CMO Moves – Week of January 12, 2026
Alicia Chrapaty named Chief Marketing Officer at H&R Block H&R Block is a consumer-facing company in the retail sector. Chrapaty has experience driving growth for consumer brands, making this a notable top marketing hire. Agency lens: Growth-focused acquisition and retention programs—and the creative, media, and messaging that support them—are likely to be in focus. Executive’s LinkedIn Company website Rachel Truair named Chief Marketing Officer at Demandbase Demandbase is a pipeline AI platform for B2B enterprises. Truair will spearhead global brand and GTM strategy to establish Demandbase as a growth engine for modern enterprises, with a focus on AI-enabled pipeline. Agency lens: Expect heavy emphasis on category narrative, product marketing, and integrated campaigns that tie AI + GTM work to measurable pipeline outcomes. Executive’s LinkedIn Company website Bennett Richardson named Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at National Association of REALTORS® The National Association of REALTORS® operates in real estate. Richardson has experience in integrated marketing and public affairs leadership, with a combined marketing-and-comms remit. Agency lens: Integrated campaigns plus stakeholder communications (marketing, comms, and public-facing messaging) tend to move together when the top seat spans both disciplines. Executive’s LinkedIn Company website All Appointments The following is a complete list of CMO appointments and transitions tracked this week across industries. Executive Name Title Company Name Company City Company State Size Company Industry Olivia Oshry SVP, Marketing & Communications Outdoor Advertising Association of America Washington District of Columbia 56 Marketing & Advertising Sue Burton Chief Marketing Officer Envestnet Berwyn Pennsylvania 2700 Financial Services Patricia Foye Chief Marketing Officer ARKANCE Saint-Denis France 680 IT Services and IT Consulting Sunil Frida Chief Marketing Officer Zscaler San Jose California 7400 Computer & Network Security Nick Eubanks Chief Marketing Officer Digistore24 USA St. Petersburg Florida 750 Online Media Guillermo Cue Chief Marketing Officer – RBI LAC Restaurant Brands International Toronto Ontario 38000 Food & Beverage Rachel Truair Chief Marketing Officer Demandbase San Francisco California 820 Information Technology & Services Alicia Chrapaty Chief Marketing Officer H&R Block Kansas City Missouri 4200 Retail Gavin Macomber Chief Marketing Officer Marlabs New York New York 2500 Information Technology & Services Jaime Romero Chief Marketing Officer Cato Networks Tel Aviv-Yafo Israel 1100 Computer & Network Security Ariel Suffern Chief Marketing Officer North America & LATAM The Magnum Ice Cream Company Amsterdam Netherlands 3500 Food & Beverage Bennett Richardson Chief Marketing and Communications Officer National Association of REALTORS® Chicago Illinois 4300 Real Estate Dean Reverman V.P. Marketing BlueStar US Hebron Kentucky 730 Information Technology & Services Shawna Stephenson Chief Marketing Officer RealManage Plano Texas 1100 Real Estate Emily Gilbert Chief Marketing Officer Nystrom & Associates, Ltd. New Brighton Minnesota 1400 Mental Health Care Chris Scherman Senior Vice President, Marketing & Strategy Officer Pembina Pipeline Corporation Calgary Alberta 3000 Oil & Energy Joseph Hegarty Executive Director of Strategic Media and Public Affairs Unity Environmental University New Gloucester Maine 650 Higher Education Jonathan Hoffman Director, Head of Brand Development BBR Partners New York New York 240 Investment Management Caitlin Tucker Chief Marketing Officer Quantum Metric Colorado Springs Colorado 450 Information Technology & Services Brad Ramsey Chief Marketing Officer Shippo Jackson Mississippi 190 Package/Freight Delivery CMO Moves are tracked weekly based on public announcements, filings, and market intelligence. Not every leadership change results in agency engagement, but historically, these moments often precede strategic reviews and realignment of partners.
