Press Releases
Maureen Wolff Recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award from Investor Relations Magazine
CEO Maureen Wolff is an Expert and Visionary in Investor Relations and Corporate Governance
BOSTON, MA — March 26, 2021 — Maureen Wolff, CEO of strategic IR advisory firm Sharon Merrill, is the recipient of Investor Relations Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes excellence and the lasting positive impact on how investor relations is practiced globally.
Maureen began her career in investor relations at Lotus Development, an early tech powerhouse based in Boston. She was recruited to Sharon Merrill, where in 2016 she ascended to the role of CEO. At Sharon Merrill, Maureen counsels C-level executives and directors to raise the level of their communications, build credibility and maximize shareholder value. As a nationally recognized expert in the complex and ever-changing landscape of corporate governance and investor relations, Maureen is regularly called upon to bridge the intersection between the two fields.
Maureen is known as a champion for the practice of IR and has served in numerous capacities in leadership roles for the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI). She is a former Chairperson and board member of NIRI and was Chairperson of the NIRI Certification Committee, among many other volunteer roles. Maureen also is a NIRI Fellow, an honor that recognizes distinguished NIRI members, and a member of NIRI’s prestigious Senior Roundtable.
“Maureen Wolff has set the benchmark as a visionary, thought leader and altruistic mentor in the investor relations field,” said Ben Ashwell, Editor of IR Magazine and Corporate Secretary. “Maureen has mentored countless CEOs and investor relations officers in the finer skills of communication excellence within the capital markets. She has had a tremendous positive influence on the industry, and we are honored to present her with this award.”
During an IR Magazine award ceremony on March 25, Wolff said, “It is a privilege to receive this prestigious honor. Partnering with executives to help clarify and ignite their stories in a way that resonates with the Street is a passion of mine. When I started in the industry, mentoring one another as IR colleagues was core to the way we advanced the craft. I am fortunate to have worked closely with so many outstanding IR practitioners over the years. I take great pride in working with colleagues across the country and organizations such as NIRI and National Association of Corporate Directors to advance best practices in the field.”
Wolff continued, “As I look forward, I see the Environmental, Social and Governance movement together with the 2019 Business Roundtable’s statement on the Purpose of a Corporation having a profound and transformative effect on the practice and impact of investor relations. It is our responsibility to bring to life the financial and non-financial factors that can make a company truly compelling. Helping our public and private companies effectively navigate the commitment to create value for all stakeholders in real-life words, actions and reporting is a powerful charter that is already making positive impact. I am proud of my firm and our role in leading this advancement in our field. Through our advisory work with company executives, we are helping the capital markets recognize and measure opportunities for impact and returns while improving the prospects for employees, communities, and investors alike.”
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About Investor Relations Magazine
IR Magazine is a publication of IR Media Group. Originally launched in 1988 by the Economist Group, IR Magazine is renowned for providing quality insight and a global perspective. IR magazine is the only global publication focused on the interface between companies and their investors. Inside Investor Relations (www.insideinvestorrelations.com) is the magazine’s companion website, which includes daily news updates that are highly relevant to investor relations professionals. Visit www.insideinvestorrelations.com for more details.
About Sharon Merrill
With an international reputation as a preeminent strategic IR firm, Sharon Merrill partners with IROs and the C-Suite to drive value for both external and internal stakeholders. For 35 years, clients have relied on its senior-level counsel and communications expertise to guide them through every challenge – and meet every opportunity. Clients seek out Sharon Merrill to improve their IR program, manage a crisis, develop an ESG program and crystallize their story. The firm delivers measurable results through crisp messaging, effective executive presentation development and training, and high investor engagement. Sharon Merrill takes a strategic approach to every situation as they leverage sophisticated stakeholder engagement and innovative digital media, social media and branding strategies to help clients build enduring and value-creating relationships with the right audiences. Sharon Merrill: www.InvestorRelations.com.
