ADG Creative announced that Chenega Corporation, a federal and commercial services contractor headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, will acquire the Columbia-based agency in January.
In addition to offering military, intel and operations support capabilities, Chenega provides services in the areas of security, environmental, healthcare, facilities, professional services, communications and data science. Chenega operates a regional business unit in Lorton, Va, and will begin introducing its new creative capabilities to clients in 2018.
ADG Founder and Chief Creative Officer Jeff Antkowiak told Capitol Communicator the acquisition is a fit because ADG already provides services to the Department of Defense, the U.S. intelligence community and a range of commercial clients. Founded 25 years ago, ADG’s capabilities include strategic communications, advanced data visualization, branding & positioning, training & immersive learning, video & motion, content marketing, and interactive design.
“There is a critical need for digital transformation throughout the Federal government, and the addition of ADG will help ensure that Chenega is there to meet that need,” said John “JC” Campagna, president of the regional Chenega strategic business unit.
“Joining an organization like Chenega makes perfect sense in ADG’s evolution,” Antkowiak said. “The move will make us part of a global company, day one, and will enable us to pursue bigger opportunities and solve harder issues for the clients we serve.”
Antkowiak said ADG’s shift from offering traditional advertising agency services has been key to the company’s growth: “Agencies that aren’t involved in digital transformation either need to change or they need to target clients that aren’t interested in digital services. It’s not a matter of survival, but a matter of knowing where you want to grow. I think the ad agency of old is still a viable business, but you just need to make sure it’s a match with the clients you serve.”
The privately held ADG employs nearly 85 and is a Smart CEO Future 50 Award winner, District and Regional ADDY winner, has ranked on the Inc. 5000 numerous times, and has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work” by Baltimore magazine.
ADG will become part of Chenega’s Military, Intelligence and Operations Support (MIOS) strategic business unit. According to the press release, the MIOS unit provides shared support services, including human resources, recruiting, contracting, marketing, administration, finance and accounting, business development and security.
“We’re pretty confident the floodgates are going to open (with new clients and assignments), but we just don’t know when so we need to be ready,” said Evan Davis, ADG vice president, strategy. “Geographically, this is the sweet spot and this corridor is shaping up to be the Silcon Valley of cyber-security.”
ADG expects to hire global branding and communications professionals, writers, software engineers and web developers. The agency is also looking for business development people to manage the opportunities.
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In photograph, left to right in front row: Nate Bailey, COO; Kelly D’Ambrosio, VP, Strategy; Rea Carlyle, VP, Strategy; Evan Davis, VP Strategy, Back row, left to right, Mike Kawecki, VP, Business Systems; Mike McGahey, CFO; Jeff Antkowiak, CEO/CCO
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