Funding Signals – Activity Through January 7, 2026
Highlights CHAMP Titles raised $55,000,000 (Series C) led by W. R. Berkley and Point72 Ventures CHAMP Titles provides digital systems that support vehicle title, registration, lien, and driver services workflows for public agencies and their ecosystem partners. The company emphasized recent expansion into new markets and wider access to its technology, alongside claims that its approach can cut processing time and reduce reliance on paper-based documentation. Agency lens: A multi-market expansion story lives or dies on proof. This is a fit for tight positioning, procurement-friendly messaging, and case-study content that helps different stakeholders (agencies, dealers, insurers, lenders, fleets) quickly understand outcomes. Cambium raised $100,000,000 (Series B) led by 8VC Cambium develops advanced materials for defense, aerospace, and other high-performance applications, using AI-driven discovery and scaled manufacturing. The company says this round will accelerate its product pipeline and expand materials manufacturing in the U.S., building on a platform designed to speed development feedback loops and support resilient, multi-site supply chains. Agency lens: As new materials move from R&D into scaled production, clear product storytelling matters. Think category narrative + technical messaging, launch/PR support for new material lines, and a website/content system that makes specs, use cases, and credibility easy to grasp. Biobeat Technologies raised $50,000,000 (Series B) led by Ally Bridge Group and OrbiMed Biobeat develops an FDA-cleared wearable sensor for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, designed to reduce friction versus traditional cuff-based ABPM and make readings available inside clinical workflows. The company says proceeds will be used to expand commercialization in the United States, positioning the system for broader adoption across providers and health systems. Agency lens: A U.S. commercialization push typically needs conversion-ready GTM assets. Focus on packaging clinical value clearly (without jargon), tightening the website and sales content for provider decision-makers, and supporting demand gen/PR that builds trust in regulated healthcare audiences. Array Labs raised $20,000,000 (Series A) led by Catapult Ventures Array Labs is building radar technology for satellites, aiming to deliver high-performance capability with more commercial cost structures. The company says this Series A will scale engineering, support radar panel development and flight qualification, and ultimately launch a formation-flying radar satellite cluster, alongside updates on payload sales, production scale-up, and growth plans. Agency lens: Moving toward payload sales and launch milestones calls for crisp, credibility-first communications. This is a fit for product messaging, investor/customer storytelling, web/content that explains the tech and use cases fast, and PR/partner marketing aimed at the space ecosystem. All Funding Rounds Company Industry Amount Round Investors Hadrian Aerospace, Artificial Intelligence, Machinery Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management $131,307,594 Series D Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, Morgan Stanley Champ SaaS, Software $55,000,000 Series C Eos Venture Partners, John Benis, Point72 Ventures, W. R. Berkley Cambium Advanced Materials, Aerospace, Law Enforcement, Manufacturing, National Security, Renewable Energy $100,000,000 Series B 8VC Biobeat Biotechnology, Data Collection and Labeling, Health Care, Hospital, Wearables $50,000,000 Series B Ally Bridge Group, Elevage Medical Technologies, Menomadin Foundation, OrbiMed Rembrand Advertising, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Marketing, Media and Entertainment, Media Marketing $37,500,000 Series B Greycroft, super{set} SignalRank Artificial Intelligence, Business Intelligence, Marketing, Software, Venture Capital $22,035,527 Series A Candou Ventures GovDash Artificial Intelligence, Government, Procurement $25,426,233 Series B Northzone Array Labs Manufacturing $20,000,000 Series A Catapult, Great Wave Ventures, Seraphim Space Mesa Quantum Electronics, Manufacturing, Semiconductor, Sensor $11,222,602 Series A J2 Ventures, New Mexico Economic Development Department
M&A Signals – Deals Announced Through January 8, 2026
