Our Story

Led by partners with nearly 40 years of combined experience, we help brands tell clear, compelling stories and build meaningful visibility — locally and beyond.

We work with Arkansas-based brands, organizations entering the Arkansas market, and local companies seeking statewide or national exposure.

Our work is rooted in strategy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the people, industries, and communities that shape Arkansas.

AM Group is a women-owned Arkansas communications agency providing public relations, communications strategy, content, and brand partnership support for organizations building and growing in Arkansas.

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.

REAL ESTATE
HOSPITALITY
NONPROFIT
LIFESTYLE
OUTDOOR RECREATON

Andrea Ritchie

MANAGING PARTNER | CO-FOUNDER

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

MANAGING PARTNER | CO-FOUNDER

​​Mary has dedicated over 16 years to strategic communications, successfully co-founding Austin-based firm, Resplendent Agency, before exiting and co-founding AM Group. She has secured favorable client coverage in outlets like Bloomberg, Nasdaq, Fox Business, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and the cover of Travel + Leisure. Most recently, she served as SVP of Marketing at AcreTrader and Acres, leading the marketing function for one of the most innovative companies in agricultural investment and land intelligence, where she continues to lead communications and brand partnerships.

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.

Kennedy Murphy

PROJECT MANAGER

​​Kennedy is a Project Manager at AM Group with over a decade of experience in marketing, communications, and public engagement. She thrives on turning big ideas into organized, thoughtful execution, blending creativity and strategy to keep campaigns on track and teams aligned. A University of Arkansas graduate with a background in cultural anthropology, Kennedy brings a deep curiosity for people and place into everything she does.

Outside the office, you’ll find Kennedy hiking with her fiancée Kelsey and their pup Mila, baking something new, or curled up with a romantasy novel and a cup of tea.

Berenice Salas

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR

Berenice holds a BSBA in Marketing with a minor in Management from the University of Arkansas. She began her journey with AM Group as an intern in 2024, gaining hands-on experience and showcasing her skills, before officially joining the team full-time in 2025.

Outside of work, Berenice loves traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and enjoying movie nights together.

McKenna Monogue

ACCOUNT ASSITANT

Originally from Wisconsin, McKenna is pursuing a degree in Advertising & Public Relations at the University of Arkansas, with a minor in Journalism and Strategic Media. She’s excited to gain real-world experience and is always looking for opportunities to learn and grow in the industry.

In her free time, McKenna enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking, hitting the gym, or trying something new. She’s always up for an adventure!