Designsensory Boosts Strategic Communications and Public Relations Capabilities with Ackermann Marketing & PR Integration

The combined team expands earned media, advisory, and reputation offerings to meet the evolving demands of AI-driven communications

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – February 17, 2026 – Designsensory, an award-winning branding, digital, and creative agency, today announced a strategic integration with Ackermann Marketing & PR, a nationally respected public relations and strategic communications firm with four decades of proven results. The combination brings together two industry-leading teams, uniting deep expertise in storytelling, digital innovation, brand strategy, PR, and design into one fully integrated agency under the Designsensory brand. 

Ackermann Marketing & PR, founded by Cathy Ackermann in 1982, has built a legacy as one of the most trusted and influential communications firms in the Southeast. Known for its excellence in strategic counsel, crisis communications, thought leadership development, and long-standing client partnerships, the firm has shaped brands locally, regionally, and nationally for more than 40 years.

Designsensory, co-founded by Joseph Nother and Brandon Rochelle, is recognized for its creative excellence, digital-first mindset, research-driven strategy, and award-winning work across industries including tourism, education, healthcare, and consumer brands.

Together, the firms will introduce a new standard for creative and strategic communications in the region and beyond, offering clients a rare combination of insight, innovation, and execution under one roof. As part of the transition, Ackermann Marketing & PR’s team and client relationships will move into Designsensory, creating a seamless path forward for clients while preserving the high-touch counsel and reputation-focused work the Ackermann firm is known for.

“As AI floods the market with more content, what brands need isn’t just more, it’s meaning,” said Joseph Nother, Co-Founder and Principal of Designsensory. “Earned media builds trust where automation cannot. By integrating with Ackermann Marketing & PR, we’re not only strengthening PR, we’re expanding its impact beyond earned media into branded content, original storytelling, and high-engagement channels such as events, experiential activations, and influencer partnerships. This is a strategic leap that pairs creative and digital depth with the credibility today’s audiences demand.”

According to Nother, the transition is designed to ensure continuity, while expanding the depth and breadth of services available through Designsensory’s broader creative, digital, media, and research platform. The combined firm will operate under the Designsensory brand, with expanded strategic services, deeper industry expertise, and a more comprehensive suite of capabilities.

With the integration, Erin Burns Freeman will join Designsensory as Vice President of Communications, leading the agency’s strategic communications and public relations practice. Freeman brings more than 20 years of experience advising brands, institutions, and executives on reputation management, crisis communications, thought leadership, and multi-sector strategic planning.

“This move allows us to deliver for our clients at a much higher level with more integrated, reputation-centered communications solutions,” said Freeman. “Joining Designsensory allows us to build on Ackermann Marketing & PR’s legacy with even greater creative power, digital capabilities, research insight, and storytelling depth. Together, we are creating an agency that is both deeply rooted and boldly future-focused. I could not be more excited for this next chapter, for our clients, our team, and the communities we serve.” 

Cathy Ackermann will support the transition in an advisory role to ensure continuity for clients and to help steward long-standing client relationships during the integration.

“Ackermann Marketing & PR has always been about impact, integrity, and partnership,” said Ackermann. “I have long admired the work and culture of Designsensory as they are creative, innovative, smart, and strategic. This move ensures that our legacy will not only be preserved, but elevated as it creates a unified agency platform that brings together our combined expertise to better support clients across industries and communities.” 

“With this partnership investment, Designsensory is well positioned to become one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking marketing agencies in the region with national ambition.” Nother added. “I am excited to see what we will accomplish together.”

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About Designsensory:
Designsensory is a full-service research, strategy, branding, digital, creative, and content agency headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn. Known for its innovation, storytelling, and data-driven approach, Designsensory partners with clients to solve complex challenges and drive measurable results across industries including tourism, education, healthcare, and consumer brands. The agency also includes sister brands Good Gravity, PopFizz, and Designsensory Intelligence (DSI), expanding its capabilities across content production, experiential marketing, and advanced research and analytics. For more information visit www.designsensory.com.

About Ackermann Marketing & PR:
Founded in 1982 in Knoxville, Tenn., Ackermann Marketing & PR is a nationally respected strategic communications firm known for its expertise in public relations, crisis communications, thought leadership, community engagement, and client partnerships spanning decades. Ackermann has helped shape brand reputations across the nonprofit, corporate, government, education, and financial sectors with integrity, insight, and impact.