Amanda Loveday Named CEO and Jean Cecil Frick Named COO 

COLUMBIA, S.C. [February 19 , 2025] –  NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm specializing in crisis response, media, and public relations, today announced a leadership transition that will further enhance the firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional client-focused service. Amanda Loveday is now Chief Executive Officer and Jean Cecil Frick assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer. Founding CEO Heather Hoopes-Matthews, who led NP Strategy since its inception in 2013, remains on the team in a client-facing role.

Loveday, with nearly two decades of experience in public affairs, media relations, and corporate communications, brings a strong client-centered approach to her new role. As COO, she helped expand NP Strategy’s footprint across the Southeast, building a reputation for delivering tailored, effective solutions that address clients’ strategic communication needs. As CEO, Loveday will oversee the firm’s operations and lead its long-term vision, ensuring NP Strategy remains a trusted partner.

“I am honored to lead NP Strategy and carry forward our commitment to providing outstanding service,” said Loveday. “Our talented team is dedicated to crafting strategic solutions that help clients overcome challenges and achieve their goals. I look forward to building on the foundation Heather established.”

Frick, who has been instrumental in the firm’s growth as a senior leader, will now manage daily operations. Frick brings an impressive background in leadership roles, with experience that aligns with NP Strategy’s dedication to understanding and meeting clients’ needs.

Leighton Lord, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Maynard Nexsen, said, “Amanda and Jean Cecil exemplify the client-focused culture that drives NP Strategy’s success. Their leadership will further our mission to be a reliable, strategic partner to clients. We thank Heather for her vision in founding NP Strategy, and we’re thrilled that her next role will allow her insight to continue benefiting our clients and the firm.”

NP Strategy, a subsidiary of Maynard Nexsen, serves clients across diverse industries, providing strategic counsel, media relations, crisis communications, and public affairs services. With a growing team of 24 professionals, NP Strategy has offices in Columbia and Charleston, S.C.; Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C.; and Birmingham and Mobile, Ala. 

Coinciding with the leadership transition, NP Strategy has launched a new brand and website.

ABOUT NP STRATEGY

NP Strategy is a strategic communications firm composed of former journalists, communications professionals, political insiders, and public relations executives. NP Strategy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Maynard Nexsen, a 550-attorney national law firm with 24 offices from coast to coast, providing NPS access to deep relationships across the United States. For more information visit www.npstrategy.com.

Columbia, S.C. – (January 29, 2025) NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media and public relations assistance, is growing in Alabama and the Carolinas with the hiring of award-winning journalist and communications professional Lynnsey Gardner Baker, and dynamic communications and media strategists Maya Ward and Whitney Satterwhite.

“We are excited to welcome Lynnsey, Maya, and Whitney to our team,” said CEO Amanda Loveday. “Their extensive experience in media relations, combined with their ability to craft compelling narratives and build strong connections in both national and regional markets, will help us deliver outstanding results and exceptional value to our clients.”

Lynnsey Gardner Baker joins the Columbia office as a Director, bringing nearly two decades of experience in journalism, government relations, and strategic communications. Her career includes award-winning tenures at WJXT-Jacksonville and WRDW-Augusta, where her investigative reporting earned her three national Edward R. Murrow Awards and three Emmy Awards. Most recently, Baker served as Communications Director for the City of Forest Acres, where she enhanced the city’s profile with innovative media strategies and expert crisis communications.

“I am excited to help clients navigate complex communication challenges with creativity and precision,” said Baker. “As a former investigative journalist, I look forward to leveraging my deep understanding of the evolving media landscape to build trusted relationships and craft impactful stories that educate and inspire.”

Maya Ward has joined the Charlotte office as a Manager. Before this role, she worked at DKMS US, a global non-profit focused on stem cell and bone marrow donation. During her tenure, she honed her expertise in healthcare and political communications, earning a reputation for crafting impactful media strategies that amplify brand visibility. Ward is passionate about helping clients tell compelling stories that resonate on both local and national levels. Among her career highlights, she secured coverage for a lifesaving transplant story on the Today Show and The Jennifer Hudson Show. In addition, she was recognized as one of Elevate Lifestyle’s 2024 “30 Under 30” Future Leaders of Charlotte.

