I could not be more honored to take the helm for Mary Beth West. She is not only an amazing public relations professional that I have learned much from over the years; she is also a dear and trusted friend. Mary Beth, I know I have some big high heels to fill and I’m so glad we’re going to have the opportunity to work together in a new way. You are simply the best.

After 15 years in business, Mary Beth West announced today the sale of Mary Beth West Communications, LLC, (MBWC) to Knoxville-based Fletcher Marketing PR, an award-winning boutique agency based in Knoxville and with a presence in Atlanta, Ga., now celebrating 11 years in business.

West will serve in periodic senior strategist roles with Fletcher Marketing PR, particularly for client services in crisis communications planning and response.

Sarah Merrell, MBWC’s former director of communications, has joined Fletcher Marketing PR as senior account executive and will manage MBWC clients transitioning to Fletcher.

Fletcher Marketing PR is led by Founder and CEO Kelly Fletcher, an executive with 25 years’ experience in strategic communications management and entrepreneurship.

A sought-after speaker on the topic of marketing to women, Fletcher held posts with RIVR Media and Jewelry Television (JTV) in Knoxville before launching her firm. Fletcher was honored in 2017 with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Volunteer Chapter’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Kelly and I have been close colleagues for well over a decade, and my admiration for her extends both personally and professionally – including the integrity of her principles in our field, the way she has grown her team of professionals and her positive impact in service to both her clients and our shared community,” West said.

“It’s been gratifying to have accomplished the goals I originally set when I started my company, such as helping companies and organizations build far-reaching reputations and creating new jobs for colleagues with shared values for high-quality work,” West said. “I’m thrilled that the legacy of our client work can carry forward with Kelly and her team.”

“Mary Beth West is a consummate professional and I’ve held her firm in the highest esteem for more than a decade,” said Fletcher. “I’m honored to carry the torch forward and continue serving her clients with fervor.”

West and her husband Charles, president of West Chevrolet, reside in Maryville with their daughters Elizabeth, 15, Maggie, 12, and Rachel, 8. West continues to serve several non-profit and advisory boards, including the University of Tennessee Alumni Board, the East Tennessee Foundation, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and First Tennessee Bank / Maryville Region.