Communications Leader Brings Earned Media and Storytelling Expertise to oakpool's Integrated Marketing Approach

NEW YORK CITY, NY AND MEXICO CITY, MX / ACCESS Newswire / February 11, 2026 / oakpool today announced Sarah Shriver Smothers as Head of Public Relations, marking a key step in the agency's expansion beyond its traditional digital marketing services into fully integrated communications and earned media strategy.

Sarah brings over a decade of public relations experience spanning lifestyle, hospitality, food and beverage, travel, technology, and grassroots advocacy. Since beginning her career in 2012, she has led strategic media relations, brand storytelling, and reputation management for nationally recognized brands across Boston, Washington, D.C., Salt Lake City, and New York.

Her experience includes work with Celebrity Cruises, Hilton, Westin Hotels, Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, and Concerned Veterans for America, where she supported brand launches, restaurant openings, executive visibility initiatives, and high-profile press campaigns across local, national, and grassroots platforms.

In her role at oakpool, Sarah will lead the agency's public relations practice, working closely with clients to tell their stories with clarity and intention. Her experience across earned media, brand storytelling, and grassroots engagement helps brands earn meaningful coverage and lasting visibility. By shaping long-term narratives and aligning messaging with business priorities and community engagement, oakpool's PR services are designed to bring brands to life, build credibility, and create meaningful impact.

"Sarah brings a rare combination of experience, creativity, and strategic thinking," said James Hamilton, co-founder of oakpool. "As we expand our services beyond digital marketing, her expertise in communications will be a tremendous asset for our clients, helping them amplify their stories across all media channels."

Sarah shared her excitement about joining oakpool. "I'm incredibly excited to join oakpool at such a pivotal moment of growth," said Smothers. "What drew me to the team is the integrity behind the work; oakpool partners with brands they genuinely believe in, and that alignment shows in the storytelling. I'm looking forward to helping build thoughtful, credible narratives that create real connection and long-term momentum through earned media."

With Sarah's leadership, oakpool continues to expand its capabilities, offering clients a more holistic approach that blends marketing, content, public relations, and grassroots strategy into a unified growth platform.

About oakpool

oakpool is a 100 percent founder and employee owned digital marketing and technology firm founded by James Hamilton and Alex Ford. The firm builds teams, systems, and software for sustainable growth. oakpool works across consumer, outdoor, technology, hospitality, cultural, and private equity sectors. The company takes its name from a stretch of water on the Musconetcong River in western New Jersey, where Ford and Hamilton agreed to go into business together after an evening of fly fishing. The firm also operates oakpool.ai, a software and services platform focused on AI search visibility and generative engine optimization.

Contact Information

James Hamilton
Co-Founder, Partner
james@fordhamilton.com

Alex Ford
Co-Founder, Partner
alex@fordhamilton.com

Sarah Shriver Smothers
Press Lead
sarah@fordhamilton.com
(757) 876-1875

SOURCE: oakpool