Charles Ryan Associates (CRA) announced today CEO Susan Lavenski will retire in July after 28 years at the company. Longtime partners Matt Isner, Matt Fidler and Alisha Maddox will assume full ownership, positioning the agency for continued innovation and growth with a focus on smart brand communications. CRA is a full-service communications agency specializing in strategy, creative, digital and media solutions.
The company’s roots are in West Virginia where its namesake Charlie Ryan started the company 52 years ago. The firm has offices in Charleston and Richmond, and staff and clients across the country.
Lavenski has been at the firm since 1998 and became the majority owner and CEO in 2015. While leading the company, she served on numerous civic and non-profit boards of directors, including being the chair of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and a member of the West Virginia University Board of Governors.
“As I began to plan for the future of CRA in 2024, I also began to plan for the next chapter of my life,” Lavenski said. “My partners and I began working on a retirement strategy in 2025 and started the transition last summer.
“I have been in this business for 33 years, with 28 of those being at CRA. I want to thank my partners and our staff for all the great years, memories, love and friendship. They have worked side-by-side with me to continue the legacy Charlie started. I have every confidence they will continue to grow this company and do amazing things. And I will be cheering them on from the sidelines,” she said.
Isner, Fidler and Maddox will continue leading CRA as strategic partners, building on the collaborative leadership model they have shared for more than a decade. Owners since 2015, the trio brings nearly 80 years of combined experience with the agency. Isner and Fidler are based in Richmond, while Maddox is based in Charleston.
In a joint statement, Isner, Fidler and Maddox said, "We are grateful to Susan for her leadership, dedication and the many contributions she has made to CRA over the years. We are honored to build on the strong foundation that Charlie, Susan and so many talented team members before us established. At the same time, we are proud to have the opportunity to work with an exceptional team every day, whose creativity, passion and commitment drive CRA. As we look ahead, we will continue investing in innovation, fostering meaningful client partnerships and delivering smart brand communications that drive results."
Charlie Ryan, the founder of the firm, said, “I am so proud of Susan for all the years she has dedicated to CRA. Not many firms have stood the test of time, and I am so grateful to the entire CRA family for continuing this legacy. I am excited for Susan and her family, as I know how hard she has worked and the kind of hours she has put in over the years,” he said. “It’s time for her to enjoy this next chapter of her life.
“I have known and worked with Matt, Matt and Alisha for years. I am confident they will honor CRA's legacy while continuing to evolve the agency, embrace innovation and do wonderful things together.”