The Black Marketers Association of America recently named Kimberly Strong, an account director at Brunner, to its list of the Top 20 Black Marketers We Admire in 2023. In its announcement, the BMAA cited Kimberly’s ability to align marketing efforts with business objectives and her “extensive experience developing integrated marketing campaigns that drive business growth.”
Kimberly joined Brunner’s account management team in August 2022, bringing in-depth experience from roles she has held in corporate and nonprofit settings. She’s based in Brunner’s Atlanta office.
“Kimberly is everything that is right about Atlanta. She clearly belongs on the BMAA’s list and frankly will likely be named to many more lists before her career ends,” said Brunner Managing Partner Jeff Maggs.
He first met Kimberly as part of the American Marketing Association’s mentoring program in Atlanta — he was the mentor; she was the mentee. “The reality is she taught me more about inner strength, conviction, emotional intelligence, and passion than I probably was able to teach her,” Jeff said.
He also worked with Kimberly during her term as AMA Atlanta chapter president — and thought right away she’d be a great asset for the Brunner team.
“This recognition motivates me to continue to pursuing excellence in my work and uplifting fellow Black marketers.”
“I knew that we needed someone of her ilk in our organization to make us better, and to help make our clients better. Fortunately, that’s exactly what has happened. I am proud to know her and even more proud to call her my friend.”
We caught up with Kimberly to ask about the BMAA award, her work at Brunner, and her long-time advocacy for greater diversity and inclusion in the marketing and advertising industry.
Q: Congratulations on being named to the BMAA’s list of “Black Marketers We Admire” for 2023! What does this recognition mean to you?
I was completely surprised and honored to be included in the BMAA’s list of “Black Marketers We Admire” for 2023. BMAA’s annual list recognizes underrepresented marketers’ contributions to the marketing community and how these individuals give back to others. It is awesome to be listed alongside other marketing professionals that I also admire!
This recognition motivates me to continue pursuing excellence in my work and for Black marketers who are looking to make their mark in the industry.
I am excited to be acknowledged for making a positive impact in the marketing field and for contributing to the ongoing dialogue surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry.
Q: You joined Brunner in August 2022 as an account director. Can you describe what you do in your role? What do you find most challenging — and most rewarding?
My role as a Brunner account director is multifaceted. The job involves cultivating client relationships, strategic planning, coordinating cross-functional teams, and managing campaign execution. While it comes with challenges, the rewards — including client success, creative fulfillment, and professional growth — make it an incredibly fulfilling profession.
The biggest challenge and most rewarding part of this role has been successfully transferring my corporate marketing background and nonprofit leadership experience into an agency role.
“We must keep pushing for more diversity at all levels.”
I am grateful for this opportunity to pivot my career trajectory and lay a new foundation for a long-term journey within Brunner and the advertising industry.
Q: What progress have you seen in bringing greater diversity and inclusion into marketing and advertising, for both agencies and in-house teams? What progress remains ahead of us, and what are the best opportunities to achieve those advances?
In-house teams and agencies can make progress by focusing on hiring practices, ensuring diverse representation in creative and decision-making roles, and encouraging open conversations about diversity.
We must keep pushing for more diversity at all levels, from entry-level positions to the C-suite. Collaborating with diverse influencers and creators can also help broaden reach and perspectives. Analyzing and using data responsibly can help organizations better understand our audience and tailor messaging accordingly.
This push starts with ensuring people from all backgrounds have a voice at the table, reflecting broad perspectives from intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ+.
Organizations that are finding it difficult to attract and retain diverse talent must stop “playing” diversity. Instead, they need to initiate genuine efforts to create welcoming environments, mentorship opportunities, safe spaces, and action plans for success. Potential employees can quickly identify an organization that is focused on ticking boxes vs. genuinely valuing different perspectives.
“I am passionate about volunteerism and having a positive impact on my community.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about your career, not only your work at Brunner but your involvement in organizations like the American Marketing Association and The A Pledge?
Marketing and advertising are a part of everything! Our industry drives decisions, influences preferences, and reflects the attitudes of our changing world. Marketers are the most flexible professionals because we are creative, strategic, tactical, and fiscal.
I am passionate about volunteerism and having a positive impact on my community. Working with the AMA gives me an opportunity to share my experience leading successful nonprofits. I currently sit on the national AMA Professional Chapters Council, which oversees 70 AMA chapters nationwide and 812 chapter leaders. My role on the council is co-lead of the annual AMA Leadership Summit. Next year I am excited to take on the role of president-elect for this council and serve as its president in 2025.
In addition, I am a member of an executive advisory board that serves to support and uplift the Atlanta chapter of the AMA, which is one of the largest in the nation.
I am a co-founder and board member of The A Pledge, a commitment to developing a citywide diversity, equity, and inclusion plan with concrete actions that are highly specific and local to the Atlanta marketing and advertising community. For two years, I served as executive director and was responsible for the overall strategic and operational responsibility for the organization and the execution of its mission. I’m proud that Brunner is a participating agency with The A Pledge.