Sarah Rogers
President & CEO, BlaineTurner Advertising
Written by Cathy Bonnstetter Photos by Tracy A. Toler Photography
Rogers visits Artistry on Main.
Sarah Rogers loved to dance when she was growing up. She planned on becoming a professional dance instructor and taught classes at her home in Parkersburg while she was in high school and college. Rogers, now the president and CEO of BlaineTurner Advertising( BTA), says the tenets of dance transfer to the world of advertising and help guide her work.
“ Just as dance evolves with new influences, so does marketing,” she says.“ Those early teaching experiences gave me a unique foundation that ultimately shaped my professional life and how I lead today.”
Rogers began dancing at the age of 5 and continued through college at West Virginia University( WVU). Growing up in Parkersburg, she says her childhood could not have been better thanks to her parents’ support and her grandmothers’ influence.
“ My parents made sure I had every opportunity to pursue my passions,” Rogers says.“ They were always present, whether it was for a school event or dance recital. I am also extremely lucky to have spent time with my grandmothers, who both have incredible work ethics.”
Classes in consumer behavior particularly piqued her interest while she was pursuing her bachelor’ s degree in marketing at WVU. She questioned whether her interest could be a career until one of her professors introduced her to the world of advertising agencies.
“ I certainly had no idea this would be available in Morgantown,” Rogers says.“ I’ ve never looked back.”
Rogers followed up her bachelor’ s degree with a master’ s in business administration from WVU. As a two-time graduate of WVU’ s John Chambers College of Business and Economics, she supports her alma mater by giving guest lectures and speaking on panels. She also started an internship program to give WVU students hands-on experience in marketing and advertising.
Rogers partners with the United Health Foundation Greatest Needs Fund, and, in honor of her mother who recently passed away, created the Better with Betty Award through the Cancer Cachexia Society.
“ Cholangiocarcinoma and cachexia are two difficult and under-researched conditions that my mom courageously faced,” she says.“ The award is given to help researchers share their work and advance treatments for those who might otherwise be left out of clinical trials.”
Rogers also supports the Western Maryland Health System Foundation and the St. John’ s Hospital Foundation.
“ I believe community service can take many forms,” she says.“ For me it’ s about using the resources I have to help organizations make life better for others.”
Rogers began her professional career at BTA in a part-time client services role. After scrambling to move her life from Parkersburg to Morgantown in just three days, she worked under BTA Founder and President Ginna Royce for 14 years before purchasing the company.
“ I can remember seeing Ginna walk into boardrooms and take a seat as the only female at the table,” Rogers says.“ She always carried herself with such poise and confidence. She was instrumental in helping me see the longevity of a career in advertising.”
BTA is one of the 1 % of women-owned advertising agencies in North America, according to the Until You Own It website.
Rogers describes herself as curious, loyal and hardworking. She says her greatest success is in her work at the nearly 40-year-old agency.
“ As president and CEO, I’ m honored to serve as the steward of our brand and visionary for our future,” she says.“ Being at the helm has its pressures, but the excitement of helping clients and creating new opportunities is fulfilling.”
A lifelong Mountaineer, Rogers loves a WVU football Saturday and walking the local rail trails with her husband, Stephen, and dog, Lilly. She says one thing led her to the top of BTA.
“ Curiosity guided me to ask the right questions, learn from others and grow,” Rogers says.“ My goal is simple: to build a stronger, healthier and more vibrant place for all of us to call home.” •
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE?
book:
“ The Grand Design”
food:
Mediterranean Cuisine era:
College
season:
Summer
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