Three From D.C. Make PRWeek’s “40 Under 40” List

PRWeek has come out with its annual list of “40 Under 40” – “40 MVPs under 40, nominated by colleagues and peers, who are evolving the comms industry to new heights.” On the list are three from the D.C. area – Shana Glickfield, Partner, Beekeeper Group, 38; Marcie Kohenak, VP, health, Zeno Group, 29; and, Jessica Smith, MD, public affairs and crisis practice, Burson-Marsteller, 37.

PRWeek provided background on why it selected the 40 “heavy hitters” on the list. We have provided shortened versions below, with a link to the full list at the end of this post.

As her firm’s name suggests, Shana Glickfield knows how to create buzz. Her innovative use of social media channels has helped numerous clients mobilize the public and gain attention from top politicians and decision-makers. Glickfield is a founding – and the only female – partner at Beekeeper Group, which was recognized as PRWeek’s 2014 Boutique PR Agency of the Year. She deftly handles client work, helping increase revenue by 43% last year, while simultaneously managing a growing hive of employees.

Marcie Kohenak leads Zeno Group’s Washington, DC, office and manages two of the agency’s flagship healthcare clients, Merck and AstraZeneca – two extraordinary achievements for someone who has not yet reached her 30th birthday. Known for her “positive and can-do attitude,” Kohenak is also a “master of details,” according to colleagues. Zeno Group CEO Barby Siegel describes Kohenak as a pillar of the company whose “fearless spirit” has earned the respect of clients, peers, and the industry at large.

Jessica Smith is no stranger to fast-paced media relations and crisis communications. Before joining Burson-Marsteller in 2013, she worked for FEMA as director of its office of external affairs and communications, managing more than 130 employees across seven offices. In that role, Smith served as the lead communicator for the federal government during more than 140 natural disasters, including Superstorm Sandy. As a spokesperson for the Justice Department, she was on the frontline of the federal government’s response to the Jared Loughner attack in Arizona. In her current role, she leveraged her skill set to good effect, including managing Ford’s launch of its 2015 F-150 pickup truck, garnering more than 90 million media impressions.

You can see the full list PR Week’s “40 Under 40” here.