FWV EXPANDS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH FIVE PROMOTIONS
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RALEIGH, N.C. (July 21, 2025) – French/West/Vaughan (FWV), one of the nation’s most highly decorated public relations, advertising and digital media agencies, has elevated five associates to its senior leadership team.
Scott Palmer has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Digital Media. A member of the FWV team since 2010, Palmer leads FWV’s paid media and digital marketing efforts across its extensive client portfolio. He has 20 years of agency and client-side experience after graduating from Elon University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Joining Palmer as a Senior Vice President is Katie Johnson. A seasoned communications professional with more than 15 years of PR and integrated marketing experience, Johnson has extensive experience in consumer PR, event planning and social media marketing. She received a bachelor’s degree in communication from North Carolina State University and joined the FWV team in 2007.
Tracy Wood has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration. She will continue to oversee the day-to-day functions of the agency’s Finance and HR departments. Since joining FWV in 2021, Wood has streamlined and developed a strong finance team, while also optimizing operations and contributing to strategic planning for the agency. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Buffalo.
Peyton Burgess and Emily Rochelle have both been named Vice Presidents. Burgess leads the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns and media relations programs for clients in multiple verticals including travel & tourism and financial services. This includes overseeing the agency’s dedicated pet and animal health practice. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in journalism and mass communication with a concentration in public relations. Rochelle leads strategic communications for clients across the B2B, healthcare and technology industries. She has experience managing national and international media initiatives and executive-level communications. Rochelle earned a B.A. in public relations and business journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“These promotions position our agency well for the future,” said FWV Chairman & CEO Rick French. “We are proud to elevate these leaders who embody our values, shape our culture and deliver meaningful strategic value to our clients.”