations powered by AI,” said DBC president Bill Daddi.
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5WPR expands the range of its influencer marketing capabilities. In addition to such services as talent identification, partnership management, content development and campaign execution, the agency’s proprietary process now includes influencer vetting, contract negotiation, legal compliance, and ROI-driven reporting. "Influencer marketing is no longer a one-size-fits-all tactic. It's a critical brand-building tool that must be rooted in strategy and aligned with cultural nuance, platform shifts, and measurable outcomes," said 5WPR managing partner and EVP, CPG & lifestyle Leigh Ann Ambrosi.
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. 
