Dallas-based independent ad agency Firehouse announced the promotions of three female leaders.

Principals Erica Baker and Megan Ward have been promoted to partner, while Emily Black was promoted to principal in addition to her role as group account director.

“Erica, Megan, and Emily have truly committed to Firehouse,” CEO Steve Smith said in a statement. “Since day one, all of them used their roles to make the agency and its output better.”

The agency also announced that it has been named as a national Best Place to Work by Ad Age for the second consecutive year.

Firehouse said the agency views its culture as a competitive advantage, and the promotions further demonstrate its commitment to diversifying the voices and talent pool in both the company and advertising space.

Support, grow, and develop

Baker, who started as an account executive more than nine years ago, also serves as a group account director. In 2017, Baker was named Firehouse’s “Agency MVP,” and she has led businesses including Baxter Auto Group, Trupanion, Texas Dairy Queen, Bellevue University, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Baker is a founding member of Firehouse’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team.

“I never thought I’d work in advertising, and now it’s hard for me to imagine not being part of Firehouse,” Baker said in a statement. “It’s an incredibly supportive company where I’ve been able to grow and develop my career.”

Constant improvement

As director of operations, Ward manages high-level projects, oversees project management, discovers relevant partnerships, and is responsible for driving agency success through organizational leadership.

Ward has been with Firehouse for 14 years in multiple capacities. In 2012, she was named Firehouse’s “Agency MVP,” and she received the “2019 AAF Shining Star” award which celebrates leading women in advertising in DFW. Ward also is responsible for leading the company’s efforts with Richardson ISD to establish the Firehouse Work-Based Learning Series.

“Firehouse is always re-evaluating its benefit offerings to make sure everyone here knows the company values us. It’s important for attracting new talent and keeping existing talent,” Ward said in a statement. “The agency is regularly asking us what we want from our careers, and they help us make it happen.”

Named a “best place to work”

A group account director, Black was also named principal after joining the agency in 2020 to lead the Lennox Residential business. She also oversees the Texas Make-A-Wish Foundation and brings over 20 years of experience in advertising and brand marketing to Firehouse.

“Part of being a great place to work is ensuring the right leadership is in place. For us, that means leaders who share a consistent set of values and who help foster living those values amongst our team. It also means leadership that is focused on developing talent and shepherding careers as opposed to managing tasks,” Tripp Westbrook, agency president and chief creative officer, said in a statement.

Firehouse was recognized for the second year in a row as one of the best places to work by Ad Age, the agency said. This national ranking considers factors ranging from pay and benefits to corporate culture and leadership. Firehouse was one of two North Texas agencies, the other being PMG in Fort Worth, to make the list.

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