Sharon F. Merrill Receives F. Gorham Brigham Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award
Founder of Investor Relations Strategic Advisory Firm Sharon Merrill Associates Honored for Creating Meaningful Legacy in Local Finance Profession
Boston, Mass., October 28, 2020 — Sharon Merrill Associates Founder and Chairman Emerita Sharon F. Merrill was honored today with the F. Gorham Brigham Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award at the Boston Business Journal’s 12th Annual CFO of the Year Awards. The prestigious award is presented annually to a Bostonian who has created a meaningful legacy in the local finance profession. Sharon F. Merrill founded investor relations firm Sharon Merrill Associates in 1985 to support the region’s publicly held companies. Since then, the firm has grown to become a leader in the field of investor relations with an international client base of private and public companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises.
During the course of her career, in addition to founding what remains the largest independent investor relations firm in Boston, Sharon F. Merrill devoted an enormous amount of her time to serving as a mentor and a leader in the Boston financial community. This extended far beyond her team at Sharon Merrill Associates to various financial and professional organizations throughout the city, including the Association for Corporate Growth, The Boston Club, The Commonwealth Institute, Financial Executives International (FEI), National Association of Corporate Directors, National Investor Relations Institute and The Treasurer’s Club.
Maureen Wolff, Sharon Merrill Associates CEO, said, “Sharon’s deep and ongoing commitment to mentoring future generations of Boston’s financial leaders has had an indelible effect on Boston’s financial community. During Sharon’s acceptance speech, she said that the words “connection, collaboration and compassion” best describe F. Gorham Brigham Jr., the namesake of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and she noted how Gorham’s story is about how one person can truly make a difference. Sharon certainly has continued the legacy of her late friend and mentor.
“As Sharon dedicated tremendous time and talents to a number of Boston’s financial and professional organizations, she built an investor relations firm that has been instrumental in helping drive value creation at some of the city’s most successful companies. On behalf of all her friends and colleagues at Sharon Merrill Associates, we congratulate Sharon on this well-deserved and fitting honor,” concluded Wolff.
“Being honored with an award named after a man who meant so much to me and to all of us in Boston’s financial community is incredibly humbling,” said Sharon F. Merrill. “Gorham taught us all to make connections and cultivate relationships to build a stronger community, and I have tried to live his values each day of my career. The success and growth of Sharon Merrill Associates is also due to the strong relationships we built over the past 35 years in business. In that time, the firm has established a trusted reputation as investor relations thought leaders and has expanded its areas of expertise into complementary practices such as environmental, social and governance (ESG) communications, executive presentation coaching and private company IR.”
Sharon F. Merrill Biography
Sharon F. Merrill’s four-decade career has been marked by accomplishment and recognition in every facet of investor relations practice. She started Sharon Merrill Associates in 1985 after establishing and managing the investor relations function at Lotus Development Corporation. Prior to that, Sharon served as vice president and managed the investor relations practice at what was then New England’s largest full-service public relations agency. Earlier in her career, she was a securities analyst with The Boston Company, Inc. and held positions with State Street Research & Management Co. Sharon is the recipient of numerous national awards in investor relations and corporate communications and was twice named a finalist in the New England Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
Sharon holds an MBA from the Simmons College Graduate School of Management and an AS degree from Colby Sawyer College. She is a past president and director of the Boston Chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) and a past member of the national steering committee of NIRI’s Senior IR Roundtable. Sharon is a past director of the Boston Chapter of Financial Executives International and the New England Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors. She also is a member of the Treasurers’ Club of Boston. Earlier in her career, she created a graduate level course, “Investor and Financial Communications,” one of the only courses of this type in the country at that time, at Simmons College in Boston.
About Sharon Merrill Associates
With an international reputation as a preeminent strategic IR advisory firm, Sharon Merrill partners with IROs and the C-Suite to drive value for both external and internal stakeholders. For more than 35 years, clients have relied on our senior-level counsel and communications expertise to guide them through every challenge – and meet every opportunity. Whether you need to improve your IR program, manage a crisis, develop an ESG program or simply crystallize your story, we deliver measurable results through crisp messaging, effective executive presentation development and training, and high investor engagement. We take a strategic approach to every situation as we leverage sophisticated stakeholder engagement and innovative digital media, social media and branding strategies to help you build enduring and value-creating relationships with the right audiences. Let’s get to work: www.InvestorRelations.com.
