In our Meet the Team series, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the dedicated AKCG team members serving our valued clients.
This week, meet Darrah Pilieri, an account manager who works with our thought leadership clients and team. On a daily basis, Darrah seeks to build valuable relationships with her clients and her coworkers. Learn more about Darrah below.
How did you know communications was the right field for you?
After obtaining my associate degree in English, I was accepted into Rowan University’s English program. During my first semester, I realized I no longer wanted to write about classic literature, but I knew I still wanted to write for a living. When I told a college friend, she encouraged me to attend a PRSSA chapter meeting with her.
After one PRSSA meeting, I knew the public relations industry was a right fit for me. The day after that meeting, I went to my advisor and changed my major from English to public relations. It is a decision I never regretted.
Do you specialize in certain areas of communications?
For most of my career, media relations was my specialty. I enjoy building valuable, long-term relationships with the media, as well as working with the media during events or newsworthy moments. However, since moving into the account manager role, I believe my specialty has evolved into nurturing the firm’s talent and building relationships between and with the firm’s junior and senior staff.
I work hard to not only encourage my colleagues to be their best, but I also try to provide a safe place for them to feel comfortable sharing personal- or professional-life struggles without fear of negative consequences or judgement.
What do you enjoy most about working on the AKCG team?
I love the camaraderie and relationships I have built with my colleagues. For nearly eight years, the AKCG team has become my second family. I’ve also enjoyed having the ability to wear many different hats over the years.
What is your most memorable moment at AKCG?
My most memorable moment was at the 2016 PRSA Philadelphia Pepperpot Awards ceremony when our agency won the coveted “Best in Show” Award. Our team worked hard on the program we implemented for our client, and winning that award made my year!
And just for fun, do you have pets?
I have a six-year-old Miniature Schnauzer named Remington Miles (“The Sir”). He is the light of my life.
