Cedar Knolls, NJ, December 9, 2009 – Brushfire Inc., a New Jersey-based full-service, integrated marketing communications agency, today announced that Joan Mueller has been promoted to the position of President, effective immediately. John Leonardi, the Company’s current president, will continue to serve as Brushfire’s Chief Executive Officer.

During Mueller’s nearly 10 years at Brushfire, most recently as Executive Vice President and Management Director, she has brought steady focus to the agency’s account management, media, creative, and public relations departments. Mueller has been instrumental in leveraging the agency’s core strengths of strategy and branding on behalf of some of the company’s largest accounts, including Sherwin Williams, New Jersey Tourism and New Jersey Lottery, gaining respect within the industry and recognition from the State for her marketing acumen.

After recently celebrating his 20th Anniversary heading up the agency as creative director, then president, and eventually owner and CEO, Leonardi will concentrate his efforts on special projects, client assignments, and new business.

“This is an exciting time for the industry and for us as an agency. I look forward to continuing to provide the leadership to help Brushfire achieve great results for our clients,” states Leonardi. “Joan has consistently proven her passion, dedication and branding expertise during her tenure at Brushfire, and I am confident in her ability to lead the agency to continued success. With her thorough understanding of agency operations, the transition will be seamless for the company and our clients.”

“Brushfire is recognized in the industry as an innovative marketing shop with a team that brings years of big agency experience to a small agency setting, ultimately providing the best possible scenario for our clients," said Mueller.  “My new role presents me with a great opportunity to drive growth by focusing on the ‘brand energy’ – that force that fuels the dynamic connections between people and brands – of our agency and our clients.  I am excited to be part of such a dynamic organization and enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead.” 

Mueller has earned the respect of her colleagues for her guidance on account and industry issues, as well as her proven ability to ensure a healthy work-life balance for herself and her team. A graduate of The Catholic University of America, the married mother of three resides in Montclair, NJ.

Brushfire Inc. is a fully integrated marketing communications firm, delivering advertising, public relations, promotional marketing, media and interactive capabilities to both national and regional clients. The agency’s billings have grown dramatically since 2003. Brushfire has been recognized with various industry awards, including a 2005 Silver Anvil (the PR industry’s highest award) and NJ Biz of the Year for 2006, in addition to numerous NJ Ad Club awards.  Brushfire is the agency of record for Minwax®, Thompson’s® WaterSeal, New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism, New Jersey Lottery, Velcro USA Inc., Subaru of America, and Kozy Shack® Enterprises.

Comprehensive Marketing Campaign, Targeted Public Relations Effort
to Raise Awareness of the Tax Amnesty Program

Cedar Knolls, NJ, May 4, 2009 – Brushfire Inc., a New Jersey-based, full-service, integrated marketing communications agency, has been selected as the agency of record for the 2009 New Jersey Tax Amnesty Program. Brushfire will conduct a campaign crafted to improve compliance with tax requirements, bring non-filers to the tax rolls and raise revenue for the state of New Jersey. This important state project comes on the heels of two more strategic account wins for Brushfire – the company recently won back two key accounts in the Garden State – the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism and the New Jersey Lottery.

“We are pleased to be working on this important project, and honored to have been chosen to execute our program,” said John Leonardi, president and CEO of Brushfire. “Winning this project is a testament to the depth of talent and creativity on the agency team, and we’re looking forward to getting the word out about the benefits that this program will bring to not only the state, but to taxpayers as well. Our work on the tax amnesty program, as well as our ongoing efforts on behalf of the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism and the New Jersey Lottery, makes us proud to contribute to the state where we live, work and play.”

The campaign, which kicks off May 4 and runs through June 15, will feature compelling advertising in a variety of mediums, comprehensive press outreach and creative grass-roots participation.