New position reflects 17-years of Stewart’s outstanding counsel to a broad list of clients
ATLANTA – November 15, 2022 – Cookerly Public Relations, a leading Southeast public relations and marketing agency, today announced Cory Stewart has been named chief executive officer. Stewart, who previously served as the firm’s chief operating officer, joined the company in 2005 and is a proven marketing communications professional with a diverse portfolio of client successes. He joins Stephen Brown, president, in guiding the agency as they fulfill the company’s mantra: to exceed the expectations of every client.
“My adventure with Cory began a long time ago when we hired him as an account executive. As he ascended through the ranks, it was obvious that he would enjoy great success and I am excited to see how he puts his vision for the company’s future to work,” said Founder Carol Cookerly. “His business acumen is impressive and he’s equally skilled as a PR practitioner. Add to those qualities he’s focused on team building and helping staff members at all levels be the best they can be. The firm is in great hands.”
Since its inception, the company has provided a broad range of marketing services under the communications umbrella for a diverse, global client roster. Initially, the firm was known for managing high-profile issues and crises but became a full-service communications provider some 25 years ago.
“As I take on this new role, I’m highly cognizant that our reputation, carefully built on quality work, is the sum of many dedicated colleagues’ efforts. As another great year concludes, we are all in agreement; now is the time to expand on the breadth and depth of our service offerings,” said Stewart. “I appreciate the opportunity to lead the effort.”
According to Cookerly, she is not retiring but stepping aside a bit, and will continue to focus on the crisis and issues practice which is thriving. “While the firm bears my name, for more than a decade I have not directly impacted many of our clients. That has allowed the senior team great latitude, and they’ve soared.”
Stewart provides counsel and campaign execution for clients in almost every sector including energy, technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing and many others. Prior to joining Cookerly, he worked in the banking industry as a regional marketing officer for BBVA in Birmingham, Ala.
A Florida native and graduate of the University of South Alabama, Stewart serves on the global board of Worldcom Public Relations Group, a prominent network of independently-owned public relations firms. He serves as a board member of the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, on the board of the Coastal Conservation Association Atlanta Chapter and is a past board member of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. He is an avid outdoorsman and is often found fishing along the Gulf Coast.
About Cookerly Public Relations
Founded more than 30 years ago, Cookerly Public Relations is a trusted partner for many of the world’s most respected public and private corporations. Led by a highly-skilled group of senior professionals, the agency’s history of achievements is reflected in more than 120 Phoenix Awards and two Silver Anvils (the industry’s equivalent of the Oscars) from the Public Relations Society of America. In addition, Forbes, completed detailed evaluations of communications agencies nationwide and accorded Cookerly its highest five-star rating and ranked it as one of America’s top firms among thousands reviewed.
As design director at Cookerly, Tim serves as the creative lead in the development of branding campaigns, print collateral and digital media for clients across a broad range of industries, including consumer, professional services, healthcare and technology.
As a senior vice president at Cookerly, Mike Rieman is a strategic communications leader specializing in media relations and reputation management. With a proven track record of securing high-profile placements in top-tier outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and USA Today, he excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
Mike Touhill is vice president at Cookerly Public Relations, where he helps lead traditional, social and digital media programs for B2B and B2C clients in packaging, telecommunications and technology, among other industries. As a communication leader, he develops and executes public relations strategy, provides proactive and reactive counsel to C-level executives and secures earned media coverage for client initiatives and product.
Andrew Agan is a vice president at Cookerly Public Relations, overseeing the agency’s internship program and leading media relations, content strategy and social media initiatives. He provides counsel and executes campaigns for clients across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, hospitality, technology, automotive and many others. Andrew excels at crafting compelling stories and building media relationships, resulting in clients being featured in notable outlets such as CNBC, Associated Press, Business Insider, Fox Business, HBO, Inc. Magazine, Sirius XM, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, among others.
As vice president of Cookerly, Sheryl Sellaway uses her extensive corporate communications background to lead consumer PR efforts, deliver strategy for marketing programs and share expertise about community initiatives.