Strategic Promotions Strengthen Leadership at Kwedar & Co.

Jessica Pickard and Callie Ward Named Directors as Firm Scales to Serve More Values-Driven Clients

(Fort Worth, TX) – As communications firm Kwedar & Co. continues to scale, two longtime team members are stepping into expanded leadership roles. Founder and President Lauren Kwedar Cockerell has named Jessica Pickard as director of operations and Callie Ward as director of digital marketing — a move that underscores the firm’s people-first ethos and its continued commitment to high-level, high-impact work for clients across North Texas and beyond.

Pickard and Ward were the first full-time hires for the boutique PR and marketing firm, which has grown significantly in the last two years. With a team of fewer than 10 that’s fully remote, Kwedar & Co. has quietly built a reputation for strategic storytelling, high-touch service, and behind-the-scenes excellence that fuels visibility and growth for some of the area’s top businesses — including those in insurance, real estate, professional services, manufacturing, and the arts.

“Our clients don’t hire us just to get coverage or clicks,” said Cockerell. “They partner with us because we know how to uncover the story at the heart of their organization and bring it to life across the channels that matter most to their audiences. Jessi and Callie have been doing that work for years — and these new titles reflect the strategic leadership they’ve earned.”

The path to director-level leadership
From day one, Kwedar & Co. has approached hiring with intention. Every job offer includes a growth path that shows team members what’s possible — and how their careers can evolve at the company. That clarity, along with a strong internal culture, has helped the firm retain and grow top talent in an industry known for high turnover.

Pickard, who joined the company in 2022, will now oversee firmwide operations, team workflows, and client experience. With a degree in business management from Murray State University and 12 years in project and people management, she will also lead internal strategic initiatives to support the firm’s continued growth.

“As a mother, being able to build a meaningful career without sacrificing who I am outside of work is everything,” said Pickard. “This team gets it. We show up for our clients, for each other, and for ourselves — and I’m so proud to step into this new role knowing that.”

Ward, who also joined in 2022, brings not only a degree from Tarleton State University in public relations and event management, but also a strong background in digital strategy and content marketing. As director of digital marketing, she will guide client-facing campaigns across social media, email, SEO, and content — aligning tactics with broader growth goals.

“I love helping clients find clarity,” said Ward. “In my new role, I’ll be even more focused on making sure our digital work connects back to their bigger picture — and gives them the momentum they need.”

Strengthening strategy through team growth
With new hires across content, digital, and strategy in 2024, Pickard and Ward will have the capacity to focus more on mentorship, innovation, and high-level execution — helping the firm deliver smarter work, faster.

“Strong teams don’t happen by accident,” said Cockerell. “They take vision, trust, and shared commitment. Watching Jessi and Callie step into their zones of genius is one of the great joys of leading this business — and I know our clients are going to feel the impact in the best way.”