Beekeeper Group, a D.C. based public affairs and advocacy firm, expands their team and services by acquiring Alexandria, Va. based public relations and marketing firm Pivot Point Communications.

The acquisition of Pivot Point will expand Beekeeper Group’s expertise in media relations, earned media, branding and integrated campaigns. Pivot Point Communications was founded in 2009 by Vanessa French and Casey Kincheloe, who have established a reputation for developing creative integrated marketing campaigns with a focus on branding and earned media. Notable Pivot Point clients have included 1776, Americans for the Arts, Coexist Campaign, Department of Labor, George Washington University, NAACP, National Pork Board, Port City Brewery, Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington Gas, and The Women’s Tennis Association.

Beekeeper Group focused their expansion by seeking smaller teams and boutique agencies instead of individuals. This model of hiring is often used in the tech industry—bringing on experienced smaller teams allows organizations to have an outfit that has an existing process, knows how to collaborate, and offers fluid work styles with increased productivity.

“The Pivot Point team led by Vanessa French and Casey Kincheloe will bring not only their skills, experience and client relationships, but also their unique partnership and entrepreneurial ingenuity to the leadership team here at Beekeeper,” remarked Shana Glickfield, partner, Beekeeper Group. “In joining Pivot Point with Beekeeper Group, we have the chance to bring a talented team into the hive, not just skilled individuals.”

The acquisition also adds two senior women to Beekeeper Group’s leadership team. French and Kincheloe are active mentors of young women in the public relations and creative industries. Beyond day-to-day mentoring, they also lead bootcamps, give guest lectures and speak at conferences related to women in the workforce.

“With a majority of women in the communications industry—up to 63 percent according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—the partners at Beekeeper realize the importance of having more female role models not only for our staff, but for our industry,” states Glickfield.