Eric Mower + Associates, a digitally integrated independent marketing and public relations agency, opened the new year with a series of promotions in its Charlotte office. Matt Ferguson and Rick Lyke will step into new roles over the course of 2017.

Matt Ferguson was named Executive Vice President, Managing Director, Brand Development.

Ferguson joined EMA in 2000 and was promoted to Partner, and has been Managing Partner since 2011.

In his new role that spans EMA’s nine offices, Ferguson is responsible for building awareness and affinity for the EMA brand, elevating the agency’s award-winning creative work, providing strategic counsel to EMA’s top clients and leading major business-development initiatives.

Rick Lyke was appointed to the role of Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Charlotte office.

Lyke joined EMA’s Syracuse office in 1983 and was responsible in 1996 for opening and managing the agency’s Albany, N.Y., office. He has been part of the Charlotte office since 2005, managing the public relations team and leading work on several major accounts, including the Domtar PAPERbecause campaign. In his new role, Lyke will be responsible for leading the agency’s Charlotte office.

Lyke’s responsibilities include staffing, business development and financial management for the Charlotte Office. Lyke also strategizes and oversees client marketing programs, integrating new media channels and technologies to drive business forward for EMA clients.

About Eric Mower + Associates

Eric Mower + Associates is a digitally-integrated independent marketing and public relations agency. With 210 professionals in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany, N.Y.; New York City; Cincinnati; Charlotte, N.C.; Boston; and Atlanta, EMA delivers strategic insights, digital solutions, smart creative, and award-winning results to clients. Part of two global agency networks—thenetworkone and IPREX—as well as the 4A's, EMA has estimated 2016 capitalized billings exceeding $200 million.