VOL. 127 | NO. 61 | Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Memphis Newsmakers
Burton Promoted to PR Manager at inferno
By Taylor Shoptaw
Ashley Burton has been promoted to public relations manager at inferno. Burton joined the agency in 2005 and most recently served as a public relations account executive.
BURTON
(Photo: Dennis Copeland)
Hometown: Bedford, Ind.
Education: I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Indiana University.
Work Experience: Before joining inferno in 2005, I worked in the Memphis office of McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations LLC.
Family: Fiancé, Zach; two cats, Rocket and Gertie
Favorite quote: “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” – Benjamin Franklin
Last book read: “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson
Favorite music: Florence + The Machine, The Civil Wars and classic ’80s/’90s
Favorite movie: “My Girl”
Sports team: Indiana Hoosiers
Activities you enjoy outside of work: I’m an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society and Harrah’s Hope Lodge, and I also enjoy reading, running and following fashion.
What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could sing.
Who has had the greatest influence on you? My parents and my two grandmothers, who are intelligent, fiercely independent and above all else, kind.
Why did you pursue a career in public relations? Public relations allowed me to combine my passion for writing and planning with relationship building. Through my position at inferno and personal volunteer efforts, I have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people I otherwise wouldn’t get to meet. I also love the fact that every day is different.
What are your goals as public relations manager? To continue to help our clients succeed, as well as expand inferno’s reach both within Memphis and in other markets, and strengthen relationships with our clients and media contacts.
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishments? I find it very rewarding each time I’m able to fulfill a client’s needs, whether it’s securing earned media coverage or providing guidance on an internal communications initiative.
What do you most enjoy about your work at inferno? I truly enjoy working alongside (and learning from) my coworkers, who are a tremendously talented group of professionals, and working with our clients, who allow us to become true strategic partners in their business.
Ashley McCrary, a speech therapist at Baptist Rehabilitation-Germantown, has earned certification in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment through LSVT Global, an organization serving individuals who require speech therapy processes to help communicate.
John A. Peebles has been named a member of McNabb, Bragorgos & Burgess PLLC.
Teresa M. Bernhardt, Steven Boles, Alan de Flumere, Lindsey Donovan, Derick Garner, Donald Grayer, Jeremy T. Jones, Michael J. Leonard and Rebecca Y. Lin have graduated from Christian Brothers University’s Certified Financial Planner Board-Registered Program in Financial Planning.
Brand Cook has joined Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors LLC as an associate.
On Being a Black Lawyer blog has named Lee Harris, Memphis city councilman and professor of law at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, as one of the 100 most influential black lawyers in the United States. Harris has been a member of the U of M faculty since 2005. Before joining the U of M, he worked at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC.
Dr. Adam Baker, owner of Dermatology Realm Inc., has joined the board of directors of Re:Fuel Memphis Inc.
Ashley Cleek, Adam Crider, Jonathan Stewart and J.V. Thompson have been selected as partners in Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell PLC. Cleek is a member of the firm’s Malpractice Defense group; Crider is a member of the Business Law group; Stewart is a member of the Tort and Insurance group; and Thompson is a member of the Tort and Insurance group as well as the Employment Law and Civil Rights group.