Jan Jenkins retires as public relations director
OKEMOS, Mich. – Ashley Sandborn has joined Publicom as vice president of the full-service marketing communications firm, and Jan Jenkins, who oversaw the company’s public relations department and served as the director of public relations, has retired.
“Ashley adds a bevy of talent in this crucial position with Publicom,” said Lisa O’Connor, Publicom president. “I’ve followed her career over the years and I’m confident her background, skills, and expertise are ideal for this position and the stellar work we do for our clients.”
As vice president, Sandborn will provide strategic planning and direction for Publicom and its clients, as well as public relations, branding, and digital marketing. Sandborn joined Publicom after serving as the vice president of marketing and communications at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Sandborn has over 15 years of freelance, in-house, and agency experience representing diverse industries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in contemporary media and journalism with concentrations in public relations and advertising from the University of South Dakota. She has also received national and regional recognition for her work, is a graduate of the 2021-2022 Leadership Lansing cohort, and is involved with the Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America, serving as a board member and current membership chair.
“Publicom has a long history and fantastic reputation,” said Sandborn. “The team’s credibility, long-standing relationships, and exceptional work is inspiring, and I’m honored to join the firm and serve so many incredible clients.”
Jan Jenkins retired after nearly five decades in marketing communications, most recently serving as the head of Publicom’s public and media relations department for the past decade.
She has represented companies spanning a regional musical theatre with a summer audience of 60,000 to Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Air Force. She and her husband, Mike, operated a marketing consultancy for 16 years. Jenkins has broken her share of glass ceilings, including being the first female officer at the 500-employee Farm Credit Banks of Wichita.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism and public relations at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, the native Kansan spent time in Wichita, Ann Arbor, and Columbus, Ohio, then moved to East Lansing and joined Publicom.
“Through Publicom and our clients, I’ve been able to get to know and work with media across the state and nationally, and I’ve loved it,” Jenkins said. “Every client experience has been an incredible opportunity to learn something new. Thank you to all who have helped me through the years, including the amazingly talented Publicom team.”
O’Connor said, “Jan’s extensive knowledge and expertise have greatly aided our clients in increasing brand awareness and recognition while expanding their reach. I appreciate Jan’s service, wish her the best, and hope she enjoys retirement to the fullest.”
About Publicom
Founded in 1979, Publicom Inc. is an award-winning integrated marketing communications firm specializing in brand development and on-brand behavior for companies throughout the nation. Publicom’s seasoned team provides strategic planning, marketing research, advertising, creative services, digital marketing, media planning services and public relations counsel. Learn more at www.Publicom.com.
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Photo captions
Ashley Sandborn.jpg – Ashley Sandborn has been named vice president of Publicom, a full-service marketing communications firm. In her new role, Sandborn will provide strategic planning and direction for Publicom and its clients, as well as public relations, branding and digital marketing.
Jan Jenkins.jpg — Jan Jenkins retired from Publicom this month, after a decorated career spanning five decades. Jenkins served as Publicom’s director of public relations for the past decade.
