Top Social Impact Agency RSE Makes Full-Circle Return to Women-Owned, Women-Led Business
Sacramento-based entrepreneurs Rachel Zillner and Anne Descalzo purchase the PR and advertising agency in its 64th year.
Sacramento, Calif. (September 4, 2024) – Chris Holben and Scott Rose announced today they have sold all shares of RSE (Runyon Saltzman, Inc.) to local entrepreneurs, Rachel Zillner and Anne Descalzo. Under the terms of the agreement, RSE will retain its name, corporate independence, and the creativity and talent of its existing 60-person team.
Kierstan DeLong has been appointed to the position of CEO of RSE and will be working alongside Chris Holben and Scott Rose, who will remain in full-time leadership roles, respectively as President and Chief Development Officer, at the agency. DeLong brings 25 years of experience in public relations and integrated communications, most recently serving as head of Edelman Sacramento and General Manager of the global PR firm’s Bay Area Corporate Affairs practice where she partnered with the RSE team on government contracts.
“It feels right that this is a full circle return to a women-owned, women-led agency,” said RSE President Chris Holben, who joined the agency 21 years ago. “We’re confident RSE will continue to grow and thrive with the strategic vision and inclusive leadership that Anne, Rachel, and Kierstan will deliver to support RSE clients and open new opportunities for our longtime, valued staff.”
RSE was founded in 1960 by Jean Runyon who was among the first women to head a PR firm in California. In recent years, Holben and Rose helped triple revenue alongside the firm’s renowned leadership team. RSE has offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York and is leading transformational campaigns including CalFresh, California Department of Technology’s Broadband for All, the statewide Alzheimer’s outreach initiative, and the first-ever national postpartum depression campaign through the Office of Women’s Health at U.S.H.H.S.
“Our focus has always been on forging positive connections that drive transformation and success,” said Rachel Zillner, co-owner of RSE and co-founder of The RADZ Group. “As a top-performing social impact agency, RSE complements the expertise and services across our portfolio of companies. Importantly, RSE is closely aligned with our core values, empowering people to work together to solve big challenges that improve the way we work and live.”
RSE will continue to provide full-service PR, advertising, and marketing support to clients across business, non-profit and government work. Of note, RSE recently secured its Federal GSA Schedule and is expanding into national campaigns. RSE will partner with other brands with the RADZ Group family of companies, including Clutch, a nationally recognized business services consulting firm, to provide unmatched capabilities and results.
About RSE
RSE (Runyon Saltzman, Inc.) is an integrated marketing and communications agency offering a wide range of services under one roof: strategy, creative, production, digital, media, public relations, and public affairs. With over 60 years of experience, RSE has honed its reputation as one of the leading, independently owned agencies headquartered in California, with locations across the U.S. Our talented team includes seasoned strategists, designers, producers, copywriters, media planners, subject matter experts and digital specialists focused on promoting social good through community engagement, cause-related marketing, and social impact work. Learn more at www.rs-e.com.
About The RADZ Group
Anne Descalzo and Rachel Zillner are multi-passionate entrepreneurs determined to shape the future through heart-centered leadership. Together, they have formed the RADZ Group family of companies, including Clutch, a human-centered business strategy and experience management company recognized as a 2024 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America. The portfolio also includes the BOLD Speakers Series, MinervaVerse investment fund for women-owned and marginalized businesses, Papilio Collective consulting services for banks and financial institutions, Frequency Co-Working space in Rancho Cordova, and now RSE. Each company within The RADZ Group family shares the unwavering values of curiosity, optimism, drive, and the commitment to evolve. For more information visit www.TheRADZGroup.com.