March 31 – Annie Winegardener, The Motion Agency

About

Annie Winegardener works as a PR Account Supervisor at The Motion Agency. She graduated from Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism in 2011 with a degree in Journalism (Public Relations) and earned a Master’s in Public Administration from OU’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs in 2013. At OU, Annie served as VP Internal Relations for Scripps PRSSA and held multiple roles on the Synchronized Skating Team, including Vice-President and Fundraising Chair.

Annie’s past roles include Social Media & Events Coordinator for Capito for U.S. Senate, Public Relations Coordinator at Delta Private Jets, Marketing Manager at Topgolf and Director of Marketing & Business Development at Simon Property Group’s Cincinnati Premium Outlets.

Key Takeaways

Career Path & Advice

• Unique trajectory: Started in corporate roles (political campaigns, Delta Private Jets, Topgolf and Cincinnati Premium Outlets) before joining agency life.
• Tips for corporate PR/marketing:
  • Say “yes” (within reason) to diverse tasks.
  • Build strong writing skills—many college graduates lack this.
  • Learn to wear multiple hats: social media, event planning, media relations and internal comms.

The Motion Agency Overview

• Structure: Dedicated teams for PR, branding, production, etc. Annie works on the PR team.
• Services: Full-service agency (brand strategy, SEO, crisis comms, influencer marketing, trade shows and media tours).
• Clients: Focus on health/wellness, consumer brands (Haribo, Whirlpool, Tractor Supply Company and Myriad Genetics).
• 70+ employees, 68% female staff and 60% female leadership. Based in Chicago, but has a remote office in Cincinnati.

PR Campaign Examples

GeneSight (Myriad Genetics):

• Created a “Mental Health Monitor” survey during the 2024 election cycle (41% of Americans felt anxious about the election).
  1. Results: 800M+ media impressions (USA Today, NPR and NY Post).
• Women’s Health Campaign:
  1. Partnered with Cancer Risk Survey + FDA regulation timing.
  2. Results: 254M+ media impressions and major TV coverage.

Tactics & Tools

• Measurement: Real-time coverage trackers, quarterly reports with client-specific KPIs.
• Muck Rack: Primary tool for media monitoring.
• Networking:
  • Personalized outreach: Send LinkedIn requests with notes, ask for email addresses to send thank-you messages.
  • Tap alumni networks—people hire who they know!

Job Search Tips

• Stand out: Include KPIs in your resume and portfolio and show your creativity.
• Apply broadly: Smaller agencies or “boring” clients offer great experience.
• Prepare: Research interviewers, ask for feedback and always send a thank-you note (not just on LinkedIn).
• Skills to hone:
  • Digital proficiency (SEO, analytics and social tools).
  • Storytelling: Adapt one topic for multiple audiences.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving.

Connect with Annie on LinkedIn!