Burrell Communications Group Acquired By FVLCRUM

Channing Johnson & Tara DeVeaux

Burrell Communications Group Acquired By FVLCRUM

Revered leadership duo McGhee Osse and Fay Ferguson transition the agency to new CEO

CHICAGO (October 25, 2023) – After leading the agency to sustained growth and success since purchasing a majority stake from founder Tom Burrell in 2004, Burrell Communications Group’s Co-CEOs McGhee Osse and Fay Ferguson have announced a transition to new ownership.

Burrell, one of the most highly regarded multicultural advertising agencies in the world, was acquired by an equity consortium led by FVLCRUM Funds (“FVLCRUM”) and Channing Johnson. FVLCRUM is a minority-owned private equity firm based in Rockville, MD that specializes in impact and growth investments, while Johnson is a Los Angeles corporate attorney with decades of experience in media and entertainment. Johnson will serve as Chairman.

Tara DeVeaux, the former CMO of Los Angeles-based Wild Card Creative Group and Managing Director of its creative content division, 3AM, has been named the incoming CEO. Tara has a multifaceted background in advertising, media, and entertainment, with her agency foundation established at Y&R, SpikeDDB, and BBDO where she rose to CMO of the New York office.

“We are truly excited for Burrell’s next chapter,” states Osse. “It was pivotal to Fay and me to transition the company to a team that would be committed to investing in the agency, growing its capabilities and reach in the years ahead and maintaining the talent and culture that makes Burrell special.”

“Having jointly led Burrell for nearly two decades,” added Ferguson, “McGhee and I sought to ensure that the new ownership shared our vision, standard of values, and maintained Burrell’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) designation. We are also thrilled about their selection of Tara as CEO. We’ve gotten to know her throughout this process, and she has shown tremendous energy and enthusiasm coupled with a commitment to the agency’s future.”

“I am excited and inspired by the opportunity to take on this role at what is a pivotal time in Burrell’s history,” says DeVeaux. “With multicultural consumers driving most general market trends, the line between general market and multicultural advertising has never been grayer. Understanding where these consumers are now helps brands to project where they need to be in the near future, and that’s always been Burrell’s strength. I plan to build upon that legacy through a concentrated focus on data to deliver fresh insights and renewed creativity across all platforms so we can continue to be a vital partner in growing our clients’ business.”

Johnson thanked FVLCRUM for sharing his vision and emphasized his key goals are for “Burrell to become the ‘go-to’ agency for brands who recognize the importance of speaking authentically to our growing transcultural world, and to become the destination agency for new talent in the business.” Chijioke Asomugha, Partner of FVLCRUM stated, “Burrell is an iconic company that has helped tell the diverse stories of many respected brands for more than 50 years. FVLCRUM is eager to build upon the impactful legacy of Burrell through this significant equity investment.”

ADVISORS

Oaklins DeSilva Phillips acted as financial advisor to Burrell Communications Group, and Loeb & Loeb along with Davis & Gilbert as legal advisors. Vaughan Capital Advisors acted as financial advisor and Katten Muchin Rosenman along with Jones Day acted as legal advisors to FVLCRUM and Channing Johnson in the transaction.

ABOUT BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP:

Burrell Communications Group was founded in 1971 by renowned ad man Tom Burrell, who led the company for 33 years. Today, Burrell Communications Group is the largest U.S. agency specializing in communications to diverse audiences. The agency boasts a roster of premiere, blue-chip clients that lead in their respective categories, including McDonald’s, Toyota, Comcast, Fidelity, Coca-Cola, FIFCO, and the American Red Cross. For more information, visit burrell.com.

ABOUT FVLCRUM:

FVLCRUM Partners, d.b.a. FVLCRUM Funds Capital Group, is a private equity firm that intentionally invests in diverse lower-middle market companies to generate sustainable opportunity for underserved communities. Since 2013, the team has provided a capital markets approach to addressing the U.S. racial wealth gap. FVLCRUM has been an innovator in aligning impact and alpha with an emphasis on delivering investment returns and sustainable social change. FVLCRUM’s first fund qualified for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) credit. For more information, visit www.fvlcrum.com.

BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP SHIFTS TO NEW LEADERSHIP

October 25, 2023 Burrell Communications Group is under new ownership after nearly two decades of leadership from co-CEOs McGhee Osse and Fay Ferguson. Former CMO of Wild Card Creative Group and Managing Director of 3 a.m. Tara DeVeaux is set to fill the position.

“We are truly excited for this next chapter for Burrell,” Osse told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“It was pivotally important to Fay and me to transition the company to a team that would be committed to investing in the agency, growing its capabilities and reach in the years ahead and maintaining the talent and culture that makes Burrell special.”

Burrell, a premier advertising agency, has been acquired by Evolve Media Holdings, led by Los Angeles attorney and entertainment veteran Channing Johnson. The company is supported by FVLCRUM Partners, which prioritizes investment in minority-owned companies. As the company transitions, Osse and Ferguson maintain the importance of preserving Burrell’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).

“Having jointly led Burrell for nearly two decades. McGhee and I sought to ensure that the new ownership shared our vision, standard of values and commitment to excellence and innovation in multicultural marketing, and we’re absolutely thrilled about their selection of Tara as CEO,” said Ferguson. “We’ve gotten to know her throughout this process, and she has shown tremendous energy and enthusiasm coupled with a commitment to the agency’s future.”

Tara has done exceptional work in the world of media, and she is now bringing her layered creative and entertainment background to Burrell.

“I am excited and inspired by the opportunity to take on this role at what is a pivotal time in Burrell’s history,” DeVeaux said.

“Because multicultural consumers are the drivers of most general market trends, the line between general market and multicultural marketing has never been grayer.

“Understanding where these consumers are now helps brands to project where they need to be in the near future, and that’s always been Burrell’s strength. I plan to build upon that legacy of understanding the multicultural consumer through a concentrated focus on data to deliver fresh insights and renewed creativity across all platforms so we can continue to be a vital partner in growing our client’s business.”

Lauren Nutall

Source…Black Enterprise.com

Leading Black ad agency, Burrell Communications Group, acquired by FVLCRUM

Revered leadership duo McGhee Osse and Fay Ferguson transition the agency to new CEO

October 25, 2023 After leading the agency to sustained growth and success since purchasing a majority stake from founder Tom Burrell in 2004, Burrell Communications Group’s Co‐CEOs McGhee Osse and Fay Ferguson have announced a transition to new ownership.

Burrell, one of the most highly regarded multicultural advertising agencies in the world, was acquired by an equity consortium led by FVLCRUM Funds (“FVLCRUM”) and Channing Johnson. FVLCRUM is a minority‐owned private equity firm based in Rockville, MD that specializes in impact and growth investments, while Johnson is a Los Angeles corporate attorney with decades of experience in media and entertainment. Johnson will serve as Chairman.

Tara DeVeaux, the former CMO of Los Angeles‐based Wild Card Creative Group and Managing Director of its creative content division, 3AM, has been named the incoming CEO. Tara has a multifaceted background in advertising, media, and entertainment, with her agency foundation established at Y&R, SpikeDDB, and BBDO where she rose to CMO of the New York office.

“We are truly excited for Burrell’s next chapter,” states Osse. “It was pivotal to Fay and me to transition the company to a team that would be committed to investing in the agency, growing its capabilities and reach in the years ahead and maintaining the talent and culture that makes Burrell special.”

“Having jointly led Burrell for nearly two decades,” added Ferguson, “McGhee and I sought to ensure that the new ownership shared our vision, standard of values, and maintained Burrell’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) designation. We are also thrilled about their selection of Tara as CEO. We’ve gotten to know her throughout this process, and she has shown tremendous energy and enthusiasm coupled with a commitment to the agency’s future.”