Highlights Vistra acquired Cogentrix Energy — Deal value: $4,700,000,000 Vistra is an energy company with a generation portfolio across major U.S. power markets. Cogentrix Energy is a portfolio of 10 modern natural-gas generation facilities totaling about 5,500 MW. Vistra said the acquisition expands its generation footprint across PJM, ISO New England, and ERCOT, and expects it to be accretive to ongoing operations. Agency lens: Expansion across multiple markets often raises stakeholder questions—use clear, consistent messaging to explain the added assets, footprint, and what changes (and doesn’t) for customers and partners. TransDigm acquired Stellant Systems — Deal value: $960,000,000 TransDigm supplies aerospace components and systems through its subsidiaries. Stellant Systems, headquartered in Torrance, California, designs and manufactures high-power electronic components and subsystems used across aerospace and defense platforms. TransDigm said Stellant’s products are highly engineered with meaningful aftermarket content and that the deal adds new products and services to TransDigm’s portfolio. Agency lens: When a portfolio expands, the combined story needs to stay simple—tight positioning, product messaging, and customer communications help teams explain what Stellant adds and how offerings fit together. Amdocs acquired MATRIXX Software — Deal value: $200,000,000 Amdocs is a telecom software supplier that already had an in-house charging product. MATRIXX Software provides a charging product used by telecom operators to calculate costs and bill customers. Deal coverage said Amdocs is paying $200 million in cash, describing the move as a way to expand its customer base, further consolidate the market, and reduce competitive pressure. Agency lens: Charging sits at the center of billing and revenue—clear customer messaging and roadmap framing help operators understand what the acquisition means for product continuity and support. Microsoft acquired Osmos Microsoft is bringing Osmos into Microsoft Fabric, its analytics platform. Osmos builds agentic AI solutions that automate data tasks such as ingestion, analytics, and reporting. Microsoft said Osmos will implement these capabilities within OneLake and Fabric to help turn raw data into assets ready for analytics and AI, and to accelerate product development and reach a broader audience. Agency lens: As new automation lands inside Fabric/OneLake, enablement and messaging should clearly show where it lives in the platform and how teams can use it in real workflows. W.L. Gore & Associates acquired Conformal Medical W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company with an endovascular portfolio. Conformal Medical develops next-generation left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) technology and said its CLAAS AcuFORM System is currently in clinical testing and not commercially available. Gore said the acquisition is an ideal fit with its endovascular portfolio and complements its existing cardiac products, advancing its expansion into adjacent endovascular areas. Agency lens: Because the technology is positioned as a portfolio complement and still in clinical testing, communications should be precise—clearly stating clinical status and how the addition fits the broader cardiac lineup. All M&A Deals Target Acquirer Acquisition type Industry Deal value Conformal Medical W.L. Gore & Associates Acquisition Health Care, Medical, Medical Device Not disclosed Osmos Microsoft Acquisition Analytics, Big Data, Data Integration, Enterprise Software, SaaS Not disclosed Point Broadband Clearwave Fiber Merger Computer, Information Technology, Internet, Telecommunications, Wireless Not disclosed Pointivo Bentley Systems Acquisition 3D Technology, Information Technology, Software Not disclosed Talon Aerolytics Bentley Systems Acquisition Aerospace, Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, Civil Engineering, Construction, Drones, Insurance Not disclosed Wireless CCTV Arcus Infrastructure Partners Acquisition Construction, Hardware, Security Not disclosed Tex Tech Industries Michelin Acquisition Aerospace, Chemical, Manufacturing, Textile Not disclosed Mega Broadband Investments Cable ONE Acquisition Internet, Telecommunications $475,000,000 – $495,000,000 NeueHouse Convene Hospitality Group Acquisition Art, Commercial, Coworking, Hospitality Not disclosed Sur-Seal Corporation Brodie Generational Capital Partners Acquisition Industrial Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Packaging Services Not disclosed Stellant Systems TransDigm Acquisition Electronics, Industrial, Industrial Manufacturing, Manufacturing $960,000,000 Applied Ocean Sciences True Environmental Acquisition Industrial, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas Not disclosed Coinstar Glacier Bancorp Acquisition Advice, Financial Services, Wealth Management Not disclosed Trustwell Absorb Software Acquisition Education, E-Learning, Pet Not disclosed MATRIXX Software Amdocs