The PharmaVOICE 100, Abby Mansfield
Abby Mansfield, Senior VP
Champion of the Creative Brief
PharmaVOICE
July 2012
PharmaVOICE Staff Writer
Abby Mansfield joined Topin & Associates as copy writer, despite her hesitation about moving to a smaller agency. But in typical Topin, meaning Al, fashion the agency made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. Mr. Topin said: “Join us for a year and if it doesn’t work out, we’ll help you find a great situation at a bigger shop.”
Fast forward 18 years, and Ms. Mansfield is not only still at the agency, but she is senior VP, creative director, leading the agency’s creative department, directing all new business efforts, and driving strategy for clients.
Ms. Mansfield is noted for being a talented creative professional as well as a perceptive manager and an insightful thinker. She has raised the bar for Topin’s creative efforts, challenging the entire agency to think differently.
She remains calm and composed in difficult situations and in meetings with clients, and with a few sentences, she can change everyone’s thinking.
Ms. Mansfield manages a very diverse group, and her leadership style ensures that those working with her are successful in achieving not only client goals but personal goals as well.
Her door is always open for anyone who is experiencing a creative challenge. Her team members say their creative output is always better with Ms. Mansfield’s involvement, and her input always helps to crystallize and focus their ideas to embody their best possible form.
She is the champion of the creative brief, and her influence extends beyond the creative department.
She pushes the account group to provide more insights, better information, and tighter, more focused creative briefs, thereby making campaigns stronger.
As one of the most trusted and respected members of the agency’s management team, Ms. Mansfield’s contributions drive Topin’s own strategies, planning, and growth, including integrating the agency’s digital resources throughout all departments.
Her thought leadership can be seen in the numerous industry articles she has had published and or contributed to and her continuing participation as part of an industry publication board.
Walk into a client meeting and it’s obvious that clients respect and require Ms. Mansfield’s input.
Her colleagues say Ms. Mansfield has many admirable qualities, and the one that particularly stands out for them is her ability to stay humble even though she has earned through hardwork and determination immense success.
Even while balancing a husband, two children, and a revolving menagerie of pets — a dog, a lizard, and a cat — with the demands of a senior management position and a full share of business travel, Ms. Mansfield still finds the time to take part in community service projects and participates in several local races, including half marathons.
As the head of the writing and editing staff at the midsized healthcare marketing agency, Ms. Mansfield has worked with individuals with many years of experience under their belts as well as young talent just out of college, and she treats everyone with equal care and respect as she continues to help them develop their skills and talents.
A generous leader, Ms. Mansfield never shies away from helping young creatives and account executives learn about the business and grow professionally.
