# Wynne Ahern

> Wynne Augherton Ahern (1964-2025) founded CommStrat PR in 2003 after working in commercial litigation, Edelman and Upstart Communications. Her documented communications work included InMobi, Pared, Preciate, Plastiq, illumy, Onfleet and Kiddom. She also mentored entrepreneurs through Envestnet Yodlee and Alchemist Accelerator.

- **Role:** Founder; former CEO at CommStrat PR (deceased in 2025)
- **Organizations:** CommStrat PR, Edelman, Upstart Communications, Kelly, Herlihy & Bane, Alchemist Accelerator, Envestnet Yodlee Interactive Accelerator/Incubator
- **From:** Washington, D.C., United States
- **Education:** History and Spanish, Denison University, Year in Madrid studying Spanish and Iberian Studies, Middlebury College, JD, University of San Francisco School of Law
- **Known for:** Founded CommStrat in 2003., Mentored entrepreneurs at Alchemist Accelerator and Envestnet Yodlee., Named as a CommStrat media contact on announcements for technology companies across advertising, payments, logistics, education and communications.

## Career timeline

- **1992** — Admitted to the California Bar.
- **1993-1997** — Associate attorney at Kelly, Herlihy & Bane; worked in commercial litigation.
- **1997-2000** — Account director at Edelman.
- **2000-2003** — Account director at FleishmanHillard/Upstart Communications.
- **2003** — Founded CommStrat.
- **2015-2018** — Entrepreneur mentor for Envestnet Yodlee Interactive Accelerator/Incubator.
- **2017** — Began mentoring at Alchemist Accelerator in November.
- **2025** — Died on June 30 in Summerland, California.

## Achievements

- Founded CommStrat in 2003.
- Mentored entrepreneurs at Alchemist Accelerator and Envestnet Yodlee.
- Named as a CommStrat media contact on announcements for technology companies across advertising, payments, logistics, education and communications.

## Latest updates

- **2025-11** — Her children Avery and Ehlen Kokka published a remembrance of her life and career on November 25.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynne-ahern-87636

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/wynne-ahern
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22