Mary H. Hemlepp, APR, Principal

Mary HemleppPhoto When she was in her late 20's, Mary Hemlepp decided her career needed a new direction. So after spending several years as a banker and working part-time in real estate, she returned to college and earned a degree in journalism.

Before making another life changing decision and opening her own firm, Ms. Hemlepp was senior account manager for one of Kentucky's oldest and largest independent public relations firms. She was responsible for new business development as well as consulting, strategic planning, crisis management, and media relations.

Ms. Hemlepp also served as director of public relations for one of Kentucky's largest advertising agencies. During her tenure there, she served as public relations counsel to Fazoli's, a national quick-serve Italian restaurant chain. In addition, she worked with clients in the healthcare field as well as several non-profit organizations.

On the corporate side, Ms. Hemlepp was communications specialist for SuperAmerica Group, a former division of Ashland, Inc. She developed internal and external communications for the gasoline/convenience store chain, which had more than 700 outlets. She interfaced with the media on a national scope, helped develop the company's first scholarship program, and developed reports, speeches and presentations for the president.

She also served as director of public relations and marketing for a 340-bed regional medical center in northeast Kentucky. There, she was responsible for advertising, public relations and special events for the hospital, its clinics and medical staff.

Additionally, Ms. Hemlepp worked as freelance writer for the Daily Independent in Ashland.

Ms. Hemlepp is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America and served for several years on the board of the Thoroughbred Chapter. She currently serves on the board for the Kentucky Society for Hospital Public Relations and Marketing and on the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee. She also serves on the national boards for RetireSafe and The Senior Center for Health & Security.

She recently served on the board of the Lexington Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, through which she was recognized as the New Woman Business Owner for 2003 and was a finalist for the 2004 and 2006 Public Policy Advocate. She was a board member for several years for the Manchester Center and Family Counseling Service, for which she still serves in an advisory capacity for public relations, strategic planning and special events.

Ms. Hemlepp earned a bachelor's degree in news/editorial journalism from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and is a contributing columnist for Business Lexington.