“Through my experience working with non-profits, I’ve developed a sharp understanding of how to create innovative, impactful communication strategies that engage audiences,” said Ward. “I’m passionate about community advocacy, and I’m excited to bring my media relations expertise to help clients tell their compelling stories in a way that aligns with their mission and values.”

Whitney Satterwhite joins the Birmingham office as a Specialist, bringing a diverse background in advertising, public relations, and media relations. Her career began at Walker Sands, where she specialized in media relations and earned national and trade coverage for B2B technology clients. Most recently, she served as an Account Manager at Lewis Communications, leading client teams across sectors such as financial services, tourism, healthcare, and economic development.

“With my knowledge of complex business challenges and diverse industry audiences, I’ve been fortunate to lead strategies and campaigns that deliver tangible results,” said Satterwhite. “This experience will be invaluable at NP Strategy as I help clients navigate unique challenges, drive meaningful engagement, and achieve their communication goals.”

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy Alum Joins Mobile Office

COLUMBIA, S.C. [July 17, 2023] –  NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media and public relations assistance, welcomes Lee Bonner to its Mobile, Alabama office. Bonner, a seasoned government affairs professional, joins the NP Strategy team after spending seven years in Washington D.C. working in government relations. 

“In less than 30 days we’ve added two colleagues in Alabama,” said Heather (Hoopes) Matthews, CEO of NP Strategy. “Lee’s unique background in the political arena and network of contacts will allow us to expand our reach and service to clients across our 10-state footprint.” 

Most recently, Bonner served as the Deputy Director of Scheduling for Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, a role she accepted after joining McCarthy’s team in December 2018. During her tenure with Speaker McCarthy, Bonner assisted with a wide range of projects from organizing meetings with international dignitaries in the US and abroad to representing the Speaker on the 59th Presidential Inauguration Committee in 2021. 

“Alabama is ripe with opportunity and I am excited to play a key role in this new phase of growth for NP Strategy,” said Lee Bonner. “I look forward to utilizing my relationships and tapping into my areas of expertise as I join this dynamic, growing public relations team.” 

Bonner will work in tandem with NP Strategy and its parent company Maynard Nexsen as a Specialist on the law firm’s Government Affairs team. 

Bonner earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama. She is an active contributor to Washington, D.C. charities and serves as the Treasurer for Taste of the South, a non-profit organization dedicated to charity fundraising. Bonner previously served as the Director of Events for the Alabama State Society, a casual gathering of several hundred Alabama natives residing in Washington, D.C.

Expands Growing Team in North and South Carolina

NP Strategy (NPS+), a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media and public relations assistance, welcomes veteran journalist Jeff Reeves to its office in Raleigh. Reeves will help lead social and digital communication engagement needs for NP Strategy clients.  For the past ten years Reeves has managed a social team of ten people executing all social content for CBS 17 in the Triangle area.

“Jeff’s extensive experience in both local news and digital audience engagement will be of tremendous value to our clients,” said Heather (Hoopes) Matthews, CEO of NP Strategy. “As a North Carolina native, Jeff will also help us continue our rapid agency growth and expand our scope of work, especially in the Triangle area.”

Reeves has successfully navigated the waves of change amongst the myriad of social media platforms during his career.  With proof of performance as a daily goal, Reeves closely tracked audience behaviors in order to grow key metrics tied to revenue. Reeves started his career at WRAL-TV in Raleigh before moving to WNCN-TV (CBS 17) where he rose in the ranks to lead the station’s successful digital team.

“Joining a strategic communications team packed full of former journalists is an exciting next step in my career,” said Reeves.  “I look forward to helping our NP Strategy clients enhance their online engagement, an area where more and more people go for daily news and information.”