Acquisition Communications, Information Technology, Mobile, Real Time, Software, Telecommunications $200,000,000 Cogentrix Energy Vistra Acquisition Construction, Energy, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources $4,700,000,000 NivaGen Pharmaceuticals European Growth Opportunities Fund II Acquisition Medical, Medical Device Not disclosed OfficePartners360 Universal Leaf Tobacco Acquisition Business Services, Consulting, Customer Service, Outsourcing Not disclosed Premier Flow Solutions Red Oak Acquisition Building Material, Construction, Waste Management, Water Not disclosed Service Express Park Place Technologies Merger Enterprise Software, Information Services, Information Technology Not disclosed Arco Platform General Atlantic Acquisition Education, Software Not disclosed Stryker Directional ACT Energy Technologies Acquisition Commercial, Industrial, Oil and Gas $24,200,000 Capital Design Barker Specialty Company Acquisition Advertising, Marketing, Personal Branding Not disclosed Southern Hills Plantation Golf Club Heritage Golf Group Acquisition Events, Golf, Sports, Wedding Not disclosed TSA Manufacturing Threaded Fasteners, Inc. Acquisition Construction, Manufacturing, Wholesale Not disclosed Epic Production Technologies Intune Physical Therapy Acquisition 3D Technology, Audio, Gaming Not disclosed Action Uniform Galls Acquisition Apparel, Shoes Not disclosed Charles A. Redden Sobel Network Shipping Co. Merger — Not disclosed First Choice Wellness Centers BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy Acquisition Home Health Care, Medical Not disclosed ePro Services Altus Fire and Life Safety Acquisition Commercial, Customer Service, Security Not disclosed Putnam Classical Academy Galileo Education Acquisition Education Not disclosed Morgan Construction Precizion Partners Acquisition Commercial, Construction, Residential Not disclosed United PowerLine Solutions East Coast Power Acquisition Construction, Service Industry, Sustainability Not disclosed Iverson Design Netcapital Acquisition Advertising, Creative Agency Not disclosed Great Northern Asset Management Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Acquisition Financial Services Not disclosed Triple Play Pay Solutions by Text Acquisition Finance, Financial Services Not disclosed Kara Bennett and Associates Knapp Family Wealth Acquisition Retirement, Wealth Management Not disclosed
Cooley’s Push Toward Stronger Content and Distribution Systems
An analysis of the executive conversation and our research, surfacing the priorities and opportunity lanes agencies can leverage to win new business. At A Glance Interviewee: Matthew Lieberman, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer Company: Cooley LLP Estimated Revenue: $2 Billion Location: Palo Alto, CA Website: www.cooley.com Industry: Global law firm focused on tech and life sciences Company Notes: Cooley has ~1,400 lawyers and 3,000+ employees across the US, Europe, and Asia. Best-Fit Agencies: Brand strategy, content and thought leadership, ABM, digital marketing, marketing operations, research firms Source: CMO Journeys Interview The Big Picture Cooley is entering a new phase as market conditions shift and the tech IPO window begins to reopen. Matthew Lieberman has joined in month two of a major transformation, bringing 25+ years of marketing leadership from PwC. He is focused on building a modern, metrics-driven, client-centric marketing and business development function. The firm wants stronger alignment between marketing, BD, and overall business goals. This moment matters because Cooley is positioned to gain share as tech, life sciences, and venture markets rebound. Top Stated Priorities Define a clear North Star for marketing and BD. This matters now because Cooley has high-performing teams but no unified vision guiding decisions or investment. Build structure, process, and governance across the function. Cooley’s entrepreneurial culture is strong, but inconsistent workflows and silos limit efficiency and impact. Establish measurable goals and modern KPIs. Partners lack consistent standards to evaluate marketers, so success must be tied to firm-level outcomes. Strengthen the content and thought leadership engine. Cooley produces strong insights today, but there is no firmwide content strategy or defined distribution plan. Elevate the marketing tech stack and improve data quality. Better automation, AI, and workflow tools will create time for high-value work and support deeper targeting. Under-the-Surface Signals He wants stronger alignment between marketing, BD, and practice leadership. This is implied because he stressed the need for one team, shared goals, and less duplication. The