French/West/Vaughan: Raleigh Independent PR Firm Profile

French/West/Vaughan (FWV) is an independent public relations, public affairs, advertising and digital media agency in Raleigh, North Carolina, opened in April 1997 by Rick French, who is chairman and CEO. O'Dwyer's ranked it first in the Southeast for a 25th straight year and in the national top 20 in its 2026 ranking, per the firm. O'Dwyer's lists 139 staff, and FWV is parent to AMP3, FWV Fetching and Prix Productions.

Originally published May 2018. Updated October 17, 2026.

Who founded and leads French/West/Vaughan?

Rick French opened the agency in downtown Raleigh in April 1997 as Richard French & Associates and is chairman and CEO. O'Dwyer's lists David Gwyn as president and Natalie Best as chief operating officer. The firm's 2022 release quotes French as chairman and CEO as the agency marked its 25th anniversary, and Crunchbase lists French as CEO, chairman and founder with Gwyn as president.

How is French/West/Vaughan ranked?

A May 4, 2026 FWV release says O'Dwyer's ranked the firm first in the Southeast, a position it has held for 25 consecutive years, and in the top 20 among all US agencies for the third year in a row. It also reported top-five practice rankings in Entertainment (No. 3) and Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle (No. 4), No. 4 in Sports, and top-10 rankings in adult beverages, agriculture, crisis communications, energy, and travel, hospitality and economic development. Earlier releases cited No. 15 in 2021 and No. 17 in 2022.

What does French/West/Vaughan own or partner with?

O'Dwyer's describes FWV as parent of AMP3, FWV Fetching and Prix Productions, and a mobility practice in Detroit formerly called The Millerschin Group. EPR covers AMP3 PR and Big Picture PR separately. FWV is also a partner in IPREX, which the Raleigh Chamber page describes as a network of global communication agencies.

What does French/West/Vaughan do?

The firm describes itself as the Southeast's leading PR, public affairs, advertising and digital media agency. Its expertise page lists social media, influencer and experiential marketing, among other services. EPR's public affairs and consumer brand stories sections cover related disciplines.

Where is French/West/Vaughan based?

FWV is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. O'Dwyer's describes offices around the country, and the firm's own materials have named New York, Los Angeles and Tampa among them.

How does French/West/Vaughan compare with other independent PR firms?

FWV is one of the larger independent firms. Compare it with Finn Partners and see the PR agency profiles directory.

Related: PR agency profiles, AMP3 PR, Public affairs, 5W Public Relations