“I am excited and inspired by the opportunity to take on this role at what is a pivotal time in Burrell’s history,” says DeVeaux. “With multicultural consumers driving most general market trends, the line between general market and multicultural advertising has never been grayer. Understanding where these consumers are now helps brands to project where they need to be in the near future, and that’s always been Burrell’s strength. I plan to build upon that legacy through a concentrated focus on data to deliver fresh insights and renewed creativity across all platforms so we can continue to be a vital partner in growing our clients’ business.”

Johnson thanked FVLCRUM for sharing his vision and emphasized his key goals are for “Burrell to become the ‘go‐to’ agency for brands who recognize the importance of speaking authentically to our growing transcultural world, and to become the destination agency for new talent in the business.” Chijioke Asomugha, Partner of FVLCRUM stated, “Burrell is an iconic company that has helped tell the diverse stories of many respected brands for more than 50 years. FVLCRUM is eager to build upon the impactful legacy of Burrell through this significant equity investment.”

Chilyn Rezaba

Source…Rolling Out

BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP COLLABORATES WITH NOTED PRODUCER-DIRECTOR KENYA BARRIS IN HIS FIRST SERIES OF TV COMMERCIALS FOR TOYOTA’S FIRST EVER ‘GRAND HIGHLANDER’

Kenya Barris, ©2023, photo by Matt Sayles

(CHICAGO, October 4, 2023) - Burrell Communications Group, one of the nation’s largest multicultural marketing communications agencies, has announced yet another signature and groundbreaking national ad campaign supporting the launch of the first ever Toyota Grand Highlander.

Themed “Life’s Grander,”the campaign was conceived targeting families who realize that life isn’t always picture-perfect, but when at the wheel of a grander Toyota vehicle featuring more room, enhanced style and hybrid power, they can easily turn raucous family chaos and tension into fun and unforgettable memories.

The Burrell strategy team focused on many African American families’ traditional desire to be fully engaged at parenting as a means of countering negative stereotypes. That keen strategic insight was then leveraged to grant Black families permission to be their authentic selves in, and throughout the new campaign.

The agency created two broadcast TV spots for Life’s Grander: “Back There” and “HBCU Tour,” along with a series of short digital commercials. “Back There” humorously visits the all too familiar ah-hah! moment when a mom interrupts the backseat bedlam and tells her kids, “Don’t make me come back there!” In a similar spirit, “HBCU Tour” introduces two proud parents engaged in a verbal tug-of-war to influence which Historically Black College or University (HBCU) their son will choose after campus visits to their rival alma maters.

The Life’s Grander work features African American families, well-timed dialogue and heartwarming tinges of comedy. Burrell sought out award-winning writer, producer and director Kenya Barris, the king of the Black sitcom, to authentically bring the scripts to life. The agency collaborated with Barris throughout each stage of production, tapping his renowned expertise to assemble a stellar ensemble cast of actors who delivered on-screen. Barris’ input on performances, wardrobe and story nuances helped elevate the Burrell team’s work to deliver to Toyota a great and on-target campaign.

“At Toyota, our goal is to create authentic imagery and depictions of our customers engaging with our brand in ways that reflect their values and lived experiences. We believe this new Grand Highlander ad campaign delivers on that promise,” said Mike Tripp, VP of Marketing and Communications, Toyota Motor North America. “We are humbled to contribute to the uplift of African American families with the heartwarming Life’s Grander series, and share Burrell’s enthusiasm about the outcomes of this collaboration with Kenya Barris.”

This project marks Barris’ first venture into TV commercial advertising. But, after this strong showing, it’s bound to not be his last. He thoroughly relished the collaboration with the agency. “As a first time commercial director, Burrell made the entire process seamless from beginning to end,” Barris states. “Along with decades of experience, working with the agency team to create a commercial centered around a Black family also meant working with a team that understands all of the big and little details that needed to be portrayed, and was aligned in making sure we did our best to get them right,” he continued.

