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Amy Smith brings over 20 years of experience delivering strategic brand and marketing communications guidance to a broad spectrum of high-technology and semiconductor-related clients.

As managing director of the technology practice at Kiterocket, she is responsible for strategy development, hands-on PR and marketing communications and, most importantly, client satisfaction.

Amy holds both an M.A. and a B.A. in French, from the University of Rochester and the University of Houston, respectively. She began her PR career at Mathews & Clark/Positio, where she rapidly progressed to regional director for New England, managing multiple clients in the high-tech and semiconductor industries. She then served as marketing communications manager for New Vision Systems and was promoted to product manager after the INFICON acquisition. Amy returned to the agency world, taking an account manager position at elev8 Public Relations, and transitioned into Impress Labs as an account director when the two agencies merged.

Q&A

Within Kiterocket, what are you known for?

I’m known for my no-nonsense, get-it-done approach to client and team management. I have high expectations for my team, which I hope motivates them to exceed client expectations.

What’s your proudest career moment or accomplishment to date?

My proudest moment has been shepherding Micrium, one of our long-term clients, through to acquisition. We first engaged with the company years ago; then they returned in 2014 after a short hiatus with the remit for Impress Labs to increase their visibility in the embedded industry. Seeing them acquired in fall 2016 was very satisfying.

What is it you love about your practice area, and why did you choose to focus on this industry expertise?

I’ve always enjoyed math and science, and there are few gadgets out there that don’t interest me. Combining these strengths with my training in writing and communications was an ideal way to blend my interests and talents, and a career was born.

How would your colleagues describe you in three words?

Helpful. Responsive. Animal lover.

What inspires you to get up every morning?

An overactive coonhound literally gets me up every morning, but my inspiration comes from my commitment to my clients and desire to show how they fit into the “big picture” and contribute to the technologies of the future.