Our colleague leaves us — but she’s not going far!

Ellen Robinson, right, with her new boss, Debbie Stevens

As the new year approaches, our friend and colleague, Ellen Robinson, has accepted a new challenge. She is leaving her post as vice president at Moxley Carmichael to head up the marketing efforts of Lewis, King, Krieg and Waldrop, the largest law firm in Knoxville (if you rank by number of attorneys).

Since we often do work for Lewis King, it was natural that the firm’s managing partner, Debbie Stevens, would consult with me when she wanted to hire a big marketing gun. We are friends in addition to having a business relationship, so over drinks one evening at the Bistro on Gay Street, we hashed out a list of folks who might fit the bill for the new job. Debbie said she wanted “someone like Ellen” for the role. (Debbie is nothing if not a diplomat!)

I knew Debbie wouldn’t approach Ellen if I asked her not to, but I couldn’t deny that Ellen would be the perfect candidate. First I ordered another martini. Then I told Debbie I would not stand in the way if she wanted to talk to Ellen. It really is a terrific job. Lewis King has not only a big Knoxville office, but a growing practice in Nashville, too. And they have a lot to market. They practice many different kinds of law. Partly because of their expertise in a number of specific areas, they recently landed the new Nordstrom account for the state of Tennessee. That was a big coup.

Ellen and her husband, Peter Acly

To send Ellen off, Alan and I threw a little cocktail party last night in the Old City. Scott Bird, another Moxley Carmichael vice prez, recommended the spot — the new Underground at the Crown & Goose. I had never been there, but I knew Scott has discerning taste, so we went with it. We also asked him to select the menu for the evening.

As you can see from these pictures, the party was a blast and the food and setting were perfect. We invited our staff and a few close friends.

We will miss Ellen, but we are glad her new office is less than three blocks from ours. We look forward to working with her at Lewis King and meeting her and Debbie for lunch and drinks. We know 2012 will be a great one for all of us.

The Underground at the Crown & Goose was the perfect setting for our party.

Bob Wilson and Amanda Shell, both of Moxley Carmichael

Since the eatery is fashioned after a London subway, naturally fish and chips are on the menu.

Alan enjoyed the chips!

Scott enoyed a specialty martini.

Tim Young and Phyllis Young Nichols often joke that they are brother and sister! He is head of Summit Medical Group and she heads the local Urban League. Both are Moxley Carmichael clients.

Gavin Baker, the director of digital media at Moxley Carmichael, and Ellen.

Erica Beck, left, and Lauren Christ, both of Moxley Carmichael

Lobster guacamole. OMG!

Jon and Mintha Roach

Love the decor!

Love the cozy furniture, too. Here are Jim Nichols and Alan testing it out.

This cute table actually is a drum. Of course, Alan couldn't resist!

Debbie Stevens and Ellen's sister, Nora Robinson, who has just moved to Knoxville from California.

Jennifer Lawson of Summit Medical Group and Lauren

Ellen with Sheena McCall of Merrill Lynch

Peter considers the smoked fish platter, which contained four kinds of smoked fish.

Alan with Richard and Dawn Ford. (Did Alan and Richard plan those sweaters?)

Amanda with her father, Max Shell, of Covenant Health

Christi Branscom, center, with Erica and Ellen. We are working with Christi on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Gay and Bill Lyons

The cheese plates here are gorgeous.

The sliders were a huge hit.

Tim, Jennifer and Ellen

With Ellen leaving, we are losing our snappiest dresser! We made her pose in this new outfit she recently purchased in Chicago.

I just loved the invitations Charley Sexton, our design director, made for this event. The image of Ellen is priceless!

Best wishes, friend.

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Food, Knoxville, Public Relations

17 Responses to “Our colleague leaves us — but she’s not going far!”

1. AlanCarmichael, on December 29th, 2011 at 3:48 pm Said:

   Here, here. Thanks and best wishes to Ellen. She will do great things for our friends at Lewis King Krieg and Waldrop.