Sharon Merrill Senior Associate Jamie Bernard, IRC Honored as One of NIRI’s “40 Under 40”
BOSTON, MA – June 5, 2019 –Sharon Merrill Associates, a nationally recognized investor relations and strategic communications advisory firm, announced that the National Investor Relations Institute (“NIRI”) has awarded Jamie Bernard, IRC as part of NIRI’s inaugural class of the “40 Under 40” recognition program, which honors “the most talented young individuals in the investor relations community.”
“I am honored to be recognized by the National Investor Relations Institute as a young leader in IR,” said Jamie Bernard. “NIRI has been a valuable resource as I advance in my IR career. During this time of rapid change in investor relations, I look forward to applying my expertise to help public companies address new challenges such as communicating their environmental, social and governance strategies, navigating the changing sell-side landscape, and driving investor interest during the rise of passive investing.”
“Jamie’s integrity and passion, combined with her IR knowledge, make her a trusted advisor to our clients and a valued member of our team,” said Maureen Wolff, chief executive officer of Sharon Merrill. “We are proud to congratulate Jamie on this deserved recognition.”
Jamie received her award during the 2019 NIRI Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
About Jamie Bernard
Jamie A. Bernard, IRC, is a senior associate at Sharon Merrill Associates. She counsels clients on a broad range of investor relations issues, including corporate positioning, financial disclosure, investor day planning, analyst and investor targeting, competitive intelligence and online communications. Jamie earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration in Finance and Banking from The University of Southern Mississippi. She is currently on the board of directors of the Boston Chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute. She received her Investor Relations Charter (IRC®) in 2016 and received the Higgins Scholarship award in 2016 and in 2019 from the Boston Chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute. This award recognizes select individuals that best demonstrate their desire to continue his or her study of investor relations.
About the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI)
Founded in 1969, NIRI (www.NIRI.org) is the professional association of corporate officers and investor relations consultants responsible for communication among corporate management, shareholders, securities analysts and other financial community constituents. NIRI is the largest professional investor relations association in the world with more than 3,300 members representing more than 1,600 publicly held companies and $9 trillion in stock market capitalization. Through its collaborative community, NIRI advances engagement in the capital markets and drives best practices in corporate disclosures, governance, and informed investing.
About Sharon Merrill Associates
Sharon Merrill Associates has more than 30 years of experience helping companies navigate a wide range of investor relations issues, and has earned a national reputation as preeminent industry thought leaders. Our clients stay with us for many years because they value the counsel of our senior-level IR experts and they count on the fact that we deliver results. The firm’s engagements range from strategic positioning and messaging, quarterly earnings communications and investor meetings development, to ESG communications, shareholder activism defense and investor day coordination. For more information, visit www.InvestorRelations.com.
Sharon Merrill CEO Maureen Wolff Wins Two Stevie® Awards
Leader of Strategic Communications Firm Recognized in Female Executive of the Year and Woman of the Year Categories
BOSTON, MA – November 21, 2017 – Maureen Wolff, CEO of strategic communications advisory firm Sharon Merrill Associates, has won two Bronze 2017 Stevie® Awards: Female Executive of the Year – Business Services, Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations; and Woman of the Year – Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s premier business awards for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. Women from all organizations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small – are eligible for nomination. The 2017 Stevie Awards for Women in Business received more than 1,500 entries from individuals and organizations in 25 nations and territories.
“I am honored to receive such a prestigious award, which reflects the dedication of our entire team at Sharon Merrill Associates,” said Wolff. “The Stevie Awards recognize outstanding performance in the workplace worldwide, and to us that means exceptional service to our public and private client companies across North America and Europe.”
About Maureen Wolff
A national thought leader in strategic communications, Wolff is a former chairman and board member of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI), a NIRI Fellow, vice chairman of the NIRI IR Certification committee, and current member of NIRI’s Senior IR Roundtable steering committee. She is a frequent keynote speaker and workshop presenter at conferences and universities on topics including shareholder activism, crisis communication and reputation management. Wolff, who joined Sharon Merrill Associates in 1985 from Lotus Development Corporation, has been widely quoted in the business and financial media, including CNBC, CFO and IR Magazine.
