Local Weber Shandwick Prez. Named National Leader
Sara Gavin, the longtime leader of the Twin Cities operations of PR firm Weber Shandwick, has been promoted to president of the global firm’s North American operations.
Gavin has spent roughly three decades with the firm and its predecessors. She co-founded Mona, Meyer, McGrath & Gavin, which was acquired by Shandwick International in 1988 and subsequently became part of Weber Shandwick in 2001.
She will oversee the firm’s operations across the United States and Canada and reports to Gail Heimann, president of Weber Shandwick. The region she will lead includes 23 offices and more than 140 employees.
Gavin’s promotion comes as Cathy Calhou, the company’s previous North American president, was appointed to a new global role as chief client officer. Eric Pehle, executive vice president and general manager for the firm’s Bloomington office, will continue in his role and manage operations there following Gavin’s promotion, the firm said.
“Sara’s keen focus on strategically marshaling our firm’s talent and resources on behalf of clients, and her strong track record in building a vibrant culture and business environment are qualities she will bring into this expanded role,” Weber Shandwick CEO Andy Polansky said in a statement. “She embodies the collaborative spirit that binds our teams and sets our firm apart.”
Gavin, who serves on multiple local corporate and nonprofit boards, will continue to live in the Twin Cities and work out of the firm’s Bloomington office, Weber Shandwick said.
Gavin was named one of Twin Cities Business' 200 Minnesotans You Should Know in 2011.
This summer, she introduced her former colleague Dave Mona as he was inducted into Twin Cities Business’ Minnesota Business Hall of Fame. To view a video of her speech, click here.
Weber Shandwick is Minnesota’s largest PR firm based on net fee income, which totaled an estimated $26 million for its most recently completed fiscal year as of August 2012. Gavin has helped represent Cargill, Coca-Cola, Land O’Lakes, the Mall of America, the U.S. Army, and more.
