Michelle McGinty has been promoted to president of DRA Collective, formerly DRA Strategic Communications. The announcement coincides with the firm’s 30th anniversary.

DRA Collective is the new name for public relations and marketing firm DRA Strategic Communications, founded in Phoenix in 1986 by Denise D. Resnik. The new name refers to the agency’s collaborative approach to communications and practice of curating staff deep with talent and experience in the fields of journalism, public relations, marketing, research, economic development and the arts. 

McGinty formerly served as senior vice president at the agency, leading the development and implementation of strategic marketing and communications strategies.  She joined the firm in 2003. McGinty was named one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2013 and as one of the Valley’s “Outstanding Women in Business” this month. She serves as a board member of Valley Leadership and a proud member of its Leadership Institute Class of 33.

“While the 30-year celebration of the agency is significant, even more exciting and powerful is our future under Michelle’s leadership.  For more than a dozen years, we’ve worked side-by-side, producing some of the firm’s best and most powerful work.  Michelle has earned my trust, confidence and respect, and has earned this position,” said Resnik, CEO of DRA Collective.

As CEO & founder, Resnik will remain fully engaged in DRA Collective, while McGinty presides over the agency’s day-to-day operations.

Resnik also serves as president and board chair of First Place AZ, advancing plans for innovative housing and community options for adults with autism and other special needs. The nonprofit organization she founded is breaking ground this summer on First Place-Phoenix, the first in a collection of new national residential and community models. Resnik is also co-founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), a sister organization to First Place.

“This is a time of reflection and celebration.  We’re privileged to build upon Denise’s incredible legacy, work with amazing clients and step forward in a new era for the agency,” said McGinty.

The agency currently represents clients in a variety of sectors including commercial, industrial and residential real estate development and brokerage; regional economic development; and numerous nonprofit organizations.

DRA Collective is strongly committed to the community and involved in a number of organizations including the Arizona Community Foundation, First Place AZ, Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, New Pathways for Youth, Phoenix Symphony Young Professionals, SARRC, Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Valley Leadership, among others.

“At DRA Collective, we help our clients harness the power in every message; unleashing their stories in ways that elevate their interests,” McGinty said. “Collectively, we are creating more success, more good news and more aspirational examples for others to follow.”

McGinty, who resides in Phoenix, also serves as the marketing co-chair for ULI Arizona and as a teen mentor at New Pathways for Youth. McGinty earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and graduated from the Los Angeles Advertising Agency Association (LAAA) Advertising University.