CLEVELAND – July 7, 2020 – Dix & Eaton announced today that Amy McGahan has assumed leadership of the firm’s media relations practice, and Kris Fiocca has been promoted to account executive, effective June 1, 2020.
McGahan, who was promoted to managing director in 2019, joined the firm in 1997 and is a recognized and decorated communications professional and client counselor with more than 20 years of experience in public relations, specializing in media relations, crisis communications, media/communications training and event management and promotion. McGahan assists organizations across various industries with setting strategy, developing cogent and compelling messaging and conducting media outreach on national, regional and local levels.
“We are thrilled that Amy McGahan, formerly co-head of the practice, will now assume leadership of our media relations group. Amy’s deep expertise and professionalism have always been valued by clients and colleagues and have become even more crucial during this extraordinary moment brought on by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,” said Chas Withers, Dix & Eaton chief executive officer. “Amy is an incredibly engaging and caring mentor, a tone-setter for our culture, a highly visible community leader and a true expert in her craft. She believes deeply in the benefits and impact of earned media in an integrated communications strategy. She has an easy style, builds lasting relationships and broaches any challenge quickly with a good sense of humor. We are very fortunate to have a professional of her caliber on our team.”
As the lead of Dix & Eaton’s media relations group, McGahan will also continue leading critical client engagements – often focused on change management, maximizing strategic opportunities or mitigating challenges – but will also have expanded responsibilities in business development, stewarding firm leadership priorities and mentoring others.
“I look forward to contributing to the ongoing growth of our firm and finding new ways to serve new and existing clients,” said McGahan. “As we continue to navigate the ever-changing media landscape, it is more important now than ever before to be in lock-step with our partners and clients to make sure their stories are accurately told during these challenging and rapidly changing times.”
After successfully completing an internship at the firm, Kris Fiocca officially joined Dix & Eaton as an assistant account executive in 2018. Kris is heavily involved in media relations efforts for clients, as well as supporting the firm’s research, social media, marketing and change management teams.
“Kris’ knowledge and insight has helped numerous organizations design and execute paid, earned and owned media strategies that have generated immediate impact,” Withers said. “His great attitude, unlimited curiosity and technical acumen have been difference-makers for a host of clients and he has a superb track record on driving visibility and brand recognition at the highest levels. He has stepped in to fill many different roles over his last two years with the firm, and we are grateful to have him on our team. We look forward to seeing him continue to flourish as a leader in the coming years.”
About Amy McGahan
McGahan helps clients navigate complex issues and crises, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, construction accidents, mining and airline disasters, labor disputes and more. McGahan regularly conducts media and crisis training for executives and arranges media visits for clients with journalists in important media centers, such as New York and Washington, D.C. She serves as the president of The Press Club of Cleveland board of trustees and recently became co-chair of The Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day Committee. McGahan is also involved with her alma mater, Baldwin Wallace University, where she serves on the Alumni Council.
About Kris Fiocca
Before his internship at Dix & Eaton, Fiocca interned with Designed Learning, an international consulting organization as a social media intern. He graduated from Miami University’s College of Arts and Science with a degree in strategic communication with two minors in entrepreneurship and general business. Fiocca is actively involved in the community as a member of PRSA Cleveland. He also serves as an associate board member for the Upside of Downs and as a member of Engage! Cleveland’s Leadership Council.
About Dix & Eaton
Dix & Eaton is a strategic communications consultancy specializing in investor relations, crisis communications, media relations and marketing communications. Working as trusted partners focused on driving results, Dix & Eaton combines deep experience, foresight and creativity with digital intelligence and analysis to help clients realize the full power of communication and generate greater return on investment. Founded in 1952, Dix & Eaton is 100 percent employee-owned and has twice been named the nation’s best midsized firm.