One Minute with Brandi Horton

Brandi Horton has been at Vanguard for nearly a decade and is the Associate Director of Innovation. She is responsible for finding new communications solutions to complex social problems.

VC Associate Director of Innovation Brandi Horton with her son Wayne

Vanguard celebrated its 25th anniversary this year; in one word describe:

The PR industry in 1987: Corporate

The PR industry today: Inclusive

The PR industry in 2037: Avant-garde

In one word describe:

Yourself: Enthusiastic

Your work style: Tenacious

Your legacy: Passion

Finish the following sentences:

What excites me the most about the future of public relations is … what we haven’t yet uncovered. The innovation and invention before us is unimaginable.

To me, innovation is … never saying “we can’t.” It’s about finding new ways to overcome the hurdles, roadblocks and naysayers that are ever-present in our work to make the world a better place.

I knew I wanted to work in public relations when … at 15 I volunteered at my first Farm Aid concert in Chicago, Ill. The energy, the fun and the camaraderie of the event lit a spark that is still burning strong!

The communicator who inspires me is … everyone. I am so moved by the stories that shape our world and I am thankful that every voice now has a platform through social media. Long live the populace.

My advice for future communicators for social change is … never say never. Only by challenging ourselves will we find greatness.

If I didn’t work in public relations I would … run a farm B&B, where guests spend the night, enjoy breakfast and pick ingredients for their dinner from the homestead garden. Sometimes I crave a simpler way of life.

I want to be remembered at Vanguard for … my unfettered dedication to my clients and the issues they represent.

Most people at Vanguard don’t know this, but I … began my working career as a deck hand on my father’s fishing boat. My first job — stuffing bait bags for lobster traps. It did not smell pretty.