# Ascent Strategic Communications

> Ascent Strategic Communications is a Charlotte-based, woman-owned communications firm founded by Anna Stallmann in 2021. It acts as an outsourced communications team or an extension of one, combining research and brand positioning with public relations, content, digital marketing, creative design, crisis counsel and executive visibility. The firm's distinctive move is sequencing: it begins with discovery and a message architecture, then activates that thinking across channels and reports against business-relevant outcomes. Its clients range from startups and nonprofits to healthcare, biotech, transportation, real estate and professional-services organizations across the United States.

- **Founded:** 2021
- **Headquarters:** Charlotte, United States
- **Founders:** Anna Stallmann (Founder and CEO)
- **Products:** Strategic Communications Planning, Public Relations and Media Engagement, Crisis Communications and Reputation Management, Brand Messaging and Positioning, Content and Thought Leadership
- **Notable:** No. 52 on the 2026 Inc. Regionals Mid-Atlantic list, including No. 2 in Charlotte and No. 4 in the Advertising, Marketing & PR category, after 109% two-year growth., No. 4 on the Charlotte Business Journal Fast 50 in 2024 after average revenue growth of 152.15% over three years., No. 16 on the Charlotte Business Journal Fast 50 in 2025.

## Products & services

- **Strategic Communications Planning** — Discovery, research and a tailored roadmap that connects communications activity to organizational goals.
- **Public Relations and Media Engagement** — Narrative development, press strategy, media relationships and earned coverage.
- **Crisis Communications and Reputation Management** — Preparation, response counsel and change communications for high-stakes moments.
- **Brand Messaging and Positioning** — Research-led positioning, message architecture, brand narratives and voice development.
- **Content and Thought Leadership** — Executive platforms, editorial programs, case studies, podcasts, video and owned content.
- **Creative Design and Brand Development** — Visual identity, campaign creative, collateral, websites and event materials.
- **Digital Marketing and SEO** — Integrated paid, owned and shared campaigns, search strategy and performance measurement.
- **Stakeholder and Employee Communications** — Internal communications, community engagement, advocacy and audience-specific programs.
- **Media Training and Public Speaking Support** — Preparation for executives, spokespeople and patient advocates who must communicate with precision.

## Achievements

- No. 52 on the 2026 Inc. Regionals Mid-Atlantic list, including No. 2 in Charlotte and No. 4 in the Advertising, Marketing & PR category, after 109% two-year growth.
- No. 4 on the Charlotte Business Journal Fast 50 in 2024 after average revenue growth of 152.15% over three years.
- No. 16 on the Charlotte Business Journal Fast 50 in 2025.
- Charlotte Magazine Best PR Firm, 2023.
- Gold Stevie Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year, 2024.
- Bronze Stevie for Brand & Experience Through Experiential Event and Silver Stevie for Women in Business Start-up of the Year, 2024.
- Queen City PR Awards Award of Excellence for Events and Observances, 2025.
- Built the Rare Disease Company Coalition from day zero; membership doubled in six months and the launch generated more than 1,100 media mentions in year one.
- A KPM Group DC policy-summit campaign grew the firm's LinkedIn following 817% and generated more than 42,000 post impressions.
- The Jones Act Enforcer campaign earned nearly 300 articles with no paid advertising spend.
- Andy Wightwick's new digital presence recorded a 644% increase in visitors in its first month and nearly 2,000 LinkedIn impressions.

## Latest updates

- **2026-06** — Founder and CEO Anna Stallmann was recognized by Charlotte Business Journal as a 2026 Most Admired CEO.
- **2026-04** — Ascent ranked No. 52 on the Inc. Regionals Mid-Atlantic list after 109% two-year growth; it ranked No. 2 in Charlotte, No. 12 in North Carolina and No. 4 in its industry category.
- **2026** — The firm reported adding two hires while continuing to invest in retention and long-term team growth.
- **2025-07** — Anna Stallmann Communications rebranded as Ascent Strategic Communications to reflect its evolution from a founder-led consultancy into a specialized agency.
- **2025** — Ascent placed No. 16 on the Charlotte Business Journal Fast 50 and won a Queen City PR Award of Excellence.

## Links

- Website: https://ascentcomms.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-strategic-communications/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/ascent_comms
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ascentcomms
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentcomms/

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/ascent-strategic-communications
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-21