“As a creative, I’ve always been a big proponent of embracing brand integrations and marketing as a storytelling tool. I loved being able to see that process from the other side of the creative table, while also expanding my skill set as a director for a different format, and would welcome the opportunity to do it again.”

“Burrell is committed to making work that Matters, and is as Aspirational as it is Disruptive. We achieve that by leading with cultural relevance,” said Khari Streeter, Burrell’s chief creative officer. “When the opportunity arose to work with Kenya to help us bring our Grand Highlander concepts to life, we jumped at it. He was immediately generous and accessible,” Streeter relates further. “He didn’t hesitate to unpack his culture-led perspective, nor his personal experience to elevate the work. He brought in a spectrum of top-tier talent he had worked with, used a nuanced sense of humor and treated the spots as if they were a collection of episodes, which added depth and cohesion to the campaign. We were happy to be able to break the seal on his commercial directing debut, and look forward to working with him in the future.”

Burrell Communications Group was established by renowned ad man Tom Burrell in 1971, who led the company for 33 years. The agency today boasts a roster of premiere, blue-chip clients that lead in their respective categories, including McDonald’s, Toyota, Comcast, Fidelity, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, FIFCO, Procter & Gamble and the American Red Cross.

ABOUT BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP:
Celebrating more than 50 years of best-in-class transcultural communications, Burrell Communications Group is the largest U.S. agency specializing in communications to diverse audiences. The agency is known for its strategic thought-leadership and creativity. The foundation of its success lies in uncovering rich insights and a deep understanding of the Black community. Burrell’s strong relationship with the Black community has influenced the development of humanitarian campaigns such as “Black Is Human,” “The Fatherhood Initiative” and “Allies of Innocence.” For more information, visit burrell.com.

TOM BURRELL, BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP FOUNDER EMERITUS, DEBUTS NEW MUSIC ‘WITH A CONSCIOUSNESS’

Revered former chairman and CEO continues to pursue role as lyricist-performer as he releases his second single, ‘Deep’

CHICAGO (July 11, 2023) – Powerful new music has hit the radio airwaves and streaming platforms nationwide today, as Tom Burrell, the renowned, highly acclaimed founder of Chicago-based Burrell Communications Group, one of the most highly regarded multicultural advertising agencies in the U.S., has set aside his adman hat to don the role of song lyricist and performer.

Burrell has released his latest music single, “Deep.” The track is a captivating, head-nodding spoken word composition now available on Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube and wherever digital music is sold. Burrell wrote and recites thought-provoking lyrics, skillfully delivered in a compelling musical composition and arrangement.

“‘Deep’ is essentially a love song dedicated to my wife, Madeline, expressing how ‘deep’ she is, along with a few general themes that fit the deep description such as Finnegans Wake and Deepak Chopra. It’s a tribute to all Black women," states Burrell. “Think comparatives or similes. She is not an uncommon trope, but in this case the comparatives are largely of people, places and things tied to Black culture, Black history and Black icons,” he adds. “The lyrics are designed to let you feel (the emotional part) and make you think (the cerebral part). The intent is to give the listener information he or she may already know, but also information that would be valuable to learn.”

“In a world with so much idle chatter about things that don’t much matter you magically appear, filling empty space with wisdom, substance, grace and mucho mas. Baby, you’ve got gravitas,” Burrell wistfully writes. “You’re the company I want to keep, because you’re deep...”

“Deep like MLK, Marvin Gaye, Lady Day, Janelle Monae…deep like Barry tones, James Earl Jones. The profound sound that is Nina Simone’s,” he continues. “Deep like Invisible Man, Trouble Man, I AM A Man, Nothing But A Man,” his lyrics emphatically intone.

