Margie Newman named IABC/San Diego 2018 Communicator of the Year

Margie Newman, founding partner and managing director of Intesa Communications Group, has been named IABC/San Diego’s 2018 Communicator of the Year (COTY). The COTY Award recognizes one greater San Diego area-based leader who demonstrates strategic excellence in communication.

“Margie is a trusted communications advisor for business executives, elected officials and nonprofit leaders in San Diego, and across the country,” said IABC/San Diego President Kate Griffin, ABC. “In addition to her many professional accomplishments, she is highly engaged in the betterment of our city through her meaningful civic and volunteer service. We are thrilled to present her with our most prestigious annual award.”

Newman is founding partner and managing director of Intesa Communications Group, a San Diego-based communications and government relations firm serving clients nationwide. She is known for her methodical planning, thoughtful work approach and contagious enthusiasm. Working closely with senior management and stakeholders at all levels, Newman is adept at building consensus, aligning an organization around a strategic vision, and preparing it to message it effectively.

“Throughout my career—thanks to many supportive mentors, family and friends— I have had the opportunity to do my best work to advance issues, causes, and client goals that I believe in,” Newman said. “To have a committee of my talented peers recognize this work is an honor, and a validation that one can be successful in business AND leave the community better than you found it.”

Before launching Intesa in 2012, Newman served as media relations and social media manager for The Pew Center on the States, a division of The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, D.C. Before that, she was a principal at Tennessee-based public affairs firm Hall Strategies. Newman began her career in 2002 as a press aide to Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen.

A graduate of Auburn University and proud mother of two young children, Margie was named in 2008 among PR News’ “Top 15 to Watch,” a national award recognizing 15 of the country’s most outstanding public relations professionals. She is a member of the YMCA of San Diego County board of directors, the LEAD San Diego board of directors (IMPACT ’15 & INFLUENCE ’17), and is member of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Public Policy committee. In 2016, Margie was recognized as one of San Diego’s “40 under 40” by SDMETRO Magazine. Most recently, she was named among the San Diego Business Journal’s 2017 “Business Women of the Year.”

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