ST. LOUIS -- April 15, 2009 -- Osborn & Barr (O&B) today announced the promotion of Michael Turley to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The announcement represents the agency’s continued commitment to delivering forward-thinking solutions by utilizing the knowledge and expertise of its high-caliber employees to provide innovative new strategies. The move enables the agency to continue its consistent growth and stay true to its roots, while pursuing new opportunities.

Turley, who has been with O&B for 17 years, will apply his extensive marketing communications background to continue driving the agency’s innovation in the industry. He will lead the agency, providing the strategic vision needed to continue its growth and develop new client offerings.

“This announcement exemplifies what O&B is all about – hiring great people and letting them do what they do best,” says Steve Barr, founding partner of O&B. “Michael has a passion for what we do and always has been committed to delivering the best quality work for O&B’s clients. That was obvious as he led the agency to a rapidly growing public relations practice and a new digital group. In his new role as CEO, we know he will bring that same enthusiasm to our employees and clients by leading us into a new era of marketing for the agricultural and rural marketing segments.”

As CEO, Turley will chair the agency’s current executive management team, including Rhonda Ries-Aguilar (Chief Financial Officer) and Cheryl Bergeron (Chief Creative Officer). The group will cover day-to-day management of the agency, while ensuring the agency’s vision is realized. Additionally, Turley will work closely with Barr and Joe Osborn, also founding partner of O&B, to develop and guide long-term strategy.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the agricultural and rural marketplaces right now,” says Turley. “There are tremendous opportunities, and I’m looking forward to exploring those as we continue to grow as the advocate for agriculture and rural America.” 

Steve Barr, who has held the CEO position since the agency opened its doors 20 years ago, will assume the role of Chairman of a new Board of Directors that will be organized and appointed later this year. The company’s move to add a Board of Directors will allow it to tap into external resources to realize continued growth opportunities, while drawing on the expertise of its current management team to ensure it remains true to its roots. Joe Osborn, current President, will change his title to Partner. He will continue providing counsel to O&B’s chief creative officer and supporting client service. Both Joe and Steve will remain active in O&B Method, a business unit that focuses on servicing its channel marketing and business-to-business clients who aren’t in the ag or rural markets.

Osborn & Barr concentrates on relationship-driven branding communications for agriculture, rural lifestyle, government, association and business-to-business markets to maximize the image and profitability of its clients. Its staff of more than 140 professionals provides brand management, strategic planning, event planning, creative services, public relations, media services, digital marketing and channel marketing. The 21-year-old agency has $125 million in capitalized annual billings divided among four United States and Canada offices located in St. Louis, Kansas City and Des Moines. Osborn & Barr can be contacted via phone at 1-888-235-4332 or at www.osborn-barr.com.