About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.
About Sharon Merrill Associates
Sharon Merrill Associates drives business and organizational success through corporate and crisis communications, investor relations, public relations, and executive presentation and media training. Our award-winning senior-level counselors are industry thought leaders who have earned the trust of C-suite executives at public and privately held companies, academic institutions and non-profit organizations across North America and Europe. Leveraging more than 30 years of communications experience, we combine innovative digital media, social media and video branding strategies with traditional communication practices to achieve maximum results. For more information, visit www.SharonMerrill.com.
Acquisition International Names Sharon Merrill Associates as Most Outstanding Strategic Communications Team for 2017
Global corporate finance publication recognizes Sharon Merrill Associates for outstanding talent and excellence in communications strategy.
BOSTON, MA — (November 8, 2017) – Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc. has been named by Acquisition International, a global corporate finance publication, as Most Outstanding Strategic Communications Team for 2017.
“It is extremely rewarding to lead the firm whose name has become synonymous with excellence in investor relations and communications strategy,” says Maureen Wolff, chief executive officer of Sharon Merrill. “We continue to innovate in all facets of our practice, from investor relations to M&A, proxy/activist defense and crisis communications.”
Acquisition International magazine’s awards are given annually to firms and individuals who honor innovation, customer care and the continued growth and improvement of their businesses. The awards are based solely on merit and go through a closely monitored nomination, judging and selection process.
“Strategic thinking starts with active listening,” says agency President David Calusdian. “Whether we are helping to steer a CEO through a crisis or giving presentation training to a podium-shy executive, we make sure we have a deep understanding of the businesses and the issues involved.”
“Technology has changed the medium, the pace and the consumption of financial news exponentially, but it has not changed what the market is looking for – a strong, growing and reputable company with a good story,” Wolff said. “Our clients rely on us to develop the messaging that prepares them to communicate their strategy and prospects in a way that resonates with stakeholders. I’m proud of the position we have attained as a trusted advisor to our clients. And we’ve fostered many great long-term relationships in the process.”
Sharon Merrill Associates drives business and organizational success through corporate and crisis communications, investor relations, public relations, and executive presentation and media training. Our award-winning senior-level counselors are industry thought leaders who have earned the trust of C-suite executives at public and privately held companies, academic institutions and non-profit organizations across North America and Europe. Leveraging more than 30 years of communications experience, we combine innovative digital media, social media and video branding strategies with traditional communication practices to achieve maximum results. For more information, visit www.SharonMerrill.com.
Sharon Merrill Associates Recognized as Top Investor Relations
Thought Leader on Social Media
Wins Bronze Stevie Award for Best Twitter Feed
BOSTON, MA – (June 7, 2017) – Sharon Merrill Associates, a leading strategic communications advisory firm, was named winner of a Bronze Stevie Award® in the Best Twitter Feed category in the 15th Annual American Business Awards. This award recognized Sharon Merrill Associates as a top Investor Relations thought leader for its innovative and effective use of social media.
“As a firm, we strive to lead the conversation on the changing landscape of corporate communications by featuring top investor relations news, actionable strategic communications advice, and thought leadership articles on Twitter. It is an honor to be recognized for our work by the American Business Awards,” said Maureen Wolff, chief executive officer of Sharon Merrill Associates. “We thank our team and partners for contributing and promoting our content across social media. We also look forward to continuing to work with many of our clients as we leverage our social media expertise and experience to support their communications strategies across all platforms.”
The American Business Awards are the nation’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. More than 190 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners.
“Each year the judges find the quality and variety of the nominations to be greater than the year before. The 2017 competition was intense and every organization that has won should be proud,” said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards.
About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.
About Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.
Sharon Merrill Associates is a strategic communications advisory firm that provides investor relations, crisis communications, proxy/activist defense, reputation management, corporate communications, and presentation and media training. Founded in 1985 and serving public and private client companies in North America and Europe, the firm plans and executes strategic communications that resonate with stakeholders and deliver results. The team has earned wide recognition for communications thought leadership, and is distinguished by its longstanding client relationships. To learn more about Sharon Merrill Associates, please visit its website, www.InvestorRelations.com.
