News Summary
Kat Shafer has been appointed as the new president of EP+Co, transitioning from New York back to Greenville. With a strong background in marketing and leadership, she aims to innovate the agency and enhance its national recognition by 2025. Her journey from university rowing to advertising leadership showcases her determination and commitment to teamwork. As she takes the helm, EP+Co looks forward to embracing growth and adaptation in a changing industry.
Greenville’s New Star in Advertising: Kat Shafer Takes the Helm at EP+Co
In a delightful turn of events for Greenville, Kat Shafer has recently stepped into the spotlight as the new president of EP+Co, marking a significant milestone in her remarkable journey from the waters of rowing to the heights of advertising leadership. This dynamic woman not only carries a wealth of experience but also a story that resonates with both ambition and dedication.
A Journey Rooted in Teamwork and Commitment
Kat’s story began at Clemson University, where she made waves—literally—by helping to launch the school’s first varsity rowing team and becoming its first-ever All-ACC women’s rower. This achievement not only earned her a full scholarship but also laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors, instilling in her the values of teamwork and perseverance.
Graduating from Clemson in 2002, Kat took her first steps into the corporate world with a marketing role at a financial services firm in Greenville. However, her true calling came when she joined EP+Co as a junior account executive. Kat swiftly made her mark and embraced the hustle and bustle of New York City as she was promoted and relocated to the agency’s New York office.
Climbing the Ranks with Determination
She didn’t just stop there; in 2006, Kat earned an executive MBA from Clemson, further fueling her ambition. By 2016, Kat had climbed the ranks up to Managing Director and, by 2020, she embraced the role of Chief Client Officer. With strong leadership skills and a firm belief in leading by example, she continually inspired her team and fostered a great atmosphere at the agency.
The pivotal moment came in September 2024 when Allen Bosworth, the EP+Co founder and former president, selected her as his successor. Transitioning back to Greenville after 16 years in New York, Kat is now witnessing firsthand the vibrant changes taking place in her hometown. With EP+Co employing around 130 talented individuals across its Greenville and New York offices, alongside 30 remote workers, it’s clear that growth is on everyone’s radar.
Innovating in a Changing Industry
Under Kat’s stewardship, EP+Co is embracing a forward-thinking approach, recognizing the shift toward a blend of traditional agency work and project-based jobs; about 40% of their projects now fall into this category. The agency is well-known for collaborating with prominent brands like Planet Oat, John Deere, and Michelin. With impressive employee retention rates—averaging 14 years for executives and six years for all employees—it’s evident that EP+Co fosters a welcoming environment where people want to stay and grow.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Kat has set her sights on enhancing EP+Co’s national recognition by the end of 2025 and is excited to deliver innovative work tailored to client needs, especially as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the marketing landscape. She views the challenges that come with her new presidential role as opportunities for growth, describing her team as extensions of her family and encouraging a supportive work culture.
Conclusion: A New Era for EP+Co and Greenville
As Kat Shafer takes the reins, the future looks bright for both EP+Co and the city of Greenville. Her journey from the rowing team to the headquarters of an influential marketing agency exemplifies determination, passion, and the importance of teamwork. With her leadership, employees can expect not only to thrive professionally but also to cultivate strong, familial bonds within the workplace.
In a world where the advertising industry is rapidly evolving, having a leader who values connection and innovation is exactly what EP+Co needs to sail smoothly into the future.
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Additional Resources
- Upstate Business Journal: New EP+Co President Kat Shafer Embraces Role
- CBS News: Clemson University and Hotel for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
- Breaking Defense: Army and Clemson University Unveil New Rescue Vehicle
- Turner Construction: $190 Million Clemson University Project
- Marie Claire: Selling the City Cast
- Wikipedia: Clemson University
- Google Search: EP+Co
- Google Scholar: Advertising Industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Advertising
- Google News: Greenville SC
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
