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Purpose-Driven Branding and Advertising Agency, Johnson & Sekin, Announces the Formation of its C-Suite

DALLAS, Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson & Sekin, a Dallas-based advertising and branding agency championing the power of purpose in business, announced today the formation of its C-suite appointments.

  • Shannon Phillips is appointed chief design officer and will oversee all design and innovation aspects of products and services. She has been with Johnson & Sekin in leading design roles since 2010.
  • Kat Kornegay is appointed chief purpose officer and will oversee all functions of helping brands, teams, and organizations uncover and amplify their greater purpose within business models and across industries. Kat joined the company as an account director in 2013.
  • Emily Florio is appointed chief strategy officer and will provide transformational business strategy and data-driven insights across their brands and teams. Emily joined the company in 2020 as director of strategy.
  • Jessica Wescott is appointed chief financial officer. Jessica joined Johnson & Sekin in January 2022 to lead the financial strategy, planning, and growth. She previously served as COO and CFO of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.

“We are extremely proud to put a strong C-suite team in place to support the growth and impact of our business,” said Kent Johnson, co-founder and art director for Johnson & Sekin. “Our vision of the future begins with purpose and all four of these individuals bring a high level of expertise that is unmatched across the industry to the brands we are privileged to work alongside.”

The formation of the C-suite comes on the heels of the agency’s recently announced expansion to Denver and the launch of Camp Purpose, an immersive workshop experience where brands, organizations, and people can uncover and articulate their purpose in work and life.

Shannon Phillips, Chief Design Officer 
Shannon has been with Johnson & Sekin for more than 11 years, and as the design conscience of the agency, leads a talented team that designs everything from logos, labels, packaging, print ads, and websites to full brand identities. Her creative work has been recognized by The One Show, Lürzer’s Archive, AAF ADDYs, and more.

Kat Kornegay, Chief Purpose Officer
Throughout her nearly decade-long career at Johnson & Sekin, Kat’s creative strategy and calculated execution has been instrumental in growing the agency’s client services and its digital experience arm. She has become a voice for purpose both internally and externally, helping team members and clients find and articulate their purpose, leading to more fulfillment and brand success. In 2020, Kat was named a Top 20 Women in Advertising by AAF Dallas.

Emily Florio, Chief Strategy Officer
Since joining the team in 2020, Emily brought more than two decades of experience working on both the agency and client-side in a number of strategy and marketing positions. She loves understanding the “why” and shaping the “how” for brands big and small.

Jessica Wescott, Chief Financial Officer
Jessica previously served as the chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, where she was instrumental in bringing on Johnson & Sekin as the current Agency of Record. She brings more than a decade of operations, financial and client-facing experience with a focus on data-driven insights to analyze businesses and make growth decisions.

About Johnson & Sekin
Johnson & Sekin is a purpose-driven branding and advertising agency focused on helping brands articulate and amplify their purpose, both internally and externally. Led by distinguished creatives, Kent Johnson and Chris Sekin, the agency channels a passion for people, purpose, and unexpected ideas to fulfill its mission of growing good. Founded in 2008, Johnson & Sekin has become a trusted name in the advertising industry, earning countless awards for their work driving impact across a variety of industries including consumer packaged goods, restaurants, automotive, arts & entertainment, higher education, and nonprofits. For more information on Johnson & Sekin, visit johnsonandsekin.com.

SOURCE Johnson & Sekin

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Johnson & Sekin Welcomes Two New Creative Directors to Agency

Creative advertising veterans Patrick Murray and Mike Payer have joined Johnson & Sekin as the agency’s newest Creative Directors. With more than 30 years of experience, both award-winning leaders possess a wealth of knowledge and a handful of coveted Super Bowl spots. More importantly, the two seasoned creatives bring a commitment to producing stellar work and leading with heart.

“It was only natural that Patrick and Mike would one day join our team. We have a long history and know they have always shared our passion for building brands with purpose,” said Chris Sekin, Owner/Partner/ECD at Johnson & Sekin. “Our agency has proven to be resilient, even during a global pandemic, because we hire like-minded people.”

Murray has worked the last 30+ years as an Art Director and Creative Director at The Richards Group in Dallas. His impressive roster of client experience spans multiple industries and includes brands such as Bridgestone, The Home Depot, USA Today, Hummer, Hyundai, HEB and TXU Energy. Murray’s passion for cars and creating art extend beyond his clients and career as a hobbyist mechanic and guitarist.

“I have admired Johnson & Sekin and the innovative work that comes out of it for many years,” said Murray. “I love that the agency puts their clients first and aligns with brands that do the same.”

Although Payer has been a Creative Director for more than two decades—his favorite title has always been Copywriter. He spent the last 17 years writing ads for brands such as The Home Depot, Jeep, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Patrón, Ram Trucks, Comcast and TGI Friday’s at The Richards Group, as well. Prior to that, Payer worked at agencies such as Square One and Second Shift.

“Johnson & Sekin has a commitment to producing great work,” said Payer. “More than that, they believe the best brands have a bigger reason for being. They truly want to help good companies succeed beyond the bottom line. I’m proud to be a part of that.”

With the addition of Murray and Payer, J&S has formed a third creative group to better position the agency for growth and serve client needs. As longtime friends of the two, owners Kent Johnson and Chris Sekin feel more than comfortable with the team as they hit the ground running to create beautiful work, mentor teammates and drive change for our clients.

