FINN Partners opens Columbus office

The firm will build a local communications team supported by its international network of more than 1,300 professionals across the Americas, Europe and Asia

FINN Partners is expanding its US presence with a new office in Columbus, Ohio, appointing Marty McDonald as Managing Partner, Columbus market leader and Deputy for the firm’s Midwest region.

The move extends the agency’s US growth strategy into Columbus, with McDonald working alongside Dan Pooley, a founding managing partner and Midwest lead, to establish the office and support regional growth.

FINN Partners expands into Columbus

McDonald will also join FINN Partners’ global travel leadership team, bringing the agency’s experience in destination marketing and economic development to clients in Columbus and across the region.

The dual role is intended to combine local market expertise with the agency’s cross-market capabilities, particularly for organisations operating in tourism and economic development.

Dan Pooley, Managing Partner and Midwest lead, FINN Partners: "Marty is a proven veteran of client experience and success who brings strategic thinking, operational leadership and deep market understanding to our Midwest team. Her passion for team culture and client service aligns perfectly with the FINN Partners mission, and her ability to move fluidly across industries — from economic development and tourism to corporate and consumer communications — makes her an ideal addition to our leadership team."

Marty McDonald brings agency leadership experience

McDonald joins FINN Partners after more than two decades at Fahlgren Mortine, where she most recently served as the agency’s first female president.

Her professional recognition includes Central Ohio’s Most-Admired Executives, Columbus CEO Future 50, Smart Business – Smart 50, PR News Change-maker, 40 Under 40 and PR News Top Women in PR. She is also a member of Leadership Columbus/Dayton.

Columbus office targets key growth sectors

In her new role, McDonald will focus on developing FINN’s B2B and B2C client portfolio, with an emphasis on domestic tourism, economic development, healthcare and logistics and supply chain.

The agency said its work in these sectors will focus on helping organisations build reputation, attract investment and talent, and compete in national and international markets.

Peter Finn, Founder and CEO, FINN Partners: "Columbus represents exactly the kind of forward-looking, collaborative market where our model thrives. I have long known of and admired Marty. Her appointment strengthens our ability to serve clients across the Midwest and beyond, while building something very new in Columbus and I am excited that she is joining FINN Partners."

FINN plans Columbus office opening

McDonald said the new role builds on her previous work supporting organisations and teams involved in Columbus’s growth.

Marty McDonald, Managing Partner, Columbus market leader and Deputy, Midwest, FINN Partners: "I’ve had the privilege of being part of Columbus’s growth — working alongside talented teams, clients and partners deeply invested in this region’s future. This next chapter is about building on that momentum, bringing additional global connectivity and resources to help organizations continue to grow, compete and lead."

FINN Partners is finalising a lease for a downtown Columbus office and plans to open the location in September 2026. The firm will build a local communications team supported by its international network of more than 1,300 professionals across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

www.finnpartners.com

Follow Marketing Report on LinkedIn