CVR announced the agency’s addition of Hannah Marie Thomas to the firm’s executive leadership as the Vice President of Public Affairs & Social Media, where she will oversee the agency’s public relations and social media department.
As Vice President of Public Affairs & Social Media, Hannah will head up media relations, crisis communications, public engagement, thought leadership, and government affairs initiatives for current and future CVR clients. In addition to earned media and publicity, Hannah will lead strategy for high-impact social media clients that elevate brand voice and visibility. Additionally, Hannah will play a key role in driving new business development efforts.
“I am excited to have someone of Hannah’s experience on our team to grow our PR services. This agency was founded by two newspaper men in 1910, so PR has always been a foundational discipline for CVR” said Kevin Flynn, President of the agency. “Given the lack of credibility in this era of “fake news,” thought leadership and advocacy are critical to our clients’ brand voices.”
“I’m honored to join a firm with such a storied legacy,” said Hannah Marie Thomas. “From placing the first season ticket ad on the day the Colts moved to Indianapolis, to supporting grassroots engagement for transportation and infrastructure, CVR has long helped shape the story of Indianapolis and Indiana for over a century. I’m honored to bring my public affairs and PR toolbox to join this agency's dynamic team to help tell the stories of Indianapolis’ next era.”
Hannah brings a decade of experience in public affairs, political communications, and strategic media. She previously served as a senior advisor to Mayor Joe Hogsett and held leadership roles within the City of Indianapolis, including Chief Communications Officer for the Department of Metropolitan Development and Communications Director for the Hogsett for Indianapolis campaign. She led communications for the Downtown Resiliency Strategy, which catalyzed over $9 billion in post-pandemic downtown investment, including transformative projects like the Circle Centre Mall redevelopment, City Market Campus, Signia Hotel, Old City Hall, and SPARK on the Circle.
Most recently, Hannah served as public affairs and communications counsel at VOX Global, a strategic communications firm located in Washington D.C., and Indianapolis, where she managed public affairs, crisis counsel, and media relations for local and national clients. Hannah earned her degree in Media Advertising + Public Relations and Strategic Communications from Indiana University Bloomington.
