SHS Partners Tap John January and Ali Mahaffy for Newly Created Positions of Agency Co-CEOs

WICHITA, Kan., April 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sullivan Higdon & Sink (SHS), one of the area's largest advertising and communications firms, announces that its managing partners have restructured its leadership team with the promotion of its two senior vice presidents, John January and Ali Mahaffy, to agency co-CEOs, effective immediately.

January and Mahaffy will be charged with oversight of the agency's growth and day-to-day operations of all SHS offices (Kansas City, Mo.; Wichita, Kan; and Washington, D.C.). They will report to a board of directors, which includes Managing Partners Rand Mikulecky, Tom Bertels and Lynell Stucky, all of whom will continue in their roles working with key clients and handling current responsibilities.

"John and Ali are a dynamic duo. When you get the two paired up – John's creative and industry leadership, and Ali's business and client acumen – they bring a lot of firepower," said Mikulecky. "To keep the momentum that's seen SHS grow to its largest size and scope, we felt the time was right to make these moves for today and for the future as well."

Mikulecky describes the pair as highly effective in helping to grow and strengthen the agency's brand overall. SHS has tripled in size since January and Mahaffy joined the company. Today, the agency represents local, regional and national clients with a global reach and has annual capitalized billings of $126 million and 140 employees.

"This move to bring the next tier of leadership to the forefront puts us in the best position to unify our total leadership team's efforts for clients across accounts and offices," Bertels said.

The two former Senior Vice Presidents each have a long tenure with SHS and have worked together closely at the agency for 14 years.

"Our styles and expertise really complement each other. We are both highly committed to constantly seeking new ways to become a better partner for our clients and a better place for SHSers to build careers," said Mahaffy. "We work hard and challenge each other daily and have a lot of fun in between. It's a good gig."

"There's been a lot of innovation and experimentation in and around how we do business at SHS and, in fact, we've started new businesses altogether. Ali and I are motivated to continue to stoke that fire of transformation," said January.

John January most recently served as SVP and Executive Creative Director at SHS and Executive-on-Loan at SHS spin-off, Volcanic. He rejoined SHS in 1999 after serving as Associate Creative Director at Kansas City independent, Barkley.

Ali Mahaffy, previously in the position of SVP and Director of Brand Management, has been with SHS for 14 years. Prior to SHS, Mahaffy worked in marketing for H&R Block after starting her career at various Kansas City agencies.

Growth prompts cross-office promotions

The change also paves the way to create more synergy for SHS as a whole and gives several other leaders expanded roles across the SHS system. P. Scott Flemming is now VP Executive Creative Director, Lathi de Silva is now VP Reputation Management and Jim Vranicar is now VP Connections Planning. In addition, SHS VP Brock Campbell now adds business model innovation to his current brand management duties.   

"We work as one SHS. And, now, more than ever, clients are looking for strong leadership and access to new talent. This unification allows us to share our expertise across offices. We believe both our employees and clients will benefit from this structure," said Mikulecky.

About Sullivan Higdon & Sink
Named Business Marketing Association's 2014 B2 Midsize Agency of the Year, SHS exists to inspire brands and people to be remarkable. With offices in Kansas City, Wichita and Washington, D.C., the agency's client roster includes American Century Investments; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City; Blue Rhino; Borden Cheese; Cargill; INTRUST Bank; The Kansas City Chiefs; Kansas Health Foundation; Pratt & Whitney and SONIC^®, America's Drive-In^® among others. Agency focus areas include the food value chain (FoodThink blog), aerospace and defense and health and wellness. Connect with SHS at facebook.com/wehatesheep, linkedin.com/company/shs and @wehatesheep.

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