Our Story
We’re passionate about creating impactful, innovative communication and marketing strategies that uplift both our clients and the communities we serve.
Advocacy, respect, and resourcefulness are the values that guide us through every project we take on. We’re not here to sell or make noise. We’re here to build strong, lasting relationships.
So, if you're looking for a team that not only brings creativity and expertise but also a commitment to cultivating a positive brand identity for your business, then you've come to the right place.
Let's make an impact together.
Founded to be more than a service provider, AM Group is a dedicated partner for brands seeking to make their mark in Northwest Arkansas and beyond.
Why Northwest Arkansas?
NWA has a dynamic business landscape and collaborative ecosystem that makes this a hub for innovation. At AM Group, we share this region’s community-centric mindset and are excited to be part of its growth.
Working in Northwest Arkansas also allows us to serve a vibrant mix of industries, including real estate and development, hospitality, outdoor recreation, lifestyle brands, and nonprofit sectors. We can’t wait to hear how your business or organization is making a difference here.
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Andrea Ritchie
PRESIDENT & PARTNER
Andrea, President of AM Group, advocates passionately for Northwest Arkansas. She holds a Master's in Education and a Bachelor’s in Journalism, specializing in Advertising & Public Relations from the University of Arkansas. Her career journey includes roles with Bike Bentonville, Visit Bentonville, and CJRW.
As a mother to her toddler, Allie, Andrea balances her professional pursuits with an active lifestyle and a deep love for her family. Alongside her husband, Jacob, and their two dogs, Booker and Otis, and two cats, Kit Kat and Trumpet, Andrea embraces the charm of Northwest Arkansas.
Mary Mickel
FOUNDING & ADVISING PARTNER
With over 16 years of professional experience, Mary Mickel is a communications professional motivated to share inspiring stories of people and brands doing good for the community. A University of Arkansas alumna, Mary started her career in hospitality PR in Napa Valley and San Francisco before co-founding Resplendent Agency in Austin, Texas. Now, she is the AM Group's advisory partner and also the VP of Marketing at AcreTrader.
Outside of work, Mary is busy chasing her two young sons and not-so-young pups with her husband Wes, who is fittingly a chef.
Claire Ward
DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
With almost a decade of proven expertise in marketing, editorial, and social media, Claire is your go-to source for crafting engaging and impactful digital campaigns. Claire is deeply passionate about Fayetteville. Having spent most of her career working with boutique brands, her focus lies in developing and executing innovative social media strategies, creating compelling collateral, and dissecting social data to drive client success.
Claire and her husband, Alec, are a creative duo and spend most of their time either out and about enjoying NWA’s art and culture scene or cozied up with their golden retriever. When offline, you’ll most likely find Claire posted up at a local spot in downtown Fayetteville, glass in hand.
Amber Wilichowski
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Amber is a driven professional with a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Arkansas, specializing in Advertising & Public Relations. With over seven years of experience in managing business social media accounts, Amber has honed her expertise in crafting compelling and engaging online content.
When not working, Amber enjoys being outdoors, whether it's biking, spending time by the lake, or sharing moments with friends and family. She's happily married and shares her home with two cats and two dogs.
Taylor Howard
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Originally from Texas, Taylor graduated in May 2023 with a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Arkansas. Her academic journey featured a notable stint studying international marketing at the University of Arkansas Rome Center. Alongside her major, she pursued a minor in Supply Chain Management, leading to an internship at Uber Freight, where she contributed as a specialist on the Kellogg’s account.
Outside her professional pursuits, she enjoys outdoor exploration, travel, and occasional baking experiments. Weekends often find her exploring coffee shops or cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Lauren Alter
SOCIAL MEDIA AND OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE
Originally from New Zealand, Lauren moved to Arkansas in 2017 to play tennis for the Razorbacks. She graduated in 2023 with a Master's in Operations Management and brings over four years of experience in social media management. Lauren loves sifting through social trends and applying them in fun, new ways.
In her free time, you'll find Lauren staying active, whether it's hitting the gym with her husband Ty or taking their dog Hank for a stroll around the Fayetteville Markets!
Ginny Dunn
SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN
Ginny, a Little Rock, Arkansas native and University of Arkansas student, is pursuing a bachelor's in Advertising and Public Relations and is set to graduate in May 2024. Ginny has gained experience as a PR intern in Milan, Italy, and as a Digital Content Creator for the University of Arkansas news station.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Ginny finds joy in the company of friends and family, loves to travel, and enjoys spending time outdoors.
Berenice Salas
SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN
Berenice, from Rogers, Arkansas, holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing and a minor in Management. She enjoys making long-lasting memories with her family and friends. She also finds joy in traveling and dancing.
In her free time, she likes to learn new languages and explore different cultures. You can often find her at farmer’s markets and fundraising events.