VSA Partners, the renowned strategy and creative agency, has announced the promotion of three key executives, further solidifying its women-led leadership team. YanYan Zhang and Kim Mickenberg have been elevated to partners, while Susan Pfeifer, an existing partner, has been appointed Head of Operations.
With these promotions, five of the agency’s seven leadership positions are now held by women—an emphatic statement of VSA’s commitment to fostering internal talent and ensuring diverse perspectives at the helm of its decision-making.
“These promotions reflect our dedication to recognizing exceptional talent and nurturing leadership from within,” said Anne-Marie Rosser, CEO of VSA Partners. “YanYan, Susan, and Kim embody the best of VSA—strategic vision, bold creativity, and innovative thinking. As our industry embraces AI and digital transformation, it’s clear that the kind of leadership and craftsmanship they bring simply cannot be replaced by algorithms. They are instrumental in shaping impactful brand experiences for our clients, and they do it in a fast-paced, highly collaborative way that drives results.”
Meet the New Leaders of VSA
YanYan Zhang: Building Brands with Strategy and Precision
With nearly two decades at VSA, Zhang has been a driving force behind strategic brand-building efforts across industries including finance, technology, and commodities, as well as for local nonprofits. She specializes in crafting brands from the ground up and refining existing identities with smart, impactful solutions across traditional and digital platforms. Throughout her tenure, Zhang has led multidisciplinary teams for some of VSA’s most enduring client relationships, including BNY, CME Group, IBM, PepsiCo, and Sappi.
Kim Mickenberg: Championing Big Ideas and Bold Simplicity
Mickenberg, an expert in both high-level creative strategy and hands-on brand storytelling, has made a significant impact since joining VSA in 2017. As the leader of VSA’s Campaigns Practice, she champions the power of bold simplicity—creating strong, memorable ideas that challenge category norms and emotionally resonate with audiences. Her expertise has shaped brand campaigns for major clients such as Chime, FactSet, Wayfair, Affirm, IBM, Google, YWCA, Spectrum Enterprise, CME Group, The Trade Desk, and Cricket.
Susan Pfeifer: Blending Creativity and Operational Excellence
Since joining VSA in 2014, Pfeifer has played a critical role in streamlining operations and optimizing the agency’s workflow. Now stepping into the role of Head of Operations, she will continue to ensure VSA’s internal processes support its creative and strategic ambitions.
A seasoned marketing leader based in Chicago, Pfeifer’s expertise in project management, client relations, and strategic leadership has been instrumental in handling Fortune 100 client relationships, including Google, BNY, IBM, and Kraft Foods. With a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she brings a rare fusion of creative insight and operational expertise—a crucial asset in the success of any creative endeavor.
Shaping the Future of VSA
As VSA looks ahead, the agency remains committed to empowering diverse leadership and fostering a culture of innovation.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such talented individuals leading VSA,” said Curt Schreiber, Chief Creative Officer. “These promotions strengthen our creative leadership and position us for continued growth. We are excited to see how YanYan, Kim, and Susan will help shape the next era of VSA and continue delivering exceptional work for our clients.”
With a leadership team that is now predominantly women-led, VSA Partners continues to push the boundaries of creativity, strategy, and inclusion—an inspiring step forward for the agency and the industry alike.
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