Darby Communications Expands

Asheville, NC – Darby Communications has expanded its team of PR specialists with the addition of Account Executive, Shelly Schmidt, and Account Representative and Sponsorship Coordinator, Julie Hansell. From media relations to sponsorship management and event marketing, Darby Communications has served some of the top names in the outdoor and wellness industries for close to 10 years.

These new hires double the firm’s sponsorship management team enabling Darby Communications the ability to offer more strategic event marketing campaigns and athlete and ambassador utilization plans to their clientele.

Schmidt was previously the Marketing Manager at ChiLiving, parent company to ChiRunning and ChiWalking. While there, she was responsible for digital strategy through online promotions and partnerships with running companies and events around the globe.

Building upon her experience at ChiLiving, Schmidt’s responsibilities at Darby Communications include managing partnerships and creating opportunities that integrate media relations, social strategies and athlete and event sponsorships.

Starting at Darby Communications as an intern, Hansell recently transitioned into the role of Account Representative and Sponsorship Coordinator. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Amherst College, Hansell went to Ball State University to complete a Masters in Sports Management.  A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hansell discovered a passion for the outdoor industry while working as a graduate student administrator for Ball State’s Outdoor Pursuits program. At Darby

Communications, she is responsible for managing a team of endurance ambassadors, handling event and promotion logistics and social media platforms for several clients.

“Shelly and Julie bring skills that allow Darby Communications the ability to continue providing our clients with the outstanding results they have come to expect from our agency,” says Coral Darby, the firm’s founder. “With impressive experience in sponsorship, athlete management and marketing, they understand our clients’ goals and how best to achieve them.”

About Darby Communications

Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Darby Communications is a boutique PR firm of highly skilled and creative team members who are passionate about the outdoor recreation, wellness and active lifestyle industries. For over 9 years, Darby Communications has represented many of the outdoor industry’s top companies. Currently their roster includes; Astral Designs, Aventura Clothing, Granite Gear, Headsweats, Industrial Revolution, OverLand Equipment, Vasque and more.

For more information contact Mandy Gresham at mandy@darbycommunications.com.

By press release