Poston Named Two Professionals to Agency Partnership

We are pleased to announce the elevation of Michael “Mikey” Mooney and Megan Paquin, APR, CPRC to partnership in the agency. The promotions come as part of Poston’s strategic plan and commitment to building a firm of talented senior-level professionals who contribute to clients’ communications strategies and bottom lines and provide leadership in the industry. Mooney and Paquin join firm founder, Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel Dave Poston and President Monica Smith in leading the agency.

“Mikey and Megan have been key members of our team, helping us grow the agency from a small boutique to a national PR firm serving some of the top professional services firms and other highly regulated businesses,” said Poston. “Their contributions to our team, but more importantly to our valued clients, reflect the type of leadership that we hope to inspire as we continue to grow. We are strengthened by their perspective and are proud to serve in leadership alongside them.”

Michael “Mikey” Mooney

Mooney leads teams in developing and implementing effective communication and integrated business development strategies for clients in highly regulated industries, including legal, accounting, financial services, executive consulting and B2B technology. He identifies creative communications solutions to advance business development objectives by developing brand messaging, leveraging strategic partnerships, generating and cultivating leads with top prospects and securing media exposure in leading national media outlets, in addition to prominent local and trade publications.

Mooney is active with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), currently serving as treasurer for the PRSA Southeast District and an Assembly Delegate for the PRSA Georgia chapter. He previously served on PRSA Georgia’s Board of Directors, leading its Sponsorship and Partnership Committee, and he served on the Chapter’s Annual Conference Committee for four consecutive years, including as co-chair of the 2017 event. He also served on the PRSA International Conference Committee for the 2015 conference held in Atlanta.

His service to clients and professional organizations have earned Mooney various accolades. He was praised in Poston Communications’ 2021 Chambers Litigation Support Insight Report with one client telling Chambers researchers, “He is always extremely responsive, passionate, organized, thoughtful, easy-going, and a real go-getter. He is very diligent and will always go the extra mile for us.” Mooney was named to PRNEWS’ Rising Stars 30 Under 30 in 2019 and PRSA Georgia’s Forty Under 40 list in 2020. He also earned the 2017 Rising Star Award for the PRSA Georgia Chapter.

Mooney holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a master’s degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Georgia. At his alma mater, he mentors diverse students in career development through the AdPR Academy.

Megan Paquin, APR, CPRC

Paquin leads Poston’s nationally ranked Crisis and Litigation PR team, which is trusted to manage communications strategies for some of the most respected brands, including clients in the education, entertainment, healthcare, hospitality and nonprofit sectors, among others.

Paquin thrives in complex, high-stakes situations. She has led diverse communications teams, including c-suite executives, general counsel and their outside counsel from some of the nation’s leading law firms, in matters involving mass torts, financial misconduct and fraud, securities violations, government investigations, discrimination, workers’ compensation, online defamation, product liability, public affairs, trade secrets violations, cybersecurity and data breach response, and other reputational, business and legal challenges. In every matter, she is focused on helping our clients view such challenges as opportunities and emerge stronger.

Poston’s Crisis Communications and Litigation PR division has been recognized by Chambers and Partners as one of the top 20 crisis firms in the U.S., achieving rankings in its Litigation Support and Crisis & Risk Management Guides. Clients interviewed by the guide’s researchers praise Paquin’s responsiveness and knowledge of the market and note that she is at the top of her game when it comes to advising law firms on public relations and crisis initiatives.

Paquin began her career in public relations with MGM Resorts International, coordinating major broadcast and international media relations for its iconic Las Vegas destinations. Her reputation for excellence and integrated marketing experience led to communications leadership roles at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Hyatt Regency Orlando. She has developed numerous award-winning campaigns and secured countless top-tier media placements positioning clients for growth and influence in their target markets.

Paquin holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and is a Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC). She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she earned her master’s degree in behavioral economics. She is also an alumna of and adjunct instructor for the University of Central Florida’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media.