On Our Mind

Name:
Brett Willi

Position:
Account Supervisor

Primary accounts:
Central Garden & Pet Company, DAP

Family life/Living situation:
Engaged to be married at Montaluce Winery in Dahlonega, Ga., on June 2, 2012. We’re in the process of finding a community in Atlanta to call home.

What are you passionate about?
Running. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to run cross country in college. In post-college life, I’ve shifted to marathons. Next year, I’m planning to participate in the Georgia and New York City Marathons. Other passions: Social impact, be it through faith- or community-based outreach or corporate-driven engagement.

Little known fact about yourself:
In the fall semester of my junior year, I studied abroad at St. Andrews University in Scotland. The trip was unlike any other in my life, with travel throughout Scotland, England, Ireland, northern Italy, Paris and Barcelona mixed in.

Favorite sports team:
Born and raised Ohio State.

Favorite music artist/band:
Somewhat eclectic. Anything from Zac Brown Band and Incubus to Hootie & The Blowfish and Seven Nations.

Favorite food:
All of them. I don’t always have time to cook but enjoy testing new recipes. In my head, I recall most of the big events in my life based on what food was served. One of the best parts of living in Washington, D.C., was the variety of incredible ethnic options. To Atlanta’s credit, the city is full of amazing chefs and exciting restaurant concepts. My recommendation: Go explore.

Favorite place you’ve ever been and why:
LeCinque Terre, which is located on the coast of the Italian Riviera and is composed of five villages, or “The Five Lands” (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore). I traveled alone to this beautiful part of the world to hike the trail that connects the villages. Inspiring sunsets, amazing people.

Charitable affiliations:
I recently became a volunteer with the Atlanta team of Back on My Feet (BoMF), a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of homeless populations by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. To learn more, visit www.backonmyfeet.org.

Professional affiliations:

Elon University Alumni Association

How long have you been in communications?/How did you get into the field?
Nearly seven years. I’ve always been on the agency side, first sinking my PR teeth into consumer marketing that spanned the construction, woodworking and home improvement industries. I eventually transferred to Washington. While there, I helped manage a number of high-profile programs as part of my company’s Social Impact Team (cause marketing, CSR, philanthropy), with additional emphasis in crisis/issues/corporate reputation and digital. It was a great growth period. I’m excited to bring those learnings to MSL Atlanta.

What about the work keeps you engaged?
The complexity and variety of the work. PR spans industries, sectors, practice areas, disciplines, platforms and people. There isn’t any profession like it.

What are you looking forward to most as a new member of the MSL Atlanta family?
It all boils down to opportunity—to teach and share what I’ve learned with others, to learn from the talented staff here and to inspire/challenge our clients in new ways.

Name:
Jennifer Jones

Position:
SVP, Consumer

Primary accounts:
The Home Depot and Coca-Cola

Family life/Living situation:
I am single. However, as the youngest of four, I have lots of nieces and nephews I get to spoil rotten … and then hand them back to my brother and sisters filled to the brim with sugar and self.

What are you passionate about?
My friends and family, of course. But, also music, movies, food, wine, art, painting, writing and traveling this big blue marble of ours.

Little known fact about yourself:
I was expelled from charm school. I got in trouble a lot while there because, well, I lack grace. So, after many failed attempts to descend the staircase with a book on my head, I finally decided the best way to get the instructor off my back was to tie the book onto my head with fishing line knotted under my chin. The book stayed put. But, line was clearly visible as it pierced into my cheeks and I was politely asked never to return to Mt. Vernon Finishing School.

Favorite sports team:
Atlanta Braves

Favorite music artist/band:
There are far too many to mention. But, I can say that growing up, there were two men who could get us kids out of trouble: Ray Charles and Michael Jackson. It didn’t matter what you did or how grounded you were, if Ray or “THE Michael” as my mom calls him, were in town or on TV you had a temporary reprieve to enjoy the show. And, they remain among my favorites to this day.

Favorite food:
I love spicy foods like Thai and Indian. But, of course, growing up in the south, nothing … and I mean nothing … beats my mom’s biscuits and gravy with hot grits.

Favorite place you’ve ever been and why:
Vienna. It truly is the city of light. Walking the streets of Vienna is like being in a fairy tale. Music, art, food, wine and amazing architecture surround you with beautiful twinkle lights strung in the air year round. The people are phenomenal and eager to share stories and tell tall tales. And, of course, I can’t help but sing “oooo Rock me Amadeus” whenever I walk past Mozart’s house.

Charitable affiliations:
I teach creative writing to the children who reside in the Carrie-Steele-Pitts Home, the South’s oldest orphanage. I also read to kids at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta every other Sunday.

Professional affiliations:
AiMA, PRSA, WiC, AMA, BMA, Rotary Decatur and the Writer’s Guild of America.

How long have you been in communications?/How did you get into the field?
17 years. When I was a kid, my parents’ friends used to say I should go into PR. I had no idea what it was and I pretty much wanted to do whatever career was just featured in the last movie I saw (i.e. After seeing All The President’s Men, I wanted to be a reporter so I, too, could bring down corrupt politicians; then I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark and wanted to be a swashbuckling archaeologist who took on hoards of Nazis and ghosts.) But, during my first term in college, remembering what my parents’ friends said, I took a PR class and fell in love with it instantly.

What about the work keeps you engaged?
I love the story-telling, especially when you nail that hard-to-find super creative hook that perfectly embodies the brand. I love how it changes every day; the work, the tools, the targets, the angles and the audience – they all change as the story does. But, above all, I love the “hunt and the kill” so to speak. Whether it’s identifying and persuading the right reporter to tell your story or signing that new business, we have the chance to celebrate those little wins every day and that constantly gives you something new to strive for … and a reason to do that “happy dance” around the office.

What are you looking forward to most as a new member of the MSL Atlanta family?
Getting to know everyone more and creating lots of new wins together!