Growing Campfire Collective More Than Doubles in Size; Creates New Leadership Positions - July 2024
Award-winning local marketing firm Campfire Collective has marked a significant milestone since its inception in March 2022. In just two years, the boutique agency has experienced exponential growth, going from six employees to fifteen, and attracting a roster of changemaking local clients. Under the leadership of Founder and Head Trailblazer Shannon Briggs, the remarkable expansion has necessitated the creation of several new leadership positions, in addition to attracting talented new hires.
Hired as a Content Kindler to provide social media expertise in 2022, Mackenzie Grannan has been promoted to Team Wayfinder. In her new position, Grannan manages internal team operations and onboards new clients and team members. Bringing over 17 years experience in entertainment and community PR to the team as a Content Kindler in 2023, Kate Lollar has transitioned to the role of Director of Expeditions, where she guides Campfire’s marketing team, ensuring the agency is providing clients with exceptional strategy and service.
“In addition to their leadership skills, Mackenzie and Kate have exhibited outstanding dedication and enthusiasm in their new roles,” said Briggs. “With their move out of Content Kindler positions, it left some gaps. In addition, we realized that our Content Kindlers were handling more client-facing responsibilities, so we’ve transitioned several team members to the newly-created role of Client Expedition Manager.”
In addition to their expertise in social media strategy, Client Expedition Managers are responsible for managing client accounts, coordinating strategic media campaigns, and serving as the primary point of contact between Campfire Collective and its clients. The role includes working alongside the Director of Expeditions to develop and implement strategic marketing plans, oversee communication initiatives, and ensure the delivery of high-quality services.
Current team members Abby Wilbanks, Sarah Rushakoff, and Elizabeth Lambe have accepted the new role with an increase in their responsibilities, alongside newly hired team member Alexas Ellis. Former intern Olivia Fowler joins the team as a Content Kindler, along with new hires Camille Jones and Allison Binning, to assist with client strategic media campaigns and support Client Expedition Managers with ongoing projects. Rounding out the team as a Storyteller is Martha Park, who assists with regular newsletter, blog, website content, and press release writing.
“Abby, Sarah, and Elizabeth have the perfect skill sets for their new client-forward, leadership roles,” Briggs said. “Martha, Camille, Alexas, Allison and Olivia have proven to be stellar additions to our team, bringing expertise, adaptability, and passion. Clients are benefitting from the additional resources the restructuring offers.”
In addition to long standing clients like Welcome to Memphis (a subsidiary of Memphis Tourism) and Commute Options (a program of Innovate Memphis), the enhanced leadership skills, experience, and resources of an expanded Campfire Collective has attracted a roster of well-known Memphis clients, including Greater Memphis Chamber, ProTech Services Group, Chuck Hutton Toyota, and MoSH Memphis.
“The goal of Campfire Collective is to uplift community-based organizations that focus on celebrating and supporting Memphis,” Briggs said. “We have found a solid niche of businesses that need our services - ones that need comprehensive, expert marketing support that puts people and community first in their messaging. We’ve undergone such a dramatic organizational restructuring for that very reason – to offer our clients the best service possible and to prepare for expansion. To that end, as we continue to grow, we expect to hire more team members this year.”
Find out more about each Campfire Collective team member and their contributions to the agency here.
