Minority-owned and women-led agency Brunet|Garcia makes leadership change

Brunet|García, a fast-growing, minority-owned agency specialized in effective social impact programs for government agencies, nonprofits, foundations and brands, has announced a leadership transition designed to enhance client service, scale creativity, and accelerate growth.

In reimagining the agency’s model, the reins are being handed to a newly formed senior leadership team, who are tasked with advancing growth objectives and implementing the agency’s strategic plan.

Cofounders Jorge Brunet-García and Diane Brunet-García, who established the agency in Jacksonville in 2003 before expanding to Atlanta and Washington D.C., will step back from day-to-day roles to become Board co-chairs. 

Kimberley Collins, formerly EVP, Media & Engagement, is now Chief Executive Officer  responsible for the strategic vision and growth strategy for the 55-person agency.  

Kim Vermillion, who was EVP, Brand & Marketing Strategy, assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer, focusing on operations and ensuring B|G has the right processes and talent to serve clients and agency administration.

The new senior leadership team is rounded out by Eduardo Sarmiento, formerly EVP, Creative, who is now Chief Creative Officer responsible for strategic creativity across all departments and advancing creative innovations. 

The agency transformation continues on the department level with the formation of a new leadership team, representing the next generation of B|G leaders: Aerien Mull becomes SVP, Creative; Kate Jolley is now VP, Creative Operations; Anna Jaffee steps up to VP,  Accounts; LeShaundra Cordier is VP, Communication Strategy; and Iwalani Camacho is SVP, Media.

All of the new roles are the result of promotions from within, with women holding seven of the eight new leadership positions.

“The senior leadership team of Kim, Kim, and Eduardo have been involved in all operational and strategic decisions for the past four years, so the most seamless way to move the agency forward is to increase the involvement of this core team,” said Jorge Brunet-García, cofounder, co-chair.  “This new leadership structure leaves our clients in highly capable hands and positions the agency well for the future.”

B|G has established a strong niche in developing customized, cross-cultural marketing strategies that build awareness and affect change regarding some of the highest profile and most complex social issues impacting the country, including the opioid and HIV epidemics, and the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The agency was awarded a 10-year, $100-million opportunity in 2015 to provide national health marketing services to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That work established the agency as a leading communicator on issues related to the opioid epidemic and other health and safety issues.

B|G has concurrently developed successful programs for clients such as Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration, Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Agriculture.

The agency has also won nationwide acclaim for building transformative campaigns for both nonprofit and private sector organizations, such as Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Citra Health, Baptist Health, Florida Blue, ProCureWorks, and Mayo Clinic.

Among recent campaigns is the "Stop Overdose Initiative" for CDC as part of a comprehensive strategy to affect change in the areas of harm reduction, treatment, and recovery, and “Out Loud,” utilizing human truths to destigmatize life with HIV for women on behalf of HHS.

“Jorge and Diane have built a successful agency with a positive culture–a great place to work with a diverse staff working on worthy causes for important clients,” said Kimberley Collins, CEO.  “Our new strategic plan is to enhance client service and grow the business while maintaining that inspiring agency culture.”

Kim Vermillion, COO, added: "It has been incredible to plan and create with B|G from its beginnings and to ride the waves of exponential growth over the last few years. Seeing now how much has been attained over the last 19 years, we're challenging ourselves and the B|G team to reach for that next big opportunity for impact beyond growth for growth's sake."

Brunet|García, headquartered in Jacksonville with offices in Atlanta and Washington DC, applies exceptional strategic creativity to some of the most complex issues affecting our nation today, making a difference by focusing on areas of social impact.  The agency is experienced at translating complexity into understanding; creating life-changing communications that resonate across communities and cultures; reaching audiences with innovative multi-channel outreach strategies, and inspiring action.