Founded in 2013, the rapidly growing NP Strategy team brings together former journalists, political insiders, and communications professionals to serve clients ranging from nonprofits to global corporations. Together, NPS+ provides swift thorough assistance in media relations, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, video production, digital content development, event management and strategic messaging needs.

Reeves is the 9th new team member to joining NPS+ since January 2022. Born and raised in Greensboro, N.C., Reeves moved to Raleigh to attend North Carolina State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He and his family reside in the Raleigh area.

Expands Charleston, SC Office and Supports 30-Person Team

 NP Strategy (NPS+), a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media and public relations assistance, has grown the dynamic team with the addition of Abigail Darlington, who will serve as a Director. Darlington is an award-winning journalist with the Post and Courier, a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper where she helped lead coverage of the business community across South Carolina.  Darlington also served three years as the Senior Communications Officer for the Coastal Community Foundation.

“We are thrilled to have Abigail join our rapidly expanding team. Not only does she have extensive experience in strategic communications and marketing, but she’s also a former journalist and talented storyteller” said Heather (Hoopes) Matthews, CEO of NP Strategy.

Darlington is an experienced communications strategist with a diverse background in non-profit and community communications, media and public relations, branding and reputation management, digital content strategy, advocacy, and thought leadership.

When Darlington was reporting for The Post and Courier, she covered local government, flooding and affordable housing, economic development, arts and entertainment. Most recently, she helped the Lowcountry community by leading communications efforts for the Coastal Community Foundation, the largest foundation in South Carolina with a combined service area of nine coastal counties and total managed assets of more than $400 million.

“I’m excited to bring my experience in nonprofit communications and journalism to serve our diverse clientele,” Darlington said. “NP Strategy is an impressive team with some of the best in the industry. I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with them.”

Founded in 2013, the rapidly growing NP Strategy team brings together former journalists, political insiders, and communications professionals to serve clients ranging from nonprofits to global corporations.  Together, NPS+ provides swift thorough assistance in media relations, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, video production, digital content development, event management and strategic messaging needs.

Darlington is the 8^th new team member to join NPS+ since January 2022. The Charleston native can be reached at abigail@npstrategy.com

New hires to support growth in North & South Carolina

NP Strategy (NPS+), a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media and public relations assistance, today announced the addition of multiple new hires as the company continues to expand across the Carolinas. 

Caroline Balchunas – Project Manager, Charleston, SC 

Meghan Durant – Project Coordinator, Charleston, SC

Darain Ginyard – Creative Specialist, Columbia, SC

Robert Andrews – Project Specialist, Raleigh, NC  

“We are excited to welcome Caroline, Meghan, Darain and Robert to our team,” said Heather Matthews, CEO of NP Strategy. “These strong new additions will allow us to meet the needs of our rapidly growing client base while bringing a fresh perspective to our communication strategies.”

Caroline Balchunas is an award-winning journalist and storyteller to the core. Balchunas is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans. With her journalism background, Caroline joins the NPS+ media relations team and will bring our clients’ stories to life. 

Meghan Durant joins the firm after working in a variety of communications roles in South Carolina politics. She graduated from the University of South Carolina. Durant will also join the media relations team to advise clients on communications and content strategies. 

Darain Ginyard is a creative visual communicator dedicated to and passionate about the world of visual design and marketing. A native South Carolinian, he graduated from the University of South Carolina before obtaining a master’s degree in mass communication from the University of Southern New Hampshire. As a creative specialist, Darain will offer graphic design and other services for the NPS+ team. 

Robert Andrews is a veteran public and political affairs professional with a commitment to seeking out the best strategies to plan and execute successful campaigns. With nearly a decade of experience, Robert has built relationships in government, business, and non-profits across North Carolina. In his role as project specialist, Andrews will craft communication strategies for clients. 

