About S&A Communications
S&A Communications is a full-service integrated marketing and public relations agency based in North Carolina's Research Triangle region. Founded in 1982, the firm has grown into a trusted, long-tenured partner for organizations that need a single team to manage public relations, marketing, creative, digital, and web development under one roof. Anchored by the philosophy of helping clients outthink, outwork, and outperform their competition, S&A starts with strategy—doing the homework, asking the right questions, and listening deeply to understand both clients and their audiences.
The agency's capabilities span brand development, media relations, community outreach, crisis communications, marketing campaigns, creative design, photography and videography, SEO/SEM, PPC, email marketing, and user-centered web design and development. Its collaborative model allows senior strategists, creatives, and digital specialists to work as an extension of in-house teams, ensuring that every tactic reinforces a clear, consistent brand story. By focusing on measurable outcomes and continuous optimization, S&A Communications helps clients build stronger brands, navigate complex communications challenges, and achieve sustainable growth.
Founded: 1982-10-01
Founded In: Cary, North Carolina, United States
Headquarters: Cary, NC, US
Industry: Associations & Nonprofits
Slogan: We are communications experts who outthink, outwork and outperform so our clients achieve – or exceed – their goals
S&A Communications: Founders
| Name |
Title |
Bio |
Source |
| Ron Smith |
Founder |
Ron Smith, APR, founded Smith & Associates (later S&A Communications) in 1982. He focused on creating a personalized approach to public relations that cut through the clutter of large agencies and customized services to meet individual client needs. |
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S&A Communications: Key Team Members
| Name |
Title |
Department |
Bio |
Source |
| Chuck Norman |
Owner/Principal |
|
Chuck Norman, APR, is Owner/Principal of S&A Communications with over 25 years of professional experience. He has been a counselor to hundreds of executives and companies, developing strategies to help clients become thought leaders, build brand awareness, and navigate crisis situations. He served as 2019 Chair of PRSA's Counselors Academy and has held numerous leadership positions in professional organizations. |
View Chuck Norman's canonical URL |
| Deneen Bloom |
Vice President, Client Success |
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Deneen Bloom serves as VP of Client Success at S&A Communications, bringing extensive experience in client relations and strategic communications. |
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| Joshua Harris |
Account Manager & Business Development Director |
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Joshua Harris joined S&A Communications in 2023 as Account Manager and Business Development Director, supporting client growth and new business development. |
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S&A Communications: Milestones
| Date |
Milestone |
Description |
Source |
| 1982-10-01 |
Company Founded |
Ron Smith, APR, founded Smith & Associates, focusing on cutting through the clutter found at large agencies and customizing approaches to meeting clients' needs. |
|
| 2022-10-01 |
40th Anniversary |
S&A Cherokee celebrated 40 years of business as the longest continuously-operating public relations and marketing firm in the Triangle region. |
|
| 2021-01-01 |
Forbes Recognition |
Named one of Forbes Americas Top PR Agency 2021. |
S&A Communications was named one of Forbes America Top PR Agencies in 2021 |
S&A Communications: External Profiles
S&A Communications: Media Gallery
counsel & leadership
strategy & service
digital & creative
organize & grow
laughter & learning
amper & sand
strategy & innovation
dynamic & unique
curious & driven
curious & inspired
knowledge & power
cascading & styles
simon & garfunkel
imaginative & charismatic
light & time