Sharon Merrill Associates Announces the Addition of Innophos Holdings Inc. to its Roster
Leverages Decades of Expertise in Financial Communications to Implement Integrated Strategic Communications Program During Pinnacle Time in Innophos’ Transformation
BOSTON, MA – (June 6, 2017) – Sharon Merrill Associates, a leading strategic advisory firm focused on investor relations and strategic corporate communications, announced that it has added food, health, nutrition and industrial specialty ingredients provider Innophos Holdings, Inc. (“Innophos”) to its roster. Through the partnership, Sharon Merrill Associates is providing Innophos with integrated communications services including investor relations, strategic positioning, and corporate communications.
“Sharon Merrill Associates has delivered on their promise to serve as a trusted advisor with a highly strategic approach to communications, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to results,” said Han Kieftenbeld, Innophos’ senior vice president and chief financial officer. “This is a very important transformational time for our company as we execute against our strategy to be a growing global supplier of vital ingredient solutions for the Food, Health and Nutrition markets. Sharon Merrill Associates’ deep experience and insight, strategic thought process and strong relationships with Wall Street are proving to be key as we work to reposition our story, enhance our investor relations program and build greater awareness for Innophos among the financial community.”
The companies kicked off their partnership this past Fall with the completion of a STREETSCOPE® investor perception audit, which was designed to yield actionable insight from investors. This work informed the design of the integrated strategic communications program for Innophos that includes positioning and messaging, quarterly earnings communications, Wall Street relations outreach and employee communications. Most recently, the companies partnered to execute Innophos’ 2017 Investor Day to introduce Innophos’ new strategic growth roadmap and long-term growth plan ‘Vision 2022: The Path to Revitalized Growth.’
“We are thrilled that Innophos has entrusted Sharon Merrill Associates as its strategic communications partner to help set the course for its transformation,” said Maureen Wolff, chief executive officer of Sharon Merrill. “For more than three decades, clients have trusted us to effectively communicate their story through an array of situations including periods of transformation, mergers & acquisitions and other unplanned events. We take a methodical and informed approach to strategic communications that is rooted in our deep understanding of each client’s business and industry. We look forward to working with Innophos to implement a well-thought out strategic communications program that effectively repositions their story, helps them achieve fair valuation and strengthens their relationships with employees, customers, investors and other critical stakeholders.”
About Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.
Sharon Merrill Associates is a strategic communications advisory firm that provides investor relations, crisis communications, proxy/activist defense, M&A communications, corporate communications, and presentation and media training. Founded in 1985 and serving public and private client companies in North America and Europe, the firm plans and executes strategic communications that resonate with stakeholders and deliver results. The team has earned wide recognition for communications thought leadership, and is distinguished by its longstanding client relationships.
To learn more about Sharon Merrill Associates, please visit its website, www.InvestorRelations.com.
About Innophos Holdings, Inc.
Innophos is a leading international producer of specialty ingredient solutions that deliver far-reaching, versatile benefits for the food, health, nutrition and industrial markets. We leverage our expertise in the science and technology of blending and formulating phosphate, mineral and botanical based ingredients to help our customers offer products that are tasty, healthy, nutritious and economical. Headquartered in Cranbury, New Jersey, Innophos has manufacturing operations across the United States, in Canada, Mexico and China. For more information, please visit www.innophos.com. ‘IPHS-G’
Sharon Merrill Associates Announces Launch of Proxy GamePlan™
New service delivers unique approach to strategic shareholder engagement rooted in voting analytics and communications expertise
BOSTON, MA – (June 5, 2017) – Sharon Merrill Associates, a leading strategic communications advisory firm, announced that it has launched a strategic service called Proxy GamePlan™. The new service helps clients implement best-in-class, year-round shareholder engagement programs that enhance shareholder and proxy advisor relations, identify risks before they become contested proxy issues and achieve desirable proxy voting results.