2. Bill Lyons, on December 29th, 2011 at 3:56 pm Said:

   Thanks for a great going away (but not too far) party. Ellen will be even closer to us at the CCB. She will do a terrific job.

3. Becky Hancock, on December 29th, 2011 at 3:58 pm Said:

   Best wishes Ellen! I know MoxCar is sad to see you go, but it will be fun for you to continue working together in new ways.

4. Barry Wallace, on December 29th, 2011 at 4:02 pm Said:

   Congratulations, Ellen, and good luck in the new job!

5. Kathy Wood, on December 29th, 2011 at 4:04 pm Said:

   Congratulations to Ellen on her new adventure! Looks like a wonderful party to send her off.

6. dan a, on December 29th, 2011 at 4:09 pm Said:

   Now I see why so many talented people are tempted to leave the news business and go work for “the other side” at the prestigious Moxcar PR firm. With so many attractive and intelligent females that work at Moxcar…I am almost tempted to put in a resume **but I could never betray my oath and allegiance sworn to Journalist Barbie!** However, I notice the most beautiful, young, intelligent, and hard working PR exec isn’t pictured…where is the awesome Cynthia Moxley?

7. Annette Winston, on December 29th, 2011 at 4:15 pm Said:

   Congrats, Ellen! You will love Lewis, King.

8. Cynthia Moxley, on December 29th, 2011 at 4:41 pm Said:

   Haha, Dan! You are cracking me up! Thanks to everyone else, too, for the kind words.

9. Judy Collins Griess, on December 29th, 2011 at 6:20 pm Said:

   Congratulations Ellen!

10. Gay Lyons, on December 30th, 2011 at 12:13 am Said:

    Aww–Ellen, I know you will be missed at MoxleyCarmichael, but this sounds like a great opportunity. I’m so excited for you!

11. Ellen Robinson, on December 30th, 2011 at 9:51 am Said:

    A marevlous party — great friends, food and a fun new venue a lot of us discovered! I will miss MoxCar but am excited about my new opp at Lewis King. Many thanks to Cynthia and Alan for everything!

    P.S. Cyn, remember every photo of me on this post counts towards one annual appearance in the Blue Streak — need to beat Scott this year at the party! XO

12. Nora Robinson, on December 30th, 2011 at 10:01 am Said:

    Thanks Cynthia and Alan for the great party and send off for Ellen. Everyone had such a good time–including me, who as 35 years as a vegetarian, wolfed down the fish & chips and a slider!

    Thanks to all the well wishes from the employees and clients of MoxCar regarding my move to Knoxville last week. With such a wonderful reception, I know I will be happy here.

    Happy New Year to all!

    Nora

13. Melinda Meador, on December 30th, 2011 at 12:16 pm Said:

    So sorry I missed the party! What a great send-off, Cynthia. And what a relief Ellen isn’t going far! Congrats to Lewis, King on a terrific hire.

14. Peter Acly, on December 30th, 2011 at 3:47 pm Said:

    You guys have done it again! A fabulous party that was just the thing to spice up an otherwise humdrum Wednesday night! You were very kind to give Ellen such a special send-off, and Nora such a pleasant welcome. Loved the food. Thanks so much. Happy New Year!
    Peter

15. Regina Dean, on December 30th, 2011 at 3:49 pm Said:

    Congrats, Ellen! I know you’ll enjoy your new gig….we’re just glad you didn’t go far! While you guys were partying, the Deans were having our own party celebrating my birthday in Asheville….and no, I’m NOT telling my age!!

16. Cynthia Moxley, on December 31st, 2011 at 5:57 am Said:

    Happy, birthday, Regina! Love Asheville, but it was just a little too far away for our party! Ellen, Nora and Peter, we look forward to many more fun times! And thanks to everyone for the support for Ellen, Lewis King and us.

17. Lynsay Caylor, on January 3rd, 2012 at 12:02 pm Said:

    Congratulations, Ellen! I wish you all the best.

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