The most impactful agency executives are a force of nature, powering their employees and organizations to new heights while being an indispensable font of ideas for their clients.

From prioritizing office culture to scoring big wins for clients, these C-suite stars are setting the standard for effective leadership and paving the way for the next generation.

They are the Agencies Vanguard.

Our inaugural list features the standout leaders, advocates, and growth drivers in an industry landscape that demands bold action every day.

Jessica Henrichs

CEO, Colle McVoy & Doner

When 25% of revenue disappeared in 90 days—through no fault of the agency—Colle McVoy CEO Jessica Henrichs turned on the afterburners. Though she’d only started in the chief executive role on Jan. 1, 2025, Henrichs rebuilt momentum through relationship-led growth, turning a near-miss into a major win with Dairy Queen and adding Vitamix, Haribo, Revlon, and Instant Pot to her agencies’ client rosters.

Existing business surged too, with 3M up nearly 50% and Frank’s Red Hot scoring $7.1 million in sales following a Super Bowl campaign. By year’s end, the agency posted 30% growth. Henrichs’ remarkable first year embodies the resilient spirit of Colle McVoy, which was founded during the Great Depression.