Cynthia Moxley and Alan Carmichael have sold Moxley Carmichael, an East Tennessee public relations firm, to a group of key company executives who represent a combined 95 years of public relations, marketing, creative and management experience – including 67 at Moxley Carmichael.
The sale of the business was finalized on June 24 and the buyers worked with First Horizon Bank. Moxley Carmichael will remain locally owned and operated, managed by chief executive Lauren Miller, chief financial officer Shaun Fulco, chief operating officer and president Scott Bird and chief creative officer Charley Sexton. As members of the company’s leadership team, they helped Moxley and Carmichael set the company’s direction and participate in key customer-related decisions for several years in preparation for this transition, according to a Press release.
Moxley and Carmichael will continue to provide advice and support to the 30-year-old company and its customers. The company has grown from Moxley serving a handful of customers outside the couple’s home to a company known statewide for its top-tier client list and dedication to the highest level of customer service and results.
Miller, an Oak Ridge native and 2003 graduate of Oak Ridge High School, previously served Moxley Carmichael’s major clients, such as Pilot Company and Covenant Health, as senior vice president.
“Our existing and growing team will continue to provide our clients and our community with the exceptional service and results that we pride ourselves on providing, as we build on the excellent foundation laid by Cynthia and Alan,” said Miller in the release. “This vision will allow us to continue Moxley Carmichael’s 30-year legacy as a local, dedicated company serving Knoxville, East Tennessee and beyond.”
Moxley said selling to employees is something she and Carmichael have considered for several years, and they are happy to continue advising the team and addressing key customer needs.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job has been associating with some of the greatest business and community leaders in our region,” she said. “It will continue. Our names are on the company and we remain committed to its success through working with customers, new business development and community visibility. I am pleased that the new ownership team plans to continue Moxley Carmichael’s strong community support.
“The new owners know how to deliver results and exceed customer expectations, and they will take Moxley Carmichael to even higher levels of service for the corporate sector and the community at large. They have rooted in the Knoxville community, have a strong work ethic and a commitment to making our area great. They will continue to play an important role in the economic and cultural progress of this region.
Here is the information about the new owners:
- Lauren Miller, CEO – After earning a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Florida and interning with Moxley Carmichael, Miller joined the team as a public relations specialist in August 2007. She excelled in customer service, communications strategy and execution, and more than 15 years with the company, has been promoted to account manager, senior account manager, director of client services and senior vice president. Miller works with key clients and oversees the corporate account team. Miller is a graduate of the Class of 2019 from Leadership Knoxville and is currently an LK Scholars Mentor. She was named a 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Greater Knoxville Business Journal in 2018. Miller is the daughter of Lynn Christ and the late John Christ of Oak Ridge, and she resides in Knoxville with her husband, John; children Ellie and Paxson; and rescue dog, Chloe.
- Scott Bird, President/COO – Scott Bird joined Moxley Carmichael in 2006 and most recently as Vice President of Marketing represents high-profile clients including The Trust Company of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, Johnson Architecture and Knoxville Utilities Board. He has over 25 years of experience helping clients communicate and market effectively. Prior to joining Moxley Carmichael, Bird held various leadership positions in marketing communications for business-to-business and professional services firms in the Knoxville area. He has been active in the American Marketing Association locally and nationally. Bird received his bachelor’s degree in 1992 and an MBA in 1994 in marketing from the University of Tennessee. He holds a certificate in professional fundraising from Boston University.
- Shaun Fulco, Chief Financial Officer – Fulco has over 30 years of management and accounting experience. As Chief Financial Officer, she directs all financial aspects of the business, including accounting practices, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, financial strategy, and financial performance monitoring. In 2016, the Knoxville Chapter of Financial Executives International and the Greater Knoxville Business Journal selected Fulco as Small Business CFO of the Year. Prior to joining Moxley Carmichael in 2007, she was Chief Financial Officer of Space Walk Interactive LLC, a New Orleans-based company with manufacturing facilities worldwide and over 200 branches across the United States. Prior to that, she spent 11 years in banking. She graduated from the University of New Orleans. Shaun is active in the community and sits on the Board of YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley. She graduated from the Sevier Leadership Class of 2019. She resides in Sevierville with her husband, Dave, and three dogs, Sugar, Millie, and Lola, and enjoys spending time with her son, Jacob; daughter-in-law, Marcella; and grandson, Grayson.
- Charley Sexton, CCO – Sexton led the creative, graphic design and web development departments as Creative Director of Moxley Carmichael. He works with almost all of the firm’s clients and manages a highly creative and talented staff. Before joining Moxley Carmichael in 2001, he was a graphic designer at the Clarence Brown Theater and earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Tennessee. Sexton serves on the board of the East Tennessee Community Design Center, and he is a founding member and past president of Young Professionals of Knoxville and is a Fellow of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). He is a graduate of the class of 2021 from Leadership Knoxville. He is also a founding member of Zoo Knoxville’s Circle of Friends Leadership Council and was recognized as Ambassador of the Year in 2015. In 2016, he was recognized in the Greater Knoxville Business Journal’s 40 under 40 list. Sexton resides Powell with his wife, Linnie; their two daughters, Haley and Riley; and a cat named Millie.
For more information, visit www.moxleycarmichael.com.
Moxley Carmichael is located in the historic Miller Building on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.
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