ABOUT NP STRATEGY

NP Strategy is a strategic communications firm helping clients connect with the right people, in the right way, in order to reach their goals. The NPS+ team is composed of former journalists, communications professionals, political insiders, and public relations executives. NP Strategy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexsen Pruet, a 200-attorney law firm, providing NPS access to deep relationships across the Carolinas and the United States. For more information visit www.npstrategy.com.

Strategic communications firm adds Shari King and Meredith Dugas

The leading strategic communications firm NP Strategy (NPS+) announced today that it has attracted two award-winning marketing strategists – Shari King and Meredith Dugas, M.B.A. – to its diverse team of accomplished professionals. The additions support the rapid, national growth the agency has achieved in recent months.

King is an industry veteran and entrepreneur who founded Fuse 5, a boutique marketing and communications firm, in 2006. Dugas is a senior communications professional who has served as the head of content strategy for Fuse 5 for the last 12 years.

“Shari and Meredith are two heavy hitters who will bring tremendous value to our clients,” said Heather Hoopes-Matthews, NPS+ CEO. “Their experience touches virtually all facets of marketing, and their backgrounds are an incredible complement to the skill sets of our team members. We couldn’t be more excited to fuel our growth strategy by welcoming them on board with their book of business.”

NPS+ has significantly expanded its reach over the last six months to meet growing client demand for agency services. The addition of King and Dugas adds further bench strength to the firm’s extensive communications capabilities.

King, who will serve as a Senior Advisor at NPS+, has more than 30 years of experience in print and digital advertising, marketing, public relations, media relations, community relations, and event management.

She has consulted with leading global brands, including Fortune 500 companies and those on the London Stock Exchange, on a range of activities. Her expertise has supported efforts across all levels, from crisis management to environmental stewardship to community engagement.

She has also been involved in the branding, rebranding, marketing, and image management of several firms, and has experience in the energy, financial services, manufacturing, legal, health care, government, human resources, and not-for-profit sectors.

Dugas, who will serve as a Director at NPS+, is a senior brand, business, and content strategist experienced in message and concept development, creative outreach, and strategy development across all communications platforms.

She has created award-winning content programs for leading global corporations. With experience across a full spectrum of industries, Dugas has helped some of the nation’s top organizations overcome key communications challenges.

In addition to project and budget management, her background includes value propositions, product launches, annual and sustainability reports, internal and external communications, executive communications, crisis communications, event management, event app development, traditional marketing, sales training, and lead-generation strategies.

ABOUT NP STRATEGY

NP Strategy is a strategic communications firm helping clients connect with the right people, in the right way, in order to reach their goals. The NPS+ team is composed of former journalists, communications professionals, political insiders, and public relations executives. NP Strategy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexsen Pruet, a 200-attorney law firm, providing NPS access to deep relationships across the Carolinas and the United States. For more information visit www.npstrategy.com.

Jamie Lovegrove, an award-winning journalist deeply versed in Palmetto State politics and media, will join the rapidly growing team at NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm serving clients across the Carolinas and beyond.  After serving South Carolina’s largest newspaper, Jamie will make his debut at NP Strategy as a project manager and assist in leading the firm’s media team.

“We are honored that Jamie is bringing his talent and acumen to the team,” said Heather Matthews, NP Strategy CEO. “Jamie is a trusted storyteller who has both the media relationships and an understanding of the changing journalism industry that will deeply benefit our clients.”

Jamie joins NP Strategy from The Post and Courier, a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper where he helped lead coverage of the South Carolina Statehouse, congressional delegation and political campaigns. In that role, Jamie developed a wide network of influential sources across the state in both politics and the media. In addition to daily print and online reporting, Jamie regularly appeared on podcasts and TV news shows, offering an insider perspective on Palmetto State politics.

“I have long admired NP Strategy’s work and often turned to them as a valuable resource during my time as a reporter,” said Jamie Lovegrove. “I’m now excited to have the opportunity to utilize that experience in the journalism industry to help the firm’s clients grow in South Carolina and beyond.”