Sharon Merrill Associates’ Proxy GamePlan provides management teams and boards of directors with a year-round strategic roadmap for effective shareholder engagement that is grounded in a deep, data-backed understanding of a company’s proxy practices, shareholder voting behavior and peer landscape, and is activated through a series of thoughtful and effective communications channels.
“With shareholder activism still on the rise and institutional investors sharpening their focus on corporate governance issues like board diversity, Proxy Access, environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) reporting, and Say-on-Pay, it is critical that public companies take a proactive approach to shareholder engagement,” said Maureen Wolff, chief executive officer of Sharon Merrill Associates. “Furthermore, recent strong public stances on governance issues from major institutional investors such as BlackRock and State Street Global Advisors reinforce the need for shareholder engagement to be based on a sophisticated understanding of shareholder focus areas and voting trends.”
“Proxy GamePlan helps companies engage with their key stakeholders in a consistent and informed manner with the goal of avoiding unwanted contested proxy situations and improving overall governance practices and relationships.”
With Proxy GamePlan, Sharon Merrill Associates utilizes the predictive power of voting analytics data from Proxy Insight to profile each client’s shareholder base and identify potential proxy risks. This analysis is combined with a thorough company and peer group proxy review to inform the development of a fully integrated shareholder engagement program. Each Proxy GamePlan includes customized recommendations on effective proxy design and communications. The platform is fully customizable to each client’s distinct circumstances and proxy agendas, and can include:
- Company ‘form and function’ analysis
- Shareholder base profiling
- Activism defense review
- Peer group analysis
- Impactful proxy presentation and design review
- Shareholder engagement plan
The new Proxy GamePlan service complements the firm’s 30 years of experience in the areas of investor relations and crisis communications, including its work helping clients communicate environmental, social and governance programs through impactful sustainability reports. This practice is becoming increasingly important as institutions are holding management and boards more accountable for ESG practices and policies. According to Proxy Insight, through May of 2017, institutional investors representing approximately $5.4 trillion in assets under management have implemented voting policy changes related to environmental & social (“E&S”) resolutions.
Wolff concluded, “We look forward to integrating our new Proxy GamePlan service with our existing investor relations offerings to provide clients with a holistic approach to communicating with all key institutional stakeholders – from portfolio managers and analysts to governance contacts.”
About Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.
Sharon Merrill Associates is a strategic communications advisory firm that provides investor relations, crisis communications, proxy/activist defense, reputation management, corporate communications, and presentation and media training. Founded in 1985 and serving public and private client companies in North America and Europe, the firm plans and executes strategic communications that resonate with stakeholders and deliver results. The team has earned wide recognition for communications thought leadership, and is distinguished by its longstanding client relationships.
To learn more about Sharon Merrill Associates, please visit its website, www.InvestorRelations.com.
Sharon Merrill Associates Transitions Ownership to Long-Time Partners
Maureen Wolff and David Calusdian Take Reins at Leading Investor Relations Firm; Founder and Financial Industry Veteran Sharon F. Merrill to Focus on Serving Corporate Boards
BOSTON, November 17, 2016 – After building Sharon Merrill Associates into one of the nation’s premier investor relations and corporate communications strategic advisory firms, Founder Sharon F. Merrill has transitioned her interest in the business to long-time partners Maureen T. Wolff and David C. Calusdian, the firm announced today.
Wolff (31 years at Sharon Merrill Associates) and Calusdian (21 years) will continue to lead a team of some of the best and brightest professionals in investor relations. Nationally recognized for its expertise, Sharon Merrill Associates’ reputation for strategic leadership in M&A, transaction communications, proxy/activist defense and crisis communications continues to expand.
Merrill, a leading communications expert and veteran of Boston’s financial industry, founded the firm in 1985, leveraging both her experience as a buy-side analyst and as the creator of Lotus Development Corp.’s investor relations department. She will now turn her attention to serving public company boards. Sharon Merrill Associates will retain the name of its founder, who will have the title of chairman emerita.
With the transition, Wolff moves from the role of president to chief executive officer. Calusdian, formerly executive vice president, takes over as president. National experts in investor relations and corporate communications, Wolff and Calusdian are quoted frequently in the national media and sought after as speakers on topics including disclosure, board and shareholder communications and shareholder activism.
