the 4A's, the leading trade association representing the advertising agency business, announced that Keesha Jean-Baptiste is joining the organization as senior vice president leading its Talent and Inclusion practice. Jean-Baptiste comes to the 4A's after a long and productive tenure heading up talent and HR at Wieden+Kennedy.

Jean-Baptiste will further develop the 4A's Talent and Inclusion practice by providing strategic planning, program oversight and development of 4A's diversity and inclusion offerings, including the 4A's Foundation, the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) and its high school programs. Additionally, she will support member agencies on diversity and inclusion best practices for recruitment, professional development, leadership and management and metrics.

"Keesha has demonstrated a passion for corporate culture and talent development as well as a deep understanding of how focusing on these issues can drive growth in our industry," said Marla Kaplowitz, president and chief executive officer, 4A's. "Her modern and innovative take on a critical function is important for the future-forward thinking we believe is necessary to ensure our members continue to grow their businesses."

Jean-Baptiste has nearly 20 years of experience serving as a senior HR and talent management leader and strategic marketing professional. She has spent the past six years at Wieden+Kennedy, where she meticulously executed a multi-year strategic vision to reimagine the human resources department by expanding services, rounding out skill sets and delivering a stronger HR foundation for the agency. Prior to that position, she was at Digitas for five years, holding various talent and HR department roles in the New York region.

Jean-Baptiste was based out of Wieden+Kennedy's Portland office; she will relocate to New York, where her career began, and will be based in the 4A's headquarters. She is an alumna of the 4A's Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP).

About the 4A's

The 4A's, founded in 1917, is the leading authority representing the marketing communications agency business. It provides leadership, advocacy and training that empower agencies to innovate, evolve and grow. It serves 740 member agencies across 1,400 offices that control more than 85 percent of total U.S. advertising spend. The 4A's is committed to protecting the best interests of its members, their employees and the industry at large. Its Benefits division insures more than 164,000 agency professionals, and the D.C. office advocates for policies that best support a thriving advertising industry. With its best-in-class learning and career development programs, 4A's and its Foundation fuel a robust diversity pipeline of talent for its members and the marketing and media industry, fostering the next generation of leaders. For more information, please visit www.aaaa.org.