The founders of Moxley Carmichael, a leading public relations firm, have sold the company to four of its executives.

Cynthia Moxley and Alan Carmichael will stay on with the firm, which they created in 1992, now that the sale has been completed to Chief Executive Officer Lauren Miller; Chief Financial Officer Shaun Fulco; Chief Operating Officer and President Scott Bird; and Chief Creative Officer Charley Sexton.

The new owners have participated in decisions about the firm's clients, such as Pilot Company and Covenant Health, for several years as the owners prepared for the transition.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job has been the association with some of the greatest business and community leaders in our region,” Moxley said in a press release. “That will continue. Our names are on the company, and we remain committed to its success through working with clients, new business development and visibility in the community."

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The company, which is headquartered in downtown Knoxville, started with Moxley serving several clients out of the couple’s home and grew to a firm known statewide for its leading client list.

The new owners remain committed to Moxley Carmichael's business model.

“This vision will allow us to continue the 30-year legacy of Moxley Carmichael as a locally owned and dedicated company serving Knoxville, East Tennessee and beyond,” said Lauren Miller, an Oak Ridge native.

Background on the new owners:

Lauren Miller, CEO: After attending the University of Florida and completing an internship at Moxley Carmichael, Miller joined the firm in 2007. She was promoted to account executive, director of client services and senior vice president. Miller works with key clients and oversees the firm’s account team.

Scott Bird, President/COO: Scott Bird joined Moxley Carmichael in 2006, and most recently as vice president of marketing. Before joining Moxley Carmichael, Bird worked in management positions in marketing communications for firms in the Knoxville area. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1992 and MBA in 1994 from the University of Tennessee.

Shaun Fulco, CFO: Fulco has more than 30 years of managerial and accounting experience. Before joining Moxley Carmichael in 2007, she was CFO for Space Walk Interactive LLC, a New Orleans company. Prior to that, she spent 11 years in the banking industry. She is a graduate of the University of New Orleans.

Charley Sexton, CCO: Sexton has led the creative, graphic design and web development services as creative director of Moxley Carmichael. Prior to joining the firm in 2001, he was a graphic designer at Clarence Brown Theatre and earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Moxley Carmichael founders sell PR firm to four company executives