Andrea Aker
CEO & President
Andrea Aker is an expert communicator and business strategist with a reputation for tenacity, perseverance and honesty. She takes on complex situations and thrives on new challenges ― traits that helped transform Aker Ink® into one of Arizona’s leading boutique PR and marketing firms.
As CEO and President, Andrea’s creativity and keen business sense have helped companies nationwide break barriers, engage with new audiences and exceed lead generation goals. She oversees the agency’s approach to strategy, innovation and client service, ensuring every initiative is purposeful and directly tied to business objectives. Under her leadership, Aker Ink is recognized as one of Arizona’s top agencies, and campaigns are honored for their creativity and impact.
Andrea is deeply committed to cultivating talent, dedicating significant time to mentoring and developing her team. She takes pride in fostering a collaborative culture where people grow, excel and deliver exceptional results.
A sought-after subject-matter expert in PR, marketing and AI visibility, Andrea frequently shares her expertise at business events, conferences and through leading industry publications. She also contributes regularly to the Forbes Business Council.
Andrea Aker
CEO & President
Andrea Aker is an expert communicator and business strategist with a reputation for tenacity, perseverance and honesty. She takes on complex situations and thrives on new challenges ― traits that helped transform Aker Ink® into one of Arizona’s leading boutique PR and marketing firms.
As CEO and President, Andrea’s creativity and keen business sense have helped companies nationwide break barriers, engage with new audiences and exceed lead generation goals. She oversees the agency’s approach to strategy, innovation and client service, ensuring every initiative is purposeful and directly tied to business objectives. Under her leadership, Aker Ink is recognized as one of Arizona’s top agencies, and campaigns are honored for their creativity and impact.
Andrea is deeply committed to cultivating talent, dedicating significant time to mentoring and developing her team. She takes pride in fostering a collaborative culture where people grow, excel and deliver exceptional results.
A sought-after subject-matter expert in PR, marketing and AI visibility, Andrea frequently shares her expertise at business events, conferences and through leading industry publications. She also contributes regularly to the Forbes Business Council.
Commitment to Community
Andrea is committed to advancing both her profession and her community. Through board service, mentorship and philanthropy, she supports organizations that foster leadership, protect the environment and expand opportunities for future generations.
Professional & Leadership
- Arizona Innovation Marketing Association: Member, Board of Directors and Co-Chair of Programs & Events Committee (2021 – Present)
- Public Relations Society of America, Phoenix chapter: Member (2007 – Present), Former Member of Board of Directors (2009 – 2012)
- Vistage, small business peer advisory organization: Member (2021 – Present), Finalist for Leadership Impact Award (2023 – 2025)
- Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO): Member (2025 – Present)
- Scottsdale Leadership, a nationally recognized leadership and community stewardship program: Class 28 (2014), Former Member of Board of Directors (2015)
Charitable
- McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in North Scottsdale, the largest urban preserve in the U.S.: Former Member of Board of Directors (2018 – 2024), Former Member of Executive Committee (2021 – 2024)
- Social Venture Partners, a network of philanthropists who take a venture capital approach to funding nonprofits: Former Member, Board of Directors (2012 – 2018) and Executive Committee (2016 – 2018)
- Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism: Launched Aker Ink Scholarship (2018) and Endowment (2023)
Professional Honors
Andrea has been recognized with numerous honors for her expertise and impact in the field.
- AzBusiness Leaders: Top 5 PR professionals in Arizona (2021 – Present)
- AZIMA Matthew O’Brien Community Builder of the Year (2025)
- In Business Women of Achievement (2023)
- Top 35 Entrepreneurs Under 35, The Arizona Republic (2016)
- Top Business Leaders Under 40, AzBusiness (2015)
Professional & Educational Background
Prior to founding Aker Ink in 2007, Andrea served as the Public Relations Director for a PR and marketing agency in Phoenix. Before that, she was a writer and producer for KPHO-TV, Phoenix’s CBS affiliate, where she produced top-rated newscasts for the morning and noon shows.
Andrea earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Arizona and a Master of Mass Communication from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism with a specialization in online media. She graduated from ASU at the top of her class and was inducted into Kappa Tau Alpha, the national honor society of journalism and mass communication, an honor reserved for the top 10% of graduates nationally.
On the Personal Side
Outside of work, Andrea is energized by the outdoors and an active lifestyle. She’s a trail runner, hiker, yogi and former Ironman triathlete. She also loves traveling and exploring new cultures, with a goal of visiting at least one new country every year. A lifelong reader, she gravitates toward books on business, fitness and wellness to continually broaden her perspective.
- Athletic: Andrea is a “recovering” Ironman triathlete who competed in races locally and around the Western U.S., but has traveled as far as Port Elizabeth, South Africa and Whistler, Canada. She now prefers more moderation in her leisure time with trail running and yoga.
- World Traveler: Andrea loves exploring new cultures. She has the goal of visiting at least one new country every year. So far, Laos and Iceland are among her favorites.
- Proud Native Arizonan: Raised in Prescott and now residing in Scottsdale, Andrea is proud to call Arizona her lifelong home. The diverse land, rich history and abundant sunshine are hard to beat. Even when travel takes her far, she always loves returning to the comforts of the desert.
Specialties
Marketing & PR
Strategist
Business Growth
Architect
Inspired
Writer
Complex Problem
Solver
Dedicated
Mentor
