NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm with offices in North and South Carolina, will expand its leadership team to meet the aggressive growth of the public relations agency. In the last four years, NP Strategy’s revenues have grown 400%.

“We never expected this kind of quick growth,” said Heather Hoopes-Matthews, Director of NP Strategy. “But our clients like our streamlined approach and value the mix of business and media backgrounds we bring to the table. In order to keep growing, we need strong leadership and Amanda Loveday is the perfect person for our new Associate Director role.”

Amanda Loveday joined NPS+ in 2016 after serving as the communications director for Congressman Jim Clyburn. In the past three years, Loveday has led clients through challenging situations, managed statewide media events, organized numerous stakeholder meetings and helped launch The Charleston Forum – an annual community event in Charleston, S.C. born out of the Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church tragedy. In December of 2018, Governor Henry McMaster appointed Loveday to the State Election Commission.

“I am excited to accept the challenge and opportunity that comes with helping lead NP Strategy during this season of rapid growth,” said Amanda Loveday. “Our team members are our number one asset and together we plan to expand our service areas, improve our efficiency and provide the best product to our clients.”

As Associate Director, Loveday will oversee NP Strategy’s business development efforts, help manage and recruit new NPS+ talent, and support the growing back office needs of the NPS+ team as it serves clients located throughout the United States.

NP Strategy is pleased to welcome former journalist and professional videographer, Taylor Kearns, to our strategic communications team, as video services manager. With more than a decade of experience using video to tell clear and compelling stories, Kearns will work with clients across the Carolinas in the conception, creation and distribution of video communications.

“Within the last year, NP Strategy has aggressively grown our footprint,” said Leighton Lord, managing director of NP Strategy. “New clients and new projects naturally lead to new growth. We are ready for Taylor’s energy and creativity in providing a high level of service to our growing base of clients.”

Kearns is the third hire for NP Strategy since January 2018, for a team now comprised of 15 veteran professionals spread across North and South Carolina.

“When business grows, we need to follow suit,” said Heather Matthews, director of NP Strategy. “We are excited to bring on new talent because not only will it increase our level of service, but Taylor adds significant value to our team through collaboration and an added skill set. Plus, as you’ll see below, he has a great sense of humor.”

Kearns spent seven years as a photojournalist and reporter at Columbia’s NBC affiliate, WIS-TV. During his time on air, he was honored with awards including two regional Emmys and recognition from the National Press Photographer’s Association. Most recently, Kearns operated his own business in Columbia offering companies and non-profits professional video services with a personal touch.

“I’m ready to get in the door and get to work,” said Kearns. “Running my own business was hugely rewarding, but it was also isolating at times. My dogs don’t laugh at my jokes anymore, so I can’t wait to have a new audience. Also, the opportunity to work with some of the region’s leading companies and organizations was hard to pass up. The demand for video continues to grow, and I’m honored to join a team that prides itself on quality client service.”

Kearns is originally from Hartsville, SC, and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. He will be based out of the firm’s Columbia, SC office.

See also: Video Production

With more than a decade of experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors, Jean Cecil Frick joins NP Strategy (NPS+) as a senior strategic advisor. Jean Cecil has built a career in Washington, DC and South Carolina by giving expert advice and building trusted relationships.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jean Cecil to the team,” said Leighton Lord, Managing Director of NPS+. “Jean Cecil’s broad experience in the highest levels of government to growing a business in South Carolina brings a unique perspective to our clients.”

Jean Cecil most recently served as the CEO of a start-up web development firm in Columbia, SC. Her career started in Washington, DC where she served in the George W. Bush Administration as a Senate liaison in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs and as a legislative specialist for Vice President Cheney’s Senate Office on Capitol Hill. Jean Cecil began her career in Washington, DC working for U.S. Senator Jim DeMint.

“Joining the NP Strategy team allows me to combine the best of my experiences in both South Carolina and Washington, DC to work on behalf of our clients,” said Jean Cecil Frick. “I am excited to help businesses and organizations in the Carolinas grow.”

Jean Cecil’s background also includes work with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

“Jean Cecil’s professional network and commitment to helping clients achieve their goals will be indispensable to our team,” said Heather Matthews, Director of NPS+. “As a native of Spartanburg, we look forward to Jean Cecil growing NP Strategy’s presence in the Upstate and throughout the Carolinas.”

Frick will be working with businesses, individuals and non-profit entities with a focus on communications, public relations and community assessment out of the firm’s Columbia, SC office.