firm is ready for a major capability upgrade. This is implied because he described skill gaps, siloed roles, and the need to reshape the team structure. Content distribution is a major gap. This is implied because he emphasized “very small” paid media use and the need for broader channels. He values creativity as much as data. This is implied because he drew on his film background and warned against “over-indexing” on technology. Your Next Big Wins Help Cooley build a unified content and thought leadership system. This matters now because Lieberman is prioritizing strategy, governance, and distribution, and content-led firms will stand out during the IPO rebound. Build industry-specific ABM programs with measurable impact. This matters now because Cooley wants marketing tied directly to business goals, creating space for agencies with targeting depth. Support the transformation with workflow, operations, and MarTech expertise. This matters now because the firm needs help optimizing tools, improving data, and reducing manual work. Provide research and insights to fuel top-of-funnel origination. This matters now because Lieberman views research as core to differentiation and wants a scalable insights engine. Develop creative storytelling that brings Cooley’s brand to life. This matters now because he stressed the need to balance “art and science,” opening the door for strong creative studios. How I’d Break In I would lead with the theme of helping Cooley accelerate its transformation by tying marketing directly to growth outcomes. My outreach would anchor on clarity, structure, and content distribution, which align directly with Lieberman’s stated priorities. The proof that will resonate is deep experience helping professional services firms modernize their content engines, ABM programs, and marketing operations. The first step I’d propose is a small pilot focused on one practice area where we develop a unified content strategy, build the distribution plan, and define measurable KPIs.
AEC Brand Elevation Opportunity (Private Introduction)
We are supporting a private introduction between the Chief Marketing Officer of a well-established AEC firm and a small number of highly specialized agencies with deep experience in branding within architecture, engineering, and construction. This is not a public RFP and not a full rebrand search. The CMO is actively exploring a brand elevation / brand refresh — an intentional evolution of brand strategy and identity that reflects where the firm is today and where it is headed next, without discarding existing brand equity. Our role is to curate and introduce a short list of qualified agencies from within the NextBigWin Pro community who specialize in this type of work. What We Can Share (At a High Level) The firm operates in the AEC space with multi-disciplinary capabilities Marketing leadership is newly elevated at the C-suite level There is a clear mandate to modernize and sharpen the firm’s brand strategy and identity This is an evolution, not a ground-up rebrand Specific company details are intentionally withheld at this stage. What the CMO Is Looking For This engagement is centered on brand elevation, including areas such as: Brand strategy refinement Positioning and narrative clarity Visual identity evolution (not wholesale replacement) Modernization that respects legacy and credibility The CMO is not looking for: A full rebrand Tactical-only execution Generic creative services without AEC context Who This Is For This opportunity is relevant only for agencies that meet the following criteria: Proven experience leading brand strategy and brand refresh work Deep familiarity with AEC firms and professional services dynamics A clear point of view on balancing heritage, credibility, and modernization This will not be a fit for most agencies — and that’s intentional. What to Submit (Email Only) If this aligns, send a short email to: info@thenextbigwin.com Please include: A brief overview of your AEC brand experience 1–2 relevant brand refresh / brand elevation examples (anonymized is fine) A short note on how you approach brand evolution vs. full rebrand Submissions will be reviewed personally. A small number of agencies will be selected for a direct introduction to the CMO. This is time-sensitive. There is no fixed deadline, but earlier submissions will be prioritized as the shortlist is actively taking shape. Important Notes This is not an RFP response No guarantees of introduction NextBigWin’s role concludes after the introduction is made If you have deep AEC branding experience and a thoughtful approach to brand evolution, this is worth responding to. Precision matters more than polish.
