Company: MWW, East Rutherford, NJ
Company Description: MWW is one of the nation’s top mid-sized public relations firms and one of the ten largest independent global agencies. The firm is industry-recognized for its work in consumer lifestyle marketing, digital marketing and social media, corporate communications, public affairs and government relations, consumer technology, healthcare and visual branding.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Employee of the Year

Nomination Title: Traci E. Carpenter, Speechwriter/Content Editor

Describe for the judges the activities and accomplishments of the nominated entrepreneur since the beginning of July last year (up to 500 words):

Traci E. Carpenter has written for former presidents, sitting governors, entertainers and CEOs. Joining MWW in July 2011, Traci is the firm’s first Director of Speechwriting and Content, overseeing the development of speeches, op-eds, blogs, and other content for MWW’s corporate and consumer clients, as well as the agency’s executive leadership.

From Day One, Traci has been a tremendous resource for MWW’s clients and employees. Some of her stand-out accomplishments over the last year include:

•Developing a new client service offering from scratch. As the first Director of Speechwriting, Traci has spent the last year building up a new client service offering specializing in executive speechwriting and by-line development. Having an in-house, dedicated writer has increased the firm’s value to clients and led many to grow their business with MWW.

•Increasing executive eminence for MWW leadership. A lead member of the agency’s internal “MWW PR” team, Traci has been integral in the development of CEO Michael Kempner’s platforms and blog eminence. She helped to secure and manage a Huffington Post column for Kempner’s frequent discussions related to marketing relevance.

•New MWW branding. Traci coined and presented what would become the agency’s new tagline and POV “Matter More,” unveiled this Spring. Additionally, Traci helped craft and guide the development of the agency’s verbal identity which is being rolled out firm-wide.

•An award-winning holiday card. Traci flexed her creative muscles when tasked with creating the annual MWW holiday card. She conceptualized and wrote what became “Annie’s Holiday Wish List” – a tongue-in-cheek look at MWW’s practice areas and client services that was honored with Mercomm’s Astrid Award and a Hermes Creative Gold award in the “Marketing Collateral/Branding/Holiday Card” category.

•Words that matter. In the last year, Traci has provided writing services pro bono for the Clinton Global Initiative and the Happy Hearts Fund, writing award and presentation scripts for their respective galas.

•Service to the community. In addition to her pro bono work, Traci volunteers her time for the Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency that provides free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Traci has taught career workshops introducing high school students to careers in speechwriting and political communications.

•Recognition and Honors. The College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University awarded Traci with the 2012 Rising Star Award. This distinguished honor is only given to those alumni who have demonstrated extreme dedication in the field of communications and to the University.

Traci’s contribution to MWW is more than the sum of her accomplishments – she has contributed to the growth of MWW in ways much less quantifiable. Whether it’s sharpening new business proposals, polishing up press releases or offering writing and professional mentorship to junior staff, Traci is always behind the scenes helping to push MWW, its clients, and the industry forward.

Provide a brief biography of the nominated employee (up to 100 words):

Traci E. Carpenter is the Director of Speechwriting and Content at MWW.

Previously, Carpenter served as the senior speechwriter for President Bill Clinton, directing the speechwriting process in support of the former president’s political, philanthropic, and personal causes. She also provided strategic and editorial support to the press, marketing, and development operations of the Clinton Foundation.

Carpenter has also written for Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York and former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. She was previously a columnist and freelance reporter at Newsweek magazine. Carpenter earned a B.A. in Journalism from Michigan State University.