Purpose Worldwide, an independent strategic communications and marketing firm, today announced the promotion of President Hollis Guerra to Partner and the appointment of marketing pioneer and pundit Lou Paskalis to its advisory board. The moves are the latest milestones in the continued growth for the agency and its client roster.
The appointments come as Purpose expands its client portfolio and invests in talent across key markets to meet growing demand for its strategic brand development, public relations, executive positioning and growth advisory services.
“Purpose was born to serve pioneers of the new era and, seven years in, there is no doubt that we are doing just that, serving 30 leading brands, AI and technology companies, agencies and NGOs around the world — powered by the best team in the business,” said Lana McGilvray, co-founder and chief executive officer, Purpose Worldwide. “What our clients say about us, the volume of new business they steer our way and these appointments underscore our commitment to client excellence and growth. Still, the outcomes we drive for them are what matter most. When they win, we win.”
Guerra, who was appointed President in 2025, has played a central role in accelerating Purpose’s growth, expanding its client portfolio and deepening client relationships and agency operations. In addition to driving new business and overseeing key client accounts, she has played a pivotal part in expanding Purpose’s industry presence while collaborating with founding partners McGilvray and Cassady Nordeen. Together, they have spent the last year shaping the agency’s strategic vision and building its leadership team. As Partner and President, Guerra will continue to shape the firm’s growth strategy, strengthen key client relationships and guide Purpose’s next phase of expansion.
“For over twenty years and since her first appointment as our President, Hollis has epitomized what it means to lead, not just clients, but the industry. Her appointment to Partner was a clear and easy choice,” said Cassady Nordeen, co-founding partner and chief client officer, Purpose Worldwide.
“What makes Purpose special is our ability to pair senior-level strategic counsel with the creativity, agility and personal attention of an independent agency,” said Guerra. “We’ve built an exceptional team and a business grounded in long-term relationships and client results. I’m excited to take on an expanded role as we continue to grow while preserving the culture and quality of service that have brought us this far.”
Paskalis officially joined as advisor this quarter, where he helps guide the company and clients alongside longtime advisors Jeff Hirsch, Anne Hallock, Molly Wood, Brad Berens and Louis Jones.
“Lou’s advisory role was a long time coming and his impact has already been outsized for our agency and our clients,” said McGilvray. “Over the past three years Lou often had a seat at joint client tables and he and our team began working closely on a series of engagements that were always so much better in collaboration as we leaned in together to devise and drive incredible returns for those we’ve been serving. Lastly, he’s so much fun to work alongside because the only thing bigger than his brain is his heart and how much of it he gives to the industry and our entire team.”
Paskalis joins Purpose’s advisory board following a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in marketing, media and advertising. He has held senior leadership roles at Bank of America and American Express, served as President and COO of MMA Global, and is Chief Strategy Officer at Ad Fontes Media. A prominent industry voice on marketing innovation, media investment and brand responsibility, Paskalis brings a valuable advertiser perspective to Purpose’s work advising companies across the marketing and technology ecosystem. He and Purpose also share a deep and firm commitment to protecting the practice of journalism.
“Purpose is the ultimate driver of client success because its hybrid team of former CMOs, publicists and natural-born sellers understands how to tell the stories that matter and connect clients with the people and partners they need to grow. They’re also brave enough to take on big challenges and speak up when clients get over their skis. Since I’ve known them, Purpose has grown more than 300%, while helping humanitarian clients reach global stages including the Nobel Prize Summit, Climate Week, the United Nations General Assembly, the Italian Parliament and the Vatican,” said Paskalis.
In addition to the appointments of Guerra and Paskalis, Purpose has expanded its national footprint, adding three team leaders in New York and promoting several longtime team members.
All-star chief marketing officer and several time client and partner Jeanniey Walden commented, “I am thrilled but not at all surprised by Purpose and its clients’ growth and expansion. The firm is led by experts who inspire, teach and execute. This has always raised the bar of the work I’ve done with them and am doing today!”
To learn more about Purpose Worldwide, please visit the agency’s new website at www.purposeworldwide.com
