A different approach

As founder and president, Therese Fuerst is chief problem solver and strategist on behalf of the firm’s clients.

Therese began her career on the media side of the world where she produced a Telly Award Winning Special on the Buffalo Waterfront long before it became the destination it is today. Her involvement in that project brought out her interest in economic development and while pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Relations Management, successfully transitioned into a public relations and marketing role for the former Mayor of the City of the Buffalo, Anthony Masiello. Under Masiello’s leadership, Therese became the go-to for all IT companies looking to grow and expand in the City. She ran grant programs and executed public relations programs for companies that still flourish today.  Therese also handled all pr and marketing for the City of Buffalo’s Economic Development Arm and wrote the agencies first integrated marketing strategy and fostered strong relationships with reporters that she still has breakfast with today! Of note during her time with the City, Therese was called upon to be the interim communications director. Shortly after this assignment, the tragedy of September 11^th hit and this rookie pr person had to learn quickly that the glamour of the role was quickly overshadowed by the responsibility of representing the Mayor and our great city. This is where she got her feet wet and learned to position a City on the rise. This was the springboard to other roles with boutique firm E3 Communications where Therese was privileged to represent Phillips Lytle LLP, Niagara Tourism Convention Corporation, Tops Markets and Adelphia Communications (during the Time Warner Acquisition).  This client experience proved critical in securing her next role at Director of PR and Marketing for Buffalo Niagara Enterprise (Now Invest Buffalo Niagara) where she would market the region to the world as the best place to live, grow a business and raise a family.

From there, she was recruited to lead corporate communications at Healthnow NY Inc. – the parent for BlueCross BlueShield of Western and Northeastern New York. It was here that Therese created teams and processes from scratch and reengineered documents, processes and procedures that led to an increased level of customer satisfaction and saved the corporation significant dollars.  It was here that Therese honed her skills in crisis planning and communication. It was also here that she learned how to communicate complex information in a simple manner. At the height of the department’s growth, she managed a team of 35 and three different departments. Perhaps the most interesting highlight of her time in healthcare was launching the region’s first consumer driven health plan – a trend that is commonplace today but then – required significant education and simple yet sophisticated communication techniques to media, customers, brokers, physicians and employees, among many others.

From healthcare Therese went back to her roots in economic development by working for the region’s largest developer, Uniland Development Company. She served as the firm’s public and media relations contact as well as spokesperson. She reported directly to Carl Montante, Jr., Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Initiatives and lead the marketing team responsible for written and visual communications. In addition to setting the strategy for all communications, she spearhead a rebranding and repositioning effort for the 40 year old firm and built community awareness about its assets. During her time with Uniland, Therese was also responsible for marketing for the company’s Avant building that includes an Embassy Suites hotel and conference center, luxury condominium residences and upscale restaurant. Hand in hand with her colleagues in sales, by the time Therese moved on from Uniland, they could celebrate that all condominiums were sold and office square footage was leased. During her time at Uniland Therese and her team were responsible for winning key RFP submissions for catalyst projects including The Catholic Health Headquarters and Delaware North Headquarters.

Most recently, Therese was recruited to lead the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, alongside CEO Dottie Gallagher-Cohen. As Vice President, responsibilities included working with the CEO and other members of the Senior Staff to set the strategic course of the organization, lead the sales, marketing and member services teams and serving as Partnership spokesperson. 
One of many key accomplishments during her tenure was working with her team to create and implement the organizations first content marketing strategy and working to expand key programs for members leading to a significant increase in revenue within a short period of time.

Hickok holds a BA in Political Science (Pre-Law Concentration) and Communication Studies from Canisius College and an MS in Public Relations Management from State University of New York College at Buffalo.   The inaugural recipient of the 2012 Amherst Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year Award; Hickok was also a finalist for the 2012 Athena Young Professional of the Year Award; is a Business First Forty Under Forty Award winner and 2006 graduate of Leadership Buffalo.

An active community member and volunteer both at home and across the United States and Canada for various prestigious organizations, Therese believes in giving of her time, talent and treasure. She currently serves as a member of the Foundation Board of Child and Adolescent Treatment Services, the Canisius College Board of Regents, The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County marketing committee, The Creative Education Foundation external relations committee and the Public Relations Society of America (National and Buffalo Niagara Chapter).