2016 Rising PR Stars: Amanda Passage, Director, Lambert, Edwards & Associates

Amanda Passage has shone since joining Lambert, Edwards & Associates (LE&A) nearly 10 years ago and has been a rapid riser ever since. She is the client lead on a number of key accounts in healthcare, technology, manufacturing and financial services. Since being named one of LE&A’s youngest directors in the firm’s 18-year history, Passage's work has spanned a diverse range of clients from pharmaceutical and healthcare management companies to construction, sustainability, accounting and private equity.

During Passage's tenure, she's worked with more than 90 clients, been through three firm acquisitions and saw her team win 75 awards. Passage directs media campaigns, manages corporate communications and issues assignments and coordinates events ranging from celebrations and anniversaries to shareholder outreach conferences.

Passage is the head of LE&A’s internal marketing agency, LEAP, where she directed the development of the firm's website reboot in 2015 and leads the firm’s pro bono PR work for Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes and the West Michigan Miracle League. She is also a classroom volunteer for Junior Achievement and with United Way’s Schools of Hope program, held in various Grand Rapids public schools.