The uplifting and empowering spirit of “Deep” resonates through Burrell’s potent pen and expressive delivery at an important time, when society is grappling with the dual trauma of post-pandemic and post-George Floyd social justice reckonings. Peering knowingly through the haze of today’s tumultuous climate, Burrell’s lyrics at once pay a heartfelt and loving tribute to his wife, while also reminding listeners that knowledge is power.

All of this is seamlessly captured in the compelling words that have long been a part of his ad business persona.

This work represents only the latest in a growing repertoire of songs with lyrics written and produced by Burrell, with the common theme focusing on leveraging music to draw people in, so that meaningful messages can be delivered. Other notable tracks to be found here are “Say What?," and “Straight Talk” from his debut album Squeezin’ the Juice, and “Not the Song I Want to Sing,” written and performed on jazz artist Marlene Rosenberg's album MLK Convergence, also featuring Christian McBride, Lewis Nash, Robert Irving III and Burrell.

His prior single, “Hate Power,” performed by Joe Bruce, is an entrancing song that implores audiences to look within to, in the words of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s campaign, “Fight hate. Ignoring it will not make it go away.”

“Let me just state: Love is losing ground to the power of hate,” Burrell narrates. “Hate Power is gaining ground by the hour. Well fed; surging ahead. Let’s make ‘love conquers all’ more than a platitude. Love needs to change its attitude.”

Burrell, who grew up in Chicago, established Burrell Communications Group in 1971 and led the company through 2004, recasting his career to become an author, lecturer and authority on media, culture, social science and history. He is author of the acclaimed book, Brainwashed: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority (©2010, Hay House/Smiley Books). The agency that bears his name to this day boasts a roster of premiere, blue-chip clients that lead in their respective categories, including Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Comcast, Toyota, the National Park Foundation, Walmart and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

2023 ANA Multicultural Excellence Awards

Burrell Communications is excited to announce that Melvin Lewis and Melody R. Waller will represent the Agency as jurors for this year's 2023 ANA (Association of National Advertisers) Multicultural Excellence Awards. The awards will be presented on Monday, November 7, at the Multicultural Excellence Awards Gala in Hollywood, FL. 👏 Congrats to the both of them for being selected to review some great work and storytelling.

BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TAKES HOME 2023 AAF ‘MOSAIC CHAMPION OF THE YEAR’ MULTICULTURAL ADVERTISING AWARD

CHICAGO, March 14, 2023 — Burrell Communications Group has been named the 2023 “Mosaic Champion of the Year,” a prestigious award given by the Dallas, Texas chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), as a part of its annual Suits Awards.

The Suits Awards, the Dallas AAF’s largest creative competition, were conceived to recognize individuals across various advertising disciplines who support the creation, execution and delivery of exemplary creative work from the local advertising industry. Given in ceremonies March 1st at the Dallas American Advertising Awards Gala, the Mosaic Champion of the Year category serves to honor “an agency or professional that has been continuously supportive of, and goes above and beyond diversity, equity and inclusion within the industry.”

Burrell Communications was peer nominated for its recent “Need A Nudge” national campaign and contest, created for the Toyota brand. The initiative, launched in fall 2022, was developed to help support and uplift non-profit organizations and leaders across the country whose often unsung work is effecting positive change in the communities Toyota serves.

Through the contest, prospective “Need a Nudge” entrants were challenged to visit the Toyota.com website during the campaign period, complete an entry form and submit a video statement of 60 seconds or less explaining why the entrant believed the organization deserved “a nudge,” or should be chosen to receive one of 16, $10,000 grants. More than 200 entries were received and posted to the contest website, with the public then invited to login during the voting period daily, vote for their favorite organization and spread the word of the funding opportunity.

Sixteen noteworthy grassroots organizations were named recipients of the grants to fuel their ongoing work and impact in local communities, with the first cohort of winners announced by Toyota on March 6th. “To receive this honor from the AAF adds to the momentum of what looks to be a banner year for our agency,” said Fay Ferguson, Co-CEO of Burrell. “We’re always gratified and humbled when our client’s work is acknowledged and showcased—especially in instances like this when our peers are aware and single us out,” she adds.

