Mary Ruth Raphael brings decades of agency and communications strategy expertise to her role as a partner at McNeely Brockman Public Relations.   

As one of the agency’s partners, she is integral to the leadership of the firm, from elevating client work to supporting overall operations and strategic direction. 

Before joining MBPR, she spent 23 years at MP&F Strategic Communications, where she led national and regional communications campaigns and supported the management and growth of the agency. She’s worked with clients across multiple industries, from federal and local governments to tourism and spirits to education and real estate.  

Mary Ruth has served as president of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Nashville Chapter, as well as the co-chair of PRSA National’s conference host committee and is a member of PRSA’s Counselors Academy. She is also active with Williamson Inc., previously serving on the steering committee for Women in Business and the member engagement committee, and is an alumna of Leadership Brentwood.   

She is a celebrated PR professional and dedicated leader and mentor. Her accolades include the Olympus Award for leadership from PRSA Nashville and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Nashville Emerging Leader Award for Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing.  

A Middle Tennessee native, Mary Ruth is a 2001 graduate of University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she met her husband, Chad. Mary Ruth is a proud mom to three children and the sweetest golden retriever.