Integrated marketing agency DNA has hired Summer Slater in the new role of Director of Communications Strategy where she will oversee all aspects of the agency’s integrated media offering including planning and buying for broadcast, digital and social media.
Summer was previously a Director/Partner at Mindshare in Los Angeles where she oversaw the agency’s work with such clients as Nordstrom and Gruppo Campari among others. She has also held senior media roles at such agencies as Ignited, Palisades MediaGroup, and Universal McCann.
“Summer brings a deep and broad skill set in media and analytics that enables us to be true thought leaders in the changing media landscape and deliver ideas that drive results,” explained Chris Witherspoon, President and Chief Growth Officer for DNA. “Summer’s extensive experience in the communications planning space will enable us to offer our clients even greater opportunities to connect more meaningfully with consumers.”
Witherspoon cited Summer’s digital roots and strategy background as critical to the agency’s ambitions to expand its media capabilities. Her hire follows a record year for DNA which includes growth from existing clients and the addition of such new clients as MemorialCare Health System, Cray Supercomputers, Consumer Cellular, Amazon and Ben Bridge.
In commenting on her move to DNA, Summer Slater said, “I was drawn to DNA because it offers a fully integrated approach to clients who need to be more efficient and nimble with their media budgets. I’m excited to help build our media practice to reflect the ever evolving world of media and work with clients that are looking for inventive solutions to communication challenges.”
A Washington native, Summer returns to the Pacific Northwest after almost 10 years in Chicago and Los Angeles where her integrated communication strategies have helped clients such as Universal Pictures, NBC, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, SKYY Vodka, Grand Marnier, Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey, Nordstrom, and Princess Cruises.