The AAF’s American Advertising Awards stand as the largest advertising awards program in the U.S. Renowned industry judges from around the nation judge the AAF-Dallas local competition, with the best work moving on to the district level, and then the national level.

BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP APPOINTS TUWISHA ROGERS-SIMPSON VICE PRESIDENT OF BRAND DEVELOPMENT

CHICAGO, October 26, 2022 — Burrell Communications Group, a pioneering multicultural marketing communications agency, announcedtoday thatTuwisha ‘Wish’ Rogers-Simpson joins the agency asVice President of Brand Development.In this role, Rogers-Simpson will guide theoverall alignment of Burrell’sbusiness objectives and brand communications, while strengthening Burrell’s stance as a worldwide brand.

            A mission-driven thought leader and strategist, Rogers-Simpsonis well-versed in devising avision, setting objectives and producing memorable campaigns thatconnect with audiences.Sheis the founder of Wish Factor, a strategic relationship and purpose-driven marketing consulting enterprise that leverages innovative strategy and integrated techniques, including unique content, partnership building and planning.

            “As the agency looks toward the future, we are excited about the addition of Wish to our talented team of marketers and communicators,” said Fay Ferguson, Co-CEO of Burrell. “Without a doubt,herexperience and expertise will contribute to our agency continuing to trailblaze in authentically connecting with Black audiences.” 

            Previously, Rogers-Simpsonheld the position of Vice President of Brand and Partnerships at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), where she led the marketing and branding initiatives for the museum, which included overseeing the fostering and development of the NMAAM community, and corporate and entertainment relationships domestically and globally. She partnered with Fortune 500 brands such as Apple, Amazon, Nissan, Hallmark Mahogany, TMobile, AARP and RIAA, to name a few. In addition, she successfully opened and launched the museum and curated nearly $3 million in strategic partnerships, while garnering over 2.8 billion media impressions within the first year-and-
a-half.

            Prior to her tenure at the museum, Rogers-Simpsoncreated and directed Strategic Partnerships at Urban One, where she oversaw breakthrough campaigns that won severalindustry awards. She has additional experience working with leaders such as Martin Luther King III and Dr. Randal Pinkett, the season four winner of TV’s “The Apprentice,”as well as collaborating with industry giants and notables including Steve Stoute, ESSENCE Communications, BET networks, Eric Roberson, Quincy Jones Productions, NOBEL Women, Cedric the Entertainer and many more. 

            “I am both delighted and honored to have the opportunity to join Burrell at such an exciting time,” said Rogers-Simpson. “I look forward to assisting Burrell in standing out in the worldwide business arena and launching campaigns relevant to the present social landscape that align with the brand’s voice, goals, and objectives.”

            Rogers-Simpson has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from William Paterson University and a master’s degree in urban studies from Kean University.  As a resident of Nashville, she is a prominent and dedicated member of her community who was recently named a 2022 Woman of Influence by the Nashville Business Journal.  Rogers-Simpson volunteers with the City of Plainfield, the Rotary Club of Nashville, Leadership Music, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Memphis Music Initiative, Second Harvest Food Bank and ACM Diversity Task Force.

Burrell Communications Group Names Khari Streeter Its New Chief Creative Officer

CHICAGO, May 12, 2022 — Burrell Communications Group, one of the world's leading multicultural marketing communications agencies, has announced the naming of Khari Streeter as its new chief creative officer, effective immediately. In this role, Streeter will lead the agency's dynamic, award-winning creative teams in developing the strategic, impactful work that is the agency’s hallmark.

A respected leader, creative visionary, storyteller and filmmaker with three decades of experience, Streeter most recently served as executive vice president, creative director and head of Production for Hill Holiday, the respected Boston-based marketing communications agency. While there, he effectively co-led the creative teams and headed integrated production including broadcast, digital, 360 activations and internal communications. He also oversaw and directed the business unit alignment for the agency’s Bank of America/Merrill Lynch and U.S. Trust accounts.

