VVK PR + Creative Acquires Stern Strategy Group’s PR Division
March 24, 2025
At VVK PR + Creative we’ve always believed in growing smartly to deliver value to our clients, and today, we’re thrilled to announce a monumental step forward in that mission. We’re proud to share that VVK has acquired Stern Strategy Group’s PR division, a move that brings more than 40 years of executive visibility public relations expertise into our growing Detroit-based agency.
This acquisition is a game-changer for us, and here’s why.
Broadening Our Horizons, Strengthening Our Expertise
From the very start, this opportunity felt like a perfect fit. As our CEO, Peter Van Dyke, puts it, “Our guiding principles during this acquisition process were rooted in advancing the goals of our clients, ensuring there was a strong cultural fit with our team, and establishing a solid platform for future growth.” It’s clear that the synergy between Stern’s legacy of excellence and our dynamic vision positions us to not only enhance our services but also lead the industry in new, exciting ways.
With this acquisition, the team from Stern Strategy Group’s PR division will now form what we call our “national team,” offering deeper expertise and executive visibility services on a national scale.
What This Means for Our Clients
For many of our 75+ clients across industries including nonprofits, healthcare, professional services, and education, the focus has always been on results. What makes this new chapter so exciting is how
it’s going to allow us to do even more for the amazing organizations we serve.
“By combining forces with VVK, both existing and new clients will gain access to a broader base of services needed in today’s fast-paced world of communications,” said Susan Stern, founder of Stern Strategy Group. “I am delighted by the match.”
A Shared Vision for Industry Leadership
Founded in 1985 by Susan Stern, Stern Strategy Group has been a pioneer in executive visibility and thought leadership. Over the past decades, the PR division has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations aiming to amplify their influence. Stern’s PR division joins VVK at a time when we’re accelerating in growth.
This move didn’t just happen overnight. We recognized the strength of Stern’s reputation in strategic storytelling, as well as the expertise of senior leaders like Ned Ward, Stephanie Heckman, and Jennifer Zottola. Each of these remarkable individuals brings 20 years of experience, further ensuring our clients benefit from seasoned industry veterans who understand what it takes to make an impact.
“We are proud of the legacy Stern built and the impact we’ve made in helping executives and organizations amplify their voices,” said Ned Ward, VVK’s new senior VP. “Joining VVK presents an exciting opportunity to build upon that foundation.”
The Journey Ahead
This acquisition also underscores the rapid momentum VVK has experienced since our launch in April 2022.
At VVK PR + Creative, storytelling, strategy and client relations are at the heart of everything we do. Integrating Stern’s incredible legacy into our vision gives us the opportunity to write new chapters not only for our agency but for the organizations we proudly serve.
Here’s to what’s next!