Oregon State Treasury Digital Marketing Services: Five-Year Term With Unlimited Renewals Option
At a Glance Buyer: Oregon State Treasury (Oregon Retirement Savings Board / OregonSaves) Industry: Public Sector / Financial Services (Retirement Savings Program) Location/markets: Oregon (statewide) Primary scope: Digital marketing assessment + Digital Marketing Plan (Phase 1), with anticipated implementation/services (Phase 2) Key deliverables/channels: Research + discovery; technical assessment; audience targeting approach; measurement/tracking plan; recommendations for software + integrations; comprehensive digital campaign recommendations Budget: Not specified Contract type/term: One contract to a single proposer; anticipated 5-year initial term with option for unlimited renewals Key dates: Questions due December 19, 2025, 12:00 PM PT; answers week of January 5, 2026; proposals due January 27, 2026, 12:00 PM PT; interviews (if needed) March 2026; notice of intent to award approx. March 16, 2026 Eligibility/must-haves: Minimum 5 years digital marketing experience; cooperate with security vetting (SOC 2 within 24 months or complete required security questionnaire sections); submit Phase 1 implementation plan + sample marketing plan; provide key personnel resumes Why This Could Be Interesting Oregon State Treasury is seeking a digital marketing partner for OregonSaves, the state’s auto-IRA retirement savings program administered by the Oregon Treasury Savings Network. The work starts with Phase 1: a technical assessment and Digital Marketing Plan grounded in the retirement industry and comparable auto-IRA programs. The plan must cover digital opportunities, how to structure targeted campaigns for distinct audience segments, and how results will be tracked and reported. Phase 2 is anticipated to follow by contract amendment: implementing the Network-approved plan and providing digital marketing services as needed. That “assess, then run” structure is attractive for agencies that want to earn the right to execute—without being forced to guess the full execution scope up front. Best suited for digital agencies with martech fluency, research rigor, and public-sector procurement experience. Proposal deadline: January 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM PT. Download the full RFP here.
Clackamas County Integrated Marketing Campaign: $800K All-In Budget, Full Media Buying
At a Glance Buyer: Clackamas County (Tourism / Tourism Development Council) Industry: Destination Marketing / Tourism Location/markets: Mt Hood Territory (Clackamas County, Oregon); short-haul drive markets (about 300 miles) Primary scope: Develop and execute a comprehensive, integrated marketing campaign (turnkey) Key deliverables/channels: Strategy + creative concept; production; media planning & buying; digital/social/SEM/OTT-CTV/print/radio/podcasts/TV/OOH; performance reporting + final ROI analysis; deliver all assets + raw files/b-roll Budget: Estimated project total $800,000 (all-inclusive, not-to-exceed) Contract type/term: Personal Services contract; term from effective date through December 30, 2027 Key dates: Clarifying questions due January 22, 2026, 5:00 PM PT; proposal deadline January 29, 2026, 2:00 PM PT Eligibility/must-haves: Proven integrated campaign experience (ideally destination/DMO within past 5 years); measurable results tied to visitor spending + lodging overnights; deliver assets with full usage rights in perpetuity + releases/permits; submit via Bid Locker; 20-page proposal limit; 3 references required Why This Could Be Interesting Clackamas County is seeking an agency partner to develop and execute a high-visibility integrated marketing campaign for its Tourism program promoting the Mt Hood Territory destination in Oregon. This is positioned as a stand-alone initiative (separate from ongoing, year-round marketing) aimed at short-haul drive markets—roughly within a day’s drive (about 300 miles)—to drive increased visitation, overnight stays, and visitor spending. The selected vendor will own the full campaign lifecycle: research and strategy, concept development, creative production, and an integrated media plan and buy—executed across digital, social, SEM, OTT/CTV, print, radio/podcasts, television, and out-of-home, with ongoing optimization and reporting. A few signals make this worth a close look. The County cites an estimated $800,000 all-inclusive not-to-exceed budget, expecting a turnkey program that covers production, media, project management, travel, licensing, permits, and releases. They also require delivery of final files plus raw assets and b-roll, with full, unrestricted usage rights in perpetuity for Tourism and its partners. On performance, the RFP calls for measurable economic impact tied to visitor spending and lodging overnights, notes Tourism currently uses Datafy for attribution, and requires early coordination of media plans to avoid duplicating existing buys. Best suited for agencies with destination marketing experience, integrated creative and media buying, and ROI-grade reporting. Proposal deadline: January 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT Download the full RFP here.