Streeter additionally worked across categories on the Reebok, Cadillac, BMW Motorrad, Planet Fitness, American Lung Association, Liberty Mutual, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Anheuser Busch, adidas and Converse accounts, among many others.

"Khari Streeter is a driven, industry acknowledged creative storyteller with a longstanding reputation for delivering results that resonate with audiences—which is of critical importance in this age of social evolution and change," says McGhee Osse, co-CEO of Burrell. “He’s an insightful, passionate person who is widely recognized for the thinking, images and inspiration that he brings to his work, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to this role," co-CEO Fay Ferguson says.

"I’ve had a non-linear path. Throughout my career and experience in advertising, a lot of my effort has been spent trying to convince clients that they need to have diverse work, diversity in their work, diverse audiences for their work as well as to try and lead the agencies that I’ve been a part of to increase their diversity in-house,” Streeter says. “In this time of heightened awareness and the prioritization of inclusion, the trend has seemed to be headed in the right direction, but it’s still performative. With the opportunity that Burrell represents, we’re starting at a point that Burrell has already created the momentum for."

Streeter has garnered a host of awards for his work across the industry, including the AAF’s diversity, equity and inclusion Mosaic Award for Allyship to Advocacy, awards from Communication Arts, the Effies and the Webbies. He’s a Sundance Film Festival NHK International Screenplay Awardwinner, and has won the Grand Jury Prize from HBO’s Urban World Film Festival and other accolades for his filmmaking.

BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS NAMES MIKE MITCHELL AS NEW CFO

CHICAGO, April 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Burrell Communications, one of the world's leading multicultural advertising agencies, welcomes Mike Mitchell as its new Chief Financial Officer.  Mike joins the Burrell team with over 30 years of finance and accounting experience and nearly fifteen years as a CFO. Mike most recently served as CFO at IPG with oversight for the FCB West region and a creative boutique, New Honor Society.

"We are impressed with Mike's leadership experience in finance and operations and his demonstrated history of driving growth and profitability for creative organizations," says Fay Ferguson, Co-CEO. "In addition, his high level of expertise in strategic planning, pricing, analysis, and financial modeling set him apart as an asset to the team."  

Mike's professional trademarks include relationship building, a highly collaborative work style, and an ability to deeply understand the business and cultural dynamics of the companies and industries he serves. His leadership across both financial and operational divisions, including planning, budgeting, reporting analysis and management oversight, gives him a uniquely balanced perspective and makes him more effective in delivering goals and partnering successfully with management teams.

"I'm thrilled to join the executive team at Burrell. The company has a long history here in Chicago and has been a leader in the diverse marketing space across the U.S.," states Mitchell. "They have consistently delivered strong business results for world-class clients under the leadership of co-CEOs and owners Fay Ferguson and McGhee Williams Osse. I believe Burrell's unique offering is more valuable than ever in today's marketplace."

Mike, a Michigan State University grad, spent a few years in the entertainment industry as the Vice President of Finance with Platinum Entertainment and as Senior Finance Manager at Midway Gaming, Inc. Mike is a huge music lover and enjoys live music as often as he can. He's taking on new life experiences and is now taking drum lessons, living out his passion for music. Mike also became interested in martial arts early in life, receiving a black belt in Tang Soo Do as a child, and currently practices Tai Chi.

Cartoon Network’s ‘Drawn To’ Series Celebrates Black History Month

The latest episode features Sidney Keys III, 15-year-old founder and CEO of Books n Bros, a reading club and mentorship program aiming to cultivate a love of reading in African American male youth

Children start learning to read at an early age, but not everyone maintains the habit throughout their lifetime. Sidney Keys III is a 15-year-old who is working to change that. Keys not only loves to read himself, but also wants to spark a love of reading in other kids—as he explains in Cartoon Network’s latest monthly installment of its “Drawn To” series, which features inspirational stories from real-life kids having fun and sharing common interests such as spending time with family and helping out in their communities. All “Drawn To” episodes are available on CN, the CN App, and across the network’s social platforms.