“Given my interest in devoting more time in service to public company boards of directors, coupled with the increased roles Maureen and David have taken in driving the firm’s growth and reputation over the years, this is the ideal time to pass the torch to my long-time partners,” said Merrill.
“It is an honor to lead the firm whose name has become synonymous with excellence in investor relations and communications strategy,” said Wolff. “We will continue to innovate in all facets of our practice, from investor relations to M&A, proxy/activist defense and crisis communications. On behalf of myself, David and the firm’s dedicated team, we thank Sharon for her leadership during the past 31 years and look forward to continuing to exemplify communications excellence and building on the firm’s stellar national reputation.”
Known for its leadership in advancing the practice of investor relations, the firm helps companies improve liquidity, lower their cost of capital and attract new investors. And when an unplanned event threatens a company’s credibility or reputation, Sharon Merrill Associates serves as a trusted advisor with a track record of successfully handling the most challenging crisis situations.
About Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.
Sharon Merrill Associates is an independent strategic advisory firm that provides investor relations, crisis communications, proxy/activist defense, M&A communications, corporate communications, and presentation and media training. Founded in 1985 and serving public and private client companies in North America and Europe, the firm plans and executes strategic communications that resonate with stakeholders and deliver successful results. The Sharon Merrill Associates team has earned wide recognition for communications thought leadership, and is distinguished by its longevity at the firm and longstanding client relationships.
To learn more about Sharon Merrill Associates, please visit its website, www.InvestorRelations.com.
Sharon Merrill Celebrates 30 Years of Leadership in Strategic Communications
Launches Redesigned InvestorRelations.com Website Highlighting Expanded Portfolio of Client Services and Featuring Award-Winning Blog, The Podium
BOSTON, Mass., September 9, 2015 – Sharon Merrill, a strategic communications advisory firm, today announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, InvestorRelations.com, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the firm’s founding in 1985.
“We begin our fourth decade in business with an unchanged mission — helping our clients achieve their strategic goals,” said Sharon F. Merrill, the firm’s chairman, founder and chief executive officer. “This commitment has not only driven our success as an enterprise, it has formed the basis for client relationships that are remarkable for both their longevity and productivity. We extend our sincere appreciation to the hundreds of public and private companies that have honored and rewarded us with their trust for the past 30 years.”
“Our newly designed website reflects our corporate mission, culture and market position, and highlights our expanded set of practice areas,” said Maureen T. Wolff, the firm’s president and partner. “Building on our core expertise in investor relations, we have established Sharon Merrill as insightful strategic advisors on crisis and transaction communications, reputation management, and presentation and media training, serving an international client base. This growth is a testament to our team members’ extraordinary talents and length of service with the firm. We thank them for their commitment and dedication.”
Sharon Merrill’s high-touch approach to client relationships combines senior-level experience with unparalleled service. Senior team members not only work directly with and on behalf of clients day-to-day; they frequently speak at major conferences and help set corporate governance and communications best practices as leaders in industry organizations, including the National Investor Relations Institute, Financial Executives International and National Association of Corporate Directors. The firm’s 30-year record of growth and reputation for integrity stem from the team’s dedication to their craft and singular focus on helping clients achieve their business goals.
About Sharon Merrill
Sharon Merrill is an independent strategic advisory firm focused on investor relations, crisis communications, transaction communications, corporate communications, reputation management, and presentation and media training. Founded in 1985 and serving public and private client companies in North America and Europe, Sharon Merrill plans and executes strategic communications that resonate with stakeholders and deliver successful results. The Sharon Merrill team has earned wide recognition for communications thought leadership, and is distinguished by its longevity at the firm and longstanding client relationships – some of which extend more than 20 years.
To learn more about Sharon Merrill, please visit its website, www.InvestorRelations.com.
Sharon F. Merrill Honored with 2015 F. Gorham Brigham, Jr. Award by Boston Chapter of Financial Executives International
BOSTON, Mass., May 19, 2015 — Sharon Merrill (www.InvestorRelations.com), an investor relations and corporate communications strategic advisory firm, announced that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sharon F. Merrill has received the 2015 F. Gorham Brigham, Jr. Award from the Boston Chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI).
