Fay Ferguson; Burrell Communications: Co-CEO

It’s been years since Fay Ferguson stood in front of a classroom as an eighth grade English teacher. But the same fervor she used back then to impart knowledge and instill confidence in the leaders of tomorrow, lives on. Ferguson now promotes consumer confidence in many of our nation’s top brands. As the co-CEO of Burrell Communications, she has led the agency’s successful handling of leading brands, including McDonald’s, Toyota, Procter & Gamble, Allstate and General Mills.

However, her impressive corporate résumé, which spans over 20 years, only partially tells Ferguson’s story, as she continues to draw from her classroom roots. So with a heartfelt desire to serve, and a gift to educate, Ferguson pours just as much into her community through charitable work as she does into her highly successful company. –dewayne rogers