PR Firms, Marketing Agencies & Communications Companies

SHIFT Communications: Integrated PR & Communications

EPR Editorial TeamBy EPR Editorial Team3 min read
SHIFT Communications: Integrated PR & Communications
Share

With close to two decades of communications firsts, some of which have become best practices, the agency prides itself as the first agency to recognize the importance of analytics in marketing and communication strategy and evaluation.

Founded in 2003 following the acquisition of Sterling Hager - a defunct PR agency - by three former executives, the agency has thrived into an integrated communications agency merging science and art to create breakthrough campaigns for brands.

Employing technical and creative skills to develop and launch integrated programs that help brands connect with their target audiences, SHIFT Communications uses data and analytics to harness creativity, generate breakthrough campaigns, and create compelling brand stories.

Leadership

#1. Rick Murray, Managing Partner

Heading SHIFT’s team across the US, Murray leverages more than two decades of experience to help teams in many sectors worldwide. Thanks to his competitiveness, energy, and curiosity, the experienced managing partner helps clients improve reputations, build brands, and successfully navigate the dynamic media and technology spaces.

#2. Leslie Clavin, Vice President

Serving as a trusted advisor for B2B organizations, Clavin employs more than 15 years of expertise in network technology, databases, semiconductors, storage and security, to increase efficiency in marketing and communication systems.

Skilled in leading highly-strategic programs that are designed to accomplish key communication objectives, Clavin also plays a pivotal role in nurturing strong relationships with leading media outlets and analysts.

#3. Sarah Babbitt, Vice President, Agency Marketing

Leading SHIFT’s communication, Babbitt focusses on raising awareness of the agency’s novel approaches, thinking and work within the industry.

Drawing from more than a decade of client-side experience in creating high-impact and high-visibility programs, Babbitt delivers exceptional campaigns for companies in the energy, data & analytics, HR, marketing and advertising, and transportation sectors.

#4. Matt Raven, Vice President, Search

Being SHIFT’s vice president of search, Raven employs more than 12 years of experience to design and run result-oriented content marketing and search strategies that generate qualified leads, qualified traffic and improve a brand’s reputation. 

To increase the reach of media campaigns, Raven incorporates deep knowledge in SEO, online reputation management, and digital marketing.

Some noteworthy campaigns that Raven has developed and run for clients include GoDaddy, Doximity, Dole, and Citrix. What’s more, Raven’s thought leadership activities on forums like Influencer Marketing Days and PRSA have put the agency on the map.

#5. Jim Joyal, Partner

Having co-founded SHIFT in 2002, Joyal serves as the point of contact with new businesses. Tapping into a depth and breadth of extensive communication experience, Joyal tries to understand each brand’s marketing needs and link their operations with appropriate teams within SHIFT.

Leveraging more than three decades of experience in agency leadership, Joyal offers unique insight towards SHIFT’s expansion strategy. Joyal’s insight has been pivotal in adjusting the agency in the highly dynamic public relations space

#6.Heath Rudduck, Chief Creative Officer

Rudduck helps organizations create highly engaging and immersive experiences that deliver desired results through highly-targeted B2B campaigns, branded content, and tailored user-generated social media campaigns.

With extensive experience spanning the launch of an award-winning agency, creating fully-integrated communication agencies and securing more than $160 million of B2C and B2B business, Rudduck has a knack for creating highly-engaging campaigns for clients around the globe. 

Brands that the Chief Creative Officer has created award-winning campaigns for include, Michelin, GMC brands, Goodyear, Pillsbury, Mayo Clinic, Niagara Conservation, and Betty Crocker.

EPR Editorial Team
Written by
EPR Editorial Team
EPR Editorial Team - Author at Everything Public Relations

Other news

See all
 Why The Trade Desk Owns the Narrative — And Magnite Doesn't
EPR Editorial Team · 05/13/2026

Why The Trade Desk Owns the Narrative — And Magnite Doesn't

The Trade Desk and Magnite are similarly sized programmatic advertising companies, yet The Trade Desk enjoys a significantly higher market capitalization. This article explores how The Trade Desk's robust public narrative, driven by strong communications and consistent messaging, contributes to its premium valuation compared to Magnite. It examines key practices such as CEO-as-category-spokesperson, narrative discipline, primary data releases, and standards leadership claims, offering valuable lessons for the broader AdTech industry on how effective communication can influence market perception and company valuation.

Identity Resolution Vendors: Who's Actually Talking to Press
EPR Editorial Team · 05/13/2026

Identity Resolution Vendors: Who's Actually Talking to Press

We tracked press mentions across the top 20 identity resolution vendors for the first quarter of 2026. LiveRamp dominated. The rest were functionally invisible. This pattern is consistent across other AdTech sub-categories, where a small number of vendors establish category authority through structured communications. In identity resolution specifically, a trust-dependent category, the communications gap is particularly costly. Buyers evaluate trust through visible markers, and one of the most important visible markers is consistent, substantive press presence.

MMM Is Back — Here's the Communications Story No One Is Telling
EPR Editorial Team · 05/13/2026

MMM Is Back — Here's the Communications Story No One Is Telling

Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM) is experiencing a resurgence, becoming the fastest-growing measurement category in marketing. However, despite its growth and strong buyer demand, many vendors are not publicly acknowledging or claiming this trend. This creates a significant narrative gap in the industry.

Never Miss a Headline

Daily PR headlines, weekly long-form analysis, and our proprietary research drops — straight to your inbox.