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James Ward Hired, Whitney Combs Promoted at Wray Ward

06/21/2011

Wray Ward, one of the Southeast's leading independent creative marketing communications firms, has hired James Ward as Senior Copywriter and promoted Whitney Combs to the position of Senior Public Relations Account Manager.

"James is a very talented writer who also brings together creative ideation with strategic thinking,” said Jennifer Appleby, president and chief creative officer of Wray Ward. "He has a very thoughtful approach that will help bring our clients' brands solutions at all touchpoints, which is critical in today's muli-touchpoint marketplace.”

Ward (no relation to founder Bob Ward) comes to Wray Ward from archer > malmo in Memphis, Tenn., where he was Associate Creative Director-Copywriter. He led Creative for several brands including multimillion dollar account Valent (ag), McAlister's Deli, Kraft Food Ingredients and non-profit YMCA/Mid-South, overseeing and mentoring creative teams, client presentations and interdepartmental synergy. Prior to archer > malmo, he worked at Publicis, Mid-America on brands such as PowerBar and BMW. Ward began his career at The Zimmerman Agency on accounts including Continental Tires and Monterey Boats.

His work has been recognized by with industry honors and awards shows, including The One Show Interactive Showcase, CA Online, AIGA, CMYK, and national and local ADDYs, for which he won the 2006 Judges Special Award  and Best of Show Print.

Ward has a bachelor's degree in communications and minors in mathematics and German from Ithaca College, and he also attended The Creative Circus for a postgraduate copywriting degree.

Whitney Combs joined Wray Ward in 2005 and has managed marketing and public relations activities for clients including AAA Vacations in the Carolinas, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives and Kmart. As Senior Account Manager, she will work with brands including Carolinas HealthCare System, GreenFiber and Duke Energy.

A graduate of N.C. State University, Combs was with French West Vaughn before joining Wray Ward in her home town of Charlotte.

Wray Ward is one of the largest independent creative marketing communications firms in the Southeast, providing clients with programs that include strategic planning, advertising, public relations, media planning/buying, interactive and direct marketing. Founded in Charlotte in 1977, the firm's clients include Glen Raven and its Sunbrella performance fabrics, Duke Energy, Huber Engineered Woods, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Springmaid and Wamsutta home fashions, Citizens South Bank, TUUCI, VELUX skylights, American Wholesale Insurance Group and WIX Filters. www.wrayward.com

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