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Spreading the News About Down Syndrome in Times Square

The 23rd Annual National Down Syndrome Society “BuddyWalk” took place in New York City over the weekend. Nearly 2000 families with Down Syndrome family members attended the event that NDSS President Sara Hart Weir describes as “the cornerstone of our NDSS awareness and advocacy efforts.”

J&S contributed to the event via our Blake’s Snow Shack campaign, which was featured in Times Square courtesy of Clear Channel Spectacolor.

The NYC event kicks off Buddy Walk events that will be held in 275 cities across the country throughout October’s National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition.

Blakes Snow Shack
Blake in NYC
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Reflecting on North Texas Giving Day

Donations made to D/FW non-profits are “bonused” by the Communities Foundation of Texas this one day a year. The 9th Annual North Texas Giving Day had 2,723 non-profits participate, and collectively raised $39 million in donations. J&S helped raise $24,728 collectively for Meat Fight and Adaptive Training Foundation in this year’s record-breaking day of giving. ATF’s 70 donations totaling $19,038 ranked #69 out of 1,454 non profits in the “Small Organization” category. Meat Fight had 59 donations accounting for $5,690, ranking it #198.

Raising $25,000 on North Texas Giving Day
Raising $25,000 on North Texas Giving Day
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Colt Shoots Again for Longhorn Apparel

Colt McCoy and Longhorn Apparel

Longhorn legend Colt McCoy took a break from the NFL to once again star in J&S’ new TV spots for the official apparel of The University of Texas. Shooting for the second year with J&S, the career record holder in virtually all Quarterback categories was this time joined by another famous Longhorn – the new Bevo XV. Spots will promote the official “We Are Texas” collegiate apparel line, and will air on a variety of Fall football programming like The Jerry Jones Show, The Jason Garrett Show ad NFL Pre-season.

Colt McCoy and Longhorn Apparel
Colt McCoy and Longhorn Apparel
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Making Orders Soar for Aeristo

Aeristo

Please prepare for takeoff, as J&S has been awarded the advertising responsibilities for Aeristo following a review. The D/FW company provides luxury leather from the finest international tanneries in Austria, Germany and Italy for upscale private and commercial aircraft. Work for the ISO 9001 certified company will include branding, website, trade advertising, exhibit space and social media among others.

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Fixing Lives with the Caliber Food Drive

Hunger doesn’t take the summer off for the 31 million kids who receive low-cost and/or free lunches during the school year. When the final bell rings, students turn to local food banks for their summer meals, which is why Caliber Collision helped fill the shelves at 40 local food banks in 17 states. The 6th Annual Rhythm Restoration Food Drive raised a record-breaking $3.2 million in food and cash donations over a five-week duration.
Caliber Collision and Johnson and Sekin staff pose with food drive items and a donation check.

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Let the Good Times Flow with Music Water

Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” so it’s no surprise that Music Water is based in our state capital. The bottled water company donates a portion of all sales to elementary school music programs, as well as to healthcare initiatives for aspiring musicians. J&S has been selected as agency of record in a review, and will be handling a new logo, package design, website, social media, retail promotions and band sponsorships.
Bottled Water in Ice

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Phillips named one of Top 20 Women in Dallas Advertising

Johnson and Sekin represent at golf tournament

AAF Dallas launched their first annual AAF Dallas SHINING STARS, honoring the Top Women in Dallas Advertising who are leading by example, embodying the talent, skills and leadership that will elevate our industry. The inaugural class of 20 includes our own Design Director Shannon Phillips, who has been integral in the growth of our agency. Big congrats, Shannon!

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Bogeys and Bucks at Caliber Golf Tourney

Johnson and Sekin represent at golf tournament

The team from J&S hacked and sliced away at the 2nd annual Caliber Classic Golf Tourney. Weather was perfect at The Tribute Golf Club in The Colony for this event benefiting the American Heart Association – Dallas. The agency – a Silver-level Sponsor – is happy to report that $101,000 was raised for the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.

 

Johnson and Sekin proudly dispaly company booth at golf tournament with sign that reads,

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Teasdale Client Named CMO of the Year at DFW AMAs

Teasdale Latin Foods’ Cale Nelson was named CMO of the Year by the DFW American Marketing Association. It came as no surprise, as Cale has been a charismatic and innovative brand leader, solid partner and great friend.

This is the 5th consecutive year a Johnson & Sekin client has been a finalist for CMO of the Year, and the third winner amongst our clients. What a phenomenal group of clients (and friends) for us to have on our roster.

Cale celebrates as CMO of the year

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Teasdale Foods client Named CMO of the Year Finalist

Cale Nelson is the Chief Marketing Officer of the $300M Teasdale Latin Foods, and has been named a Finalist for CMO of the Year by the DFW American Marketing Association. After just one year in the position, Cale currently manages 6 brands and 200+ SKUs, including Jardine’s®, Casa Fiesta® and Sontava!® hot sauce. With R&D, Innovation, Product Development & Quality falling under his Marketing Department, Cale spearheaded an impressive 40+ new products in 2016 alone, and achieved over $10M in annualized new business. Cale is J&S’ 5th-straight client to be named a Finalist, with two actually winning including the coveted award. The DFW AMA show is May 4, and it will surely be a night to fiesta.