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Narrative Strategies Names Two New Managing Directors, Elevating Research Veteran Heather Owens and Digital Advocacy Expert Nick DeSarno to Senior Roles

Kelly O’Keefe, Avery Monsees Promoted to Senior Directors; Drew Dacey, Sarah Flakus, and Em-J Krigsman Elevated to Senior Associates 

Washington, D.C.Narrative Strategies announced the promotions of Heather Owens and Nick DeSarno today, among a wave of promotions that reflect the continued growth of the firm’s talent and a commitment to providing clients with a wide range of expertise. Owens has been instrumental in building Narrative’s research capabilities, notably as the firm launched its in-house research and competitive intelligence function, while DeSarno has routinely provided clients with valuable insights and strategies for their digital advocacy and public affairs efforts. Both have played instrumental roles in the firm’s growth and are now part of its senior leadership team. 

The firm also elevated Kelly O’Keefe and Avery Monsees to Senior Director roles and promoted Drew Dacey, Sarah Flakus, and Em-J Krigsman to Senior Associate. 

“Heather and Nick have continuously provided value and expertise that helps our clients to gain insight, reach critical audiences, and gain a strategic advantage. Whether they are shaping reputation or trying to achieve a policy objective,” said Narrative CEO and Founding Partner Ken Spain. Heather routinely delivers deeply researched analysis to clients that enables highly informed and data-driven decision-making. Nick’s mastery of grassroots advocacy and digital engagement allows clients to reach the right audiences, drive the most effective messages, and achieve public affairs goals while maximizing resources.” 

Narrative’s greatest resource has always been our team. As Narrative has experienced substantial growth, it is no coincidence our team members continue to grow and thrive as individuals. It shows up in the premium work we work to deliver for our clients,” Spain added. 

Kelly O’Keefe is one of Narrative’s founding members and now helps lead the firm’s office in West Palm Beach. Throughout her tenure, O’Keefe has been known for her strategic precision, ability to become an expert on a wide range of issues quickly, and tireless work ethic, resulting in outstanding execution. She has worked with aerospace, manufacturing, real estate, and energy clients to define success and exceed their public affairs goals.  

Avery Monsees has enhanced Narrative in media relations, policy communications, crisis response, and positioning clients at the center of critical national conversations. Monsees came to Narrative after serving as Senior Advisor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), providing clients with over a decade of communications and political experience. She works with a number of clients in the technology, cybersecurity, and healthcare space.  

Senior Associates Drew Dacey, Sarah Flakus, and Em-J Krigsman are rising leaders who consistently deliver exceptional value to clients across industries through their research, writing, media monitoring, and campaign execution.  

 

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