1. Tell me about yourself and how you came to PAN.
I joined PAN almost six years ago, right after graduating from Boston University’s College of Communication. Having gone to college in Boston, I was familiar with PAN and was delighted when the HR team reached out to me about an open position as a Junior Associate. I was considering opportunities with a few agencies in the Boston area, but after interviewing with folks at PAN (looking at you, Marki Conway and Nikki Festa), it immediately became clear that PAN was an agency that I needed to work at. The culture, people and clients are second to none, and I couldn’t be more pleased with my decision. I’ve made lifelong friendships with some of the most intelligent and kind people I know and have been able to work with clients that are doing really innovative work in the healthcare and technology industries.
2. What attracted you to PANhattan?
I grew up 40 minutes north of Manhattan, and after nearly 10 years in Boston, I had been looking for an opportunity to move closer to my friends and family in New York. When PANhattan opened, I was thrilled for the opportunity to do so, without having to leave my PAN family.
3. What’s your favorite part of the PAN NY office or culture?
PANhattan is a small but mighty (and rapidly expanding!) crew. I love our new space in the Empire State Building, and the energy, humor and intelligence of the PANhattan crew. You can always find someone to grab lunch or a drink with after work. While every PAN office has its own unique culture, it’s easy to collaborate with folks from across all of the offices, and I love being able to work with colleagues in every office.
4. What is a typical day at PAN NY like?
A typical day for me at PANhattan starts off by walking my dog, Bear, around my neighborhood in Brooklyn. I hop on the subway and have an easy commute—usually spent reading or listening to a podcast recommended by my fellow psychological thriller fans at PAN. As an Account Supervisor on the digital team, I typically start my day by checking in with my teams and optimizing paid search and paid social campaigns. From there, I spend the rest of my day talking to clients, training staff on our new tools and technology and analyzing data.
5. What is the most exciting thing about living in New York City and working in tech communications?
NYC is a hub for media and technology, and the most exciting thing about living here is that there is always a new event, conference or networking opportunity to attend. Most recently, I attended Fast Company’s Innovation Festival and was able to network with and learn from inspiring brands who are innovating the way we use technology in the workplace and our day-to-day lives.
6. What drives you as a communications professional? Who do you look to for inspiration?
As a member of PAN’s digital team, I am driven by the evolving nature of the communications industry. As PR and marketing become more and more intertwined, and PR professionals are held to a higher standard of attribution and ROI, I am motivated by the challenge and opportunity of a new integrated approach to PR and digital marketing. PAN’s approach to storytelling will set the agency apart in years to come. I am inspired by the leadership at PAN, particularly my dedicated VP, Michele Frost, who runs the digital team.
7. How has PAN supported your growth as a communications professional?
Since I expressed interest in shifting my focus from PR to digital marketing, PAN has been incredibly supportive in helping me to shape the trajectory of my career path, providing me with opportunities to attend offsite trainings, acquire professional certifications, and helping to drive the agency’s evolution to an integrated PR and marketing firm. SVP, Nikki Festa, worked closely with me to develop a role that specifically aligned to my interests, and I’m so appreciative to work at an agency where the leadership and HR teams have not only encouraged me to explore my interests but have allowed me to carve out my own career path.
Interested in learning more about PAN’s New York culture? Check out the below blog posts:
- PAN Employee Spotlight: New York’s Senior Account Supervisor, Alexandra Evans
- PAN Employee Spotlight: New York’s Senior Account Executive, Kathy Dalley