• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, January 27, 2023

Syracuse-based agency Mower has named Stephanie Crockett CEO, succeeding Eric Mower who becomes executive chairman.

Crocket, a 19-year veteran of the agency, previously served as president-COO, though she will retain the presidency title as well.

Mower, who founded the agency in 1968, had been chairman-CEO.

In August 2022, Mower sold the company to a newly established employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), which was part of an ownership transition and succession plan that began nearly a decade ago as an alternative to an outside sale.

"Stephanie Crockett is our time-tested and most evident candidate to head a group of strong and competent leaders at Mower for the future," he said in a statement announcing the succession this morning.

The balance of the agency’s executive leadership team remains in place, including Doug Bean, Vice Chairman; Chris Steenstra, Chief Administrative Officer; Cheryl Duggan, Chief Financial Officer; Doug Kamp, Chief Creative Officer; and Rick Lyke, Executive Vice President, Managing Director, Public Relations and Public Affairs.