Crawford Strategy’s Allison Mertens selected as Riley Institute Fellow

Allison Mertens, Senior Vice President of Corporate Growth at Crawford Strategy, a full-service marketing and branding agency, will join leaders selected from across the Upstate as Furman University’s 28th class of the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) through the Riley Institute.  DLI class members are identified through a rigorous process including nominations from existing Riley Fellows, application, and interview.  Individuals are selected to join the class based on their capacity to impact their organizations and communities.

“DLI is unique among South Carolina’s leadership programs. In addition to the opportunity to develop new relationships and take part in positive action in their communities, participants gain deep knowledge of how to effectively manage and lead diverse workers, clients and constituents,” Dr. Donald Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute. “Discovering ways in which differences can strengthen our organizations is of utmost importance as we seek to grow and support a thriving economy and rich culture.”

Over the course of five months, Mertens will take part in a highly interactive curriculum consisting of case studies, scenario analyses and other experiential learning tools that maximize interaction and discussion among classmates and facilitate productive relationships. The DLI classes are expertly facilitated by Juan Johnson, an independent consultant and former Coca-Cola vice president.  Mertens will also work with other class members in one of five Capstone project groups formed to respond to real issues in the community.

“To be selected alongside some of this area’s finest leaders as part of this year’s DLI is not only an honor, but an incredible motivator to learn, grow, and strive to make our community the very best it can be,” said Mertens. “I look forward to representing Crawford Strategy’s core principles of quality, responsibility, flexibility, respect and a positive attitude throughout this journey. Ours is a mission to serve the Upstate, not only through our work with clients, but by making a real impact in the community. I hope to reflect that in this years class.”

DLI graduates become Riley Fellows – members of a powerful, cross-sector, statewide leadership network that includes CEOs of corporations, mayors, city and county council members, legislators, school superintendents, pastors and rabbis, non-profit heads, chamber of commerce directors, and community leaders. In addition to the Upstate, DLI classes are selected annually in the Midlands and Lowcountry. There are now more than 2100 Riley Fellows statewide.

To see a full list of participants and for more information about the Diversity Leaders Initiative, visit https://riley.furman.edu/diversity.

About Crawford Strategy, LLC

Crawford Strategy is a full-service marketing and branding agency in Greenville, S.C. The agency provides a full range of services including advertising, public relations, video production, web design and digital marketing. Crawford Strategy is known for providing strategic and creative communications, highly responsive customer service and significant, award-winning results for its clients. Crawford has expertise in a variety of industries including healthcare, travel and tourism, education and financial services. Crawford Strategy is ranked 11th on the Best Places to Work in South Carolina list for 2019 in the Small/Medium employer category. For more information, please visit our website at https://crawfordstrategy.com/.