University of Utah Creative Services: Multi-Award Setup for Impact Marketing and Design
At a Glance Buyer: University of Utah (Sorenson Impact Institute) Industry: Higher Education / Impact (social & environmental Impact) Location/markets: Salt Lake City, Utah; U.S.-based operations required Primary scope: Marketing & design services in the impact space Key deliverables/channels: marketing strategy; website design/support; social content; graphic design; newsletters Budget: Not specified Contract type/term: Anticipated 3-year contract; multiple awards possible; pricing fixed year 1 Key dates: Q&A due January 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM MST; Proposal deadline January 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM MST Eligibility/must-haves: Business license + ability to operate in U.S.; extensive impact-field experience; 2 impact projects (last 5 Years); SAM.gov registration (if federally funded) Why This Could Be Interesting The University of Utah is seeking marketing and design service providers for the Sorenson Impact Institute, a campus institute focused on connecting capital to social and environmental solutions, impact measurement and reporting, and people-centered storytelling. They want partners who can deliver one or more services across marketing strategy development and implementation, website design and ongoing support, social media content creation, graphic design, and other marketing work such as newsletters—while maintaining clear communication, documentation, and the operational “infrastructure” to run projects with multiple stakeholders. A few signals make this worth a look. The anticipated contract term is three years, with pricing expected to remain fixed in year one. The University also flags the possibility of multiple awards and notes the resulting contracts may be available for university-wide use, which can expand potential request volume beyond a single institute. This is also explicitly impact-space work: vendors must confirm extensive experience in the impact field and provide examples of at least two impact projects led in the last five years—so agencies with credible impact credentials can stand out quickly. Best suited for agencies with impact-sector experience, strong writing, and integrated web/social/design execution. Proposal deadline: January 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM MST Download the full RFP here.
NYS Dept of Agriculture and Markets Seeks Marketing AOR for New York State Fair and Fairgrounds
At a Glance Buyer: State of New York — New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (Division of the New York State Fair) Industry: Public sector / Events & Entertainment (State Fair + Year-Round Venue) Location/markets: Syracuse, NY (New York State Fairgrounds); markets: Not specified Primary scope: Marketing, advertising, and public relations services for the New York State Fair and Fairgrounds Key deliverables/channels: Annual marketing/advertising plan; integrated campaigns; creative + production; media planning/buying (TV/video, radio, print, digital); social content; PR/earned media; websites (nysfair.ny.gov, nysfairgrounds.ny.gov); mobile app; reporting/KPIs; surveys; signage; trade shows Budget: Average annual marketing and advertising budget range: $875,000–$1,000,000 (may vary by approved annual plan) Contract type/term: State contract; May 1, 2026–December 31, 2030 Key dates: Questions due December 19, 2025 (by 3:00 PM local time); last addendum/answers by January 8, 2026; Proposal deadline January 29, 2026 (by 3:00 PM local time); Creative Concept Pitch/Oral Presentations February 18–20, 2026 (if invited); award intent within 30 days of bid response due date; contract commences May 1, 2026 Eligibility/must-haves: Minimum 5 years relevant marketing/advertising/PR experience; $2M+ annual billings for each of the last 3 calendar years (2023–2025); hard-copy submission + USB flash drive in sealed envelopes; signed Mandatory Contract Requirements Certification; may be invited to in-person pitch/oral presentation; 3+ verifiable references Why This Could Be Interesting The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (Division of the New York State Fair) oversees the Great New York State Fair and manages the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. They’re hiring a marketing, advertising, and