2013 Most Influential Women Honoree: Kesha Alexander

Kesha Alexander is a rarity in the advertising industry. One of the youngest account directors throughout the Marlin Network, she also works in a male-dominated class.

“In the advertising industry, where a mere 3 percent of director-level jobs are awarded to females, Kesha represents change,” says Shawn Finger, creative director for Marlin’s Alchemedia Project.

With Alexander’s promotion to director in March — just eight years into her advertising career — she manages key accounts for Unilever Food Solutions and Saputo Dairy Foods USA. In all, she develops annual marketing plans upwards of $1 million for national manufacturers and professional service providers, and she’s responsible for maintaining client revenue of up to $1.5 million.

“Although the responsibility seems tremendous, I’ve become equipped through the mentorship others have invested in my professional career,” Alexander says. “These people continue to believe in me, encourage me and inspire me with vision.”

Alexander has worked for Marlin’s Alchemedia Project since taking a senior account executive role in late 2010, a move on the heels of three years directing marketing and sales for small-batch chocolate manufacturer Askinosie Chocolate. She has been promoted twice at Alchemedia Project, to account supervisor in late 2011 and to her current role this year.

“Kesha made her seat at the leadership table by leaning into tasks outside her experience. Together, her youth and wisdom are a refreshing blend of optimism and practicality,” Finger adds.

During her time at Askinosie Chocolate, revenue grew by double-digit percentages each year, and she worked with a design firm to develop new packaging, point of purchase materials and website updates. Prior to Askinosie, she did ad account work a few years at Noble for such clients as Otis Spunkmeyer and Tyson Foods. She got her foot in the door at Noble with an internship before graduating in 2005 with a bachelor’s from Missouri State University.

Alexander has become known as a problem solver. “Much of my time is devoted to listening to my clients discuss their challenges and determining how our agency can respond to their needs,” she says.

Outside the ad world, she invests time on the Red Carpet team at James River Assembly church and as an advisory board member for Askinosie Chocolate. Previously, she’s served five years as a leader in Young Life International and a term on the Commercial Street Community Improvement District Board.

 “When you show up with heart, people begin to trust you,” she says. “They follow you even when you don’t realize it. They believe in the shared vision because you are committed.

“Through serving, I have led.”[[In-content Ad]]