Sidney’s story, “Drawn to Making It Happen,” debuted Saturday, Feb. 6, in celebration of Black History Month. The budding entrepreneur discusses how he founded Books n Bros when he was just 10 years old.

“When my mom and I went to my first African American children’s bookstore, I picked up a book, started reading and just couldn’t put it down,” Sidney explains. Knowing that literacy among Black male youth can be disproportionately low as they get older, Sidney launched Books n Bros as a book subscription service focused on promoting literacy among all boys ages 7 to 13 (he’s since expanded the age range to 16). The books that Sidney selects each month champion Black storytelling, inclusion and relatable stories for kids. The club also hosts monthly discussion groups and even mentoring by adult “Big Bros” to inspire the youngsters to keep it going. Parents tell him their sons’ reading scores and even behavior have improved since joining Books n Bros.

Here’s a snapshot of the article which can be read in full here.

Black Lives Have Always Mattered To Us

On Thursday, July 30th Burrell hosted Black Lives Have Always Mattered to Us: America’s Premier Black Agency Speaks Out. The purpose of the town hall was to add a voice to the conversation around racial injustice that’s been missing. A voice that not only represents Blacks in advertising but the Black community at large. A voice that must quietly process the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others while enduring the racial tension and inequality so often prevalent in corporate America. Our town hall was a chance to provide the business community with the perspective, insight, and advice about how we can all do our part to create a better America.

Moderated by Ryan Smith, ESPN, and ABC Legal Correspondent 

Panelists:
Fay Ferguson: co-CEO
McGhee Osse: co-CEO
Tracy Anderson: VP / Account Director PR, Toyota Motor North America
Corey Seaton: VP Creative Director, Toyota Motor North America
Brittny Pharr: Account Director, Procter & Gamble
Jeffrey Fortune: Associate Account Director, Toyota Motor North America
Brandi Rand: Associate Director of Social Media, Toyota Motor North America

Special thank you to behind the scenes Burrell team: Nat Jones, Carlo Treviso, Camille Johnson, Fabiola Auxila, and Lewis Williams.

For more information on the event, see this overview.

Please share your favorite takeaways on social using the hashtag #BurrellSpeaks and like us on social media to stay connected.
To reach out to Burrell Communications about this, other initiatives, or business inquiries, visit the contact us page.

Burrell Wins Gold Addy & 3rd Place Cannes-Do Awards

Last week, Team Burrell made some very powerful wins in the name of Black Culture. Our Black Is Human team won 3rd Place in the Non Profit Category at the Cannes-Do Awards with our ‘For Jason’ spot. We were the only American brand to breakthrough to the top five campaigns out of the Publicis’ network. You can watch the spot here.

Also, our Comcast crew brought in the gold from the American Advertising Awards. That is, our Visions of King campaign made it through the district, regional, and national levels and won the ultimate prize—a national gold ADDY from the American Advertising Federation. You can learn about the full Visions of King campaign here.

Burrell Extends the State's ALL IN ILLINOIS COVID-19 Safety Message

Lt Governor, Juliana Stratton, took the time out to personally thank the Burrell team for extending the state's All In Illinois campaign to black and brown audiences. The audio and video campaign encourages vulnerable communities to be serious about COVID and to take the necessary safety precautions. Our version of the campaign which features the Lt Governor, Rev. Otis Moss III, J. Ivy and others is getting a surge of media coverage.  Phase II of the campaign will kick-off when the state re-opens.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration has tapped black and Latino voices from around the state for the audio and video spots. They were produced pro bono by Burrell Communications and are airing on TV, IHeart and Univision radio, social media and more.

Source…Chicago Sun-Times