PR partner to help drive Fair attendance and increase demand for year-round Fairgrounds events, including promoting select non-Fair events beyond existing audiences. What makes this worth a look is the combination of consumer-scale visibility and a long runway: the contract runs from May 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030. The RFP also outlines an average annual marketing and advertising budget range of $875,000–$1,000,000 (tied to the approved annual plan), plus a full-funnel remit across paid media, creative production, PR/earned, digital and social, and performance reporting. Shortlisted teams may be invited to an in-person creative concept pitch/oral presentation at the Fairgrounds—an opportunity to win on strategy and creative, not just procurement polish. The work also spans always-on assets (two websites and a mobile app), which can translate into ongoing optimization, content, and campaign iteration instead of a one-and-done project. Best suited for integrated agencies with strong creative, paid media buying, PR, and measurement—plus comfort in formal, public-sector requirements. Proposal deadline: January 29, 2026, by 3:00 PM (local time). Download the full RFP here.
Travel South Dakota AOR for $8.5–$9.5M Annual Brand Marketing Spend
At a Glance Buyer: South Dakota Department of Tourism / Travel South Dakota Industry: Tourism / Destination Marketing (Public Sector) Location/markets: Pierre, SD (South Dakota; regional, national, and international audiences) Primary scope: Agency of Record (or Agencies of Record) across branding, marketing, and public relations services Key deliverables/channels: Omni-channel campaigns; creative + production; media planning/buying (TV/CTV/OTT, digital, social, audio, print, OOH); PR; email; websites; research/reporting; events/activations; print/vacation guide production Budget: Department cites ~ $14M total annual advertising/marketing/PR budget, inclusive of production and media Contract type/term: State contract; July 1, 2026–June 30, 2029, with two optional 1-year renewals Key dates: Questions due January 16, 2026 (by 5:00 PM CST); Proposal deadline February 13, 2026 (by 5:00 PM CST); Oral presentations March 11–12, 2026 (Pierre, SD) if invited; Anticipated award March 30, 2026; Contract start July 1, 2026 Eligibility/must-haves: Hard-copy submission (1 original + 10 copies) signed in ink + electronic copy on flash drive; not in arrears to the State; required state certifications (debarment, non-discrimination, prohibited entity; boycott-of-Israel certification may apply by size/contract value); financial capacity to purchase media/services without advance payment; readiness for frequent communication and some in-person meetings/events; no DMO competitor conflicts without approval Why This Could Be Interesting Travel South Dakota (South Dakota Department of Tourism) is the state office responsible for building the state’s tourism brand and driving visitation. They’re seeking an Agency of Record (or a set of AOR partners) to cover a wide remit: brand marketing, cooperative marketing, PR, social, research, events/activations, print/vacation guide work, and supporting digital properties. What makes this potentially attractive is how the RFP is built for scale and optionality. Work is organized across nine components, and agencies can bid on one, several, or all—while still needing to collaborate with other selected partners. That structure can be a smart entry point for specialists (media, PR, social, research) or a meaningful, integrated win for a full-service shop. Travel South Dakota also signals material spend: it cites an overall advertising/marketing/PR budget of around $14M (inclusive of production and media), plus multi-million historical ranges in major program areas. The base term runs three years (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2029) with two optional one-year renewals, creating a path to a longer relationship if performance holds. Operationally, they’re explicit about cadence and accountability—frequent communication, regular reporting, and the financial capacity to purchase media/services without advance payment. Best suited for integrated tourism-capable agencies (or AOR teams) with strong media, creative, PR, and measurement discipline. Proposal deadline: February 13, 2026, by 5:00 PM CST Download the full RFP here.