Born in London, England, Jamie relocated in his teenage years to the Washington, D.C. area, where he first discovered his passion for politics and writing. Before moving to South Carolina, Jamie covered the Texas congressional delegation from the Washington bureau of the Dallas Morning News, one of the country’s largest daily newspapers. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in journalism and political science.

Jamie is the seventh hire for NP Strategy since the beginning of 2021. The rapidly growing team includes former journalists, PR agency executives, and communications professionals serving clients ranging from nonprofits to global corporations.

ABOUT NP STRATEGY

NP Strategy is a strategic communications agency that helps clients connect with the right people, in the right way, in order to reach their goals. The NPS+ team is composed of former communications directors, journalists, political insiders and public relations executives. NP Strategy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexsen Pruet, a 200-attorney law firm providing additional resources including deep relationships across the Carolinas and United States. We guide our clients in navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities. For more information visit www.npstrategy.com.

With a growing client base in North Carolina, public relations firm NP Strategy (NPS+) welcomes Erin Smith to the team as Vice President and head of business development in North Carolina. Smith has over 13 years of experience in strategic communications and most recently served as President of BAERING Public Relations.

“Erin Smith is a smart, tenacious professional,” said Heather Matthews, CEO, NP Strategy. “She is already off to a successful start and I look forward to watching her serve our clients, grow our NPS+ team and win new work in North Carolina.”

Erin is one of 30 NP Strategy team members located in six offices throughout North and South Carolina.  The strategic communications firm offers a wealth of critical services including crisis communications assistance, media relations, stakeholder and community engagement and video production.

“NP Strategy’s impressive record of growth between Charlotte, Raleigh, and the coast is a testament to the great work done for clients, said Erin Smith. “Couple that with North Carolina’s continued rankings as a top place to live and do business only compounds the opportunity to be the leading strategic communications agency in the Carolinas.”

Smith graduated from North Carolina State University with degrees in communication and Spanish and has a proven track record of creating multi-channel campaigns for global Fortune 500 companies and small businesses across many industries including AEC and life sciences.

Smith is the latest in a series of rapid hires by the strategic communications firm.  Since May, NPS+ has added two people in the Charlotte office, and one person to each of the growing NPS+ teams in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville, SC.

ABOUT NP STRATEGY

NP Strategy is a strategic communications firm composed of former journalists, political insiders and public relations executives. NP Strategy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexsen Pruet, a 200-attorney law firm providing additional resources including deep relationships across the Carolinas and United States. We guide our clients in navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities. For more information, visit www.npstrategy.com.

Jesica Johnson Mackey, a strategic communicator with more than 10 years of experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, joined NP Strategy to strengthen the teams’ ability to serve its growing client base. 

“Jesica has hit the ground running,” said Leighton Lord, Managing Partner of NP Strategy. “Her extensive experience on large-scale and complex projects has already enhanced our service to clients.”

Mackey previously served as a strategic communications consultant at a global engineering firm, and brings experience in strategic planning, crisis communication, stakeholder management, and public involvement. Mackey has built a career in North and South Carolina by guiding clients through social and political risks and building trusted relationships.

“I am excited to join NP Strategy and leverage my experience to help our clients,” said Jesica Johnson Mackey. “The NP Strategy team has a great reputation and I look forward to the years ahead.”

Jesica graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications and a master’s degree in public administration. She has been honored by Columbia Business Monthly as a Best and Brightest 35 and Under; and currently serves on the boards of Emerge South Carolina, United Way of the Midlands Education Council, Mental Illness Recovery Center Inc., and WTS South Carolina. 

NP Strategy is a strategic communications firm helping clients navigate the business and public domains while shaping and controlling their messages. NPS+ services include Crisis Communications/Management, Media Relations, Message Development, Community Assessment, Project Launch, and Stakeholder Management. NPS+ is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Nexsen Pruet law firm.