For the past 10 years, the prestigious award has been given to an FEI Boston member who best exemplifies F. Gorham Brigham, Jr.’s exceptional standards in community leadership, personal integrity, commitment to the well-being of others, and dedication to the goals and objectives of FEI through mentoring and volunteerism.
FEI is a globally recognized leading organization that advances the successes of senior-level financial executives, financial organizations, and the financial profession.
“I am honored to be a part of this legacy, especially in Gorham Brigham’s 100th year,” Sharon Merrill said. “Gorham has been an irreplaceable inspiration and source of wisdom and guidance for me since the earliest days of my career. I have come to know and benefit first-hand from his longstanding dedication to both the financial profession and to community service, and appreciate it greatly.”
“This distinguished award recognizes the qualities that Sharon exemplifies and her leadership and volunteerism in the community,” said Maureen Wolff, President and Partner of Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc. “We have always known Sharon to value and uphold the highest levels of personal integrity and ethics, and to lead change by setting an example.”
About Sharon Merrill
Established in 1985, Sharon Merrill assists corporate clients across the U.S. and internationally in planning and executing critical communications that resonate with stakeholders and deliver desired results in virtually any situation an enterprise may confront. Practice areas include investor relations, crisis and transaction communications, reputation and issues management, presentation and media training, and social media. The Sharon Merrill team has earned wide recognition for corporate communications thought leadership, as well as dozens of industry awards. To learn more about Sharon Merrill, please visit the Company’s website at www.InvestorRelations.com, or its thought leadership blog at http://blog.investorrelations.com/.
Sharon Merrill Receives Awards for Investor Relations Excellence and Industry Leadership
BOSTON, Mass., June 20, 2013 — Sharon Merrill (www.InvestorRelations.com), a critical communications strategic advisory firm that is nationally recognized for its investor relations expertise, recently received awards for both excellence in investor relations and industry leadership.
The firm received a 2013 Bell Ringer Award from The Publicity Club of New England for an investor relations program it developed for a Fortune 500 client.The program included a highly successful investor day.The Publicity Club of New England’s Bell Ringer Awards recognize and honor excellence and achievement in the communications and public relations professions.In the past 17 years, the firm has won an award for investor relations in each of the 14 years it has entered a submission.
In addition, the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) recognized Maureen Wolff, President & Partner, with the NIRI National Volunteer of the Year Award. This award honors the NIRI member who best exemplifies the NIRI mission of advancing the practice of investor relations and the professional stature of NIRI members at the national level.At the awards ceremony, Jeff Morgan, NIRI President and Chief Executive Officer, said that Maureen “has shown true leadership skills during her tenure as a NIRI member. She has generously given a tremendous amount of her time and energy to NIRI, and is an everlasting NIRI advocate.”
Dennis Walsh, Vice President and Director of Social Media, received the 2012-2013 NIRI Individual Leadership Award for his work on the board of directors of the Boston chapter.Recipients of the leadership award were nominated by their chapter peers in recognition of their superior performance during the year.
“We are honored to be recognized for our work on behalf of clients as well as our contributions to the investor relations profession,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sharon F. Merrill. “The Bell Ringer award reflects the dedication of our experienced team of investor relations counselors to providing best-in-class services. It also is rewarding to see Maureen and Dennis recognized for their industry leadership and commitment to advancing the field of investor relations.”
About Sharon Merrill
Established in 1985, Sharon Merrill assists corporate clients across the U.S. and internationally in planning and executing critical communications that resonate with stakeholders and deliver desired results in virtually any situation an enterprise may confront. Practice areas include investor relations, crisis and transaction communications, reputation and issues management, presentation and media training, and social media. The Sharon Merrill team has earned wide recognition for corporate communications thought leadership, as well as dozens of industry awards. To learn more about Sharon Merrill, please visit the Company’s website at www.InvestorRelations.com, or its thought leadership blog at http://blog.investorrelations.com/.