Angela Barkan Appointed CEO of Shore Fire Media, Marilyn Laverty Transitions to Chairman Role
Entertainment

Angela Barkan Appointed CEO of Shore Fire Media, Marilyn Laverty Transitions to Chairman Role

authorBy Shonda Rhimes
DateMar 24, 2026
Read time3 min
Shore Fire Media, a prominent communications agency, is undergoing a significant leadership transition. Angela Barkan has been named the new Chief Executive Officer, while the company's founder, Marilyn Laverty, steps into the role of Chairman of Shore Fire and Senior Advisor to its parent organization, Dolphin. This strategic move aims to propel the company's growth and enhance collaborative efforts across Dolphin's diverse business portfolio.

A New Chapter: Leadership Evolution at Shore Fire Media

Strategic Leadership Transition at Shore Fire Media

In a pivotal development for Shore Fire Media, Angela Barkan has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer. This transition sees Marilyn Laverty, the visionary founder of Shore Fire, moving into the distinguished position of Chairman for Shore Fire and taking on a senior advisory role within Dolphin, the parent company. This change signifies a strategic evolution designed to bolster the firm's future trajectory and operational excellence.

Founder's Evolving Role and Continued Influence

As Chairman, Marilyn Laverty will dedicate her expertise to cultivating Shore Fire's strategic expansion and providing guidance to its executive team. She will also maintain her crucial relationships with long-standing clients, including music icons Bruce Springsteen and Cyndi Lauper. Furthermore, in her capacity as a senior advisor to Dolphin, Laverty will be instrumental in fostering greater synergy and collaborative initiatives among Dolphin's various enterprises, leveraging her extensive experience to drive collective success.

Angela Barkan Takes the Helm: Operational and Revenue Leadership

Angela Barkan, who previously served as a senior vice president in business development and marketing at BMG, will now lead Shore Fire's daily operations and spearhead new revenue generation strategies. Based at the company's New York City headquarters, Barkan will oversee the executive team and report directly to Dolphin CEO Bill O'Dowd, as well as to Marilyn Laverty. Her appointment is expected to infuse fresh perspectives and strategic direction into the firm's management.

Dolphin CEO Praises Laverty's Legacy and Barkan's Potential

Bill O'Dowd, CEO of Dolphin, lauded Marilyn Laverty's exceptional accomplishments in building Shore Fire into a respected industry leader renowned for its broad expertise across the arts and culture sectors. He acknowledged Laverty's success in nurturing an unparalleled executive team and emphasized her invaluable contribution to fostering a collaborative environment among Dolphin's subsidiaries. O'Dowd also expressed his enthusiasm for Angela Barkan's arrival, highlighting her impressive executive background, strategic acumen, and potential to bring significant value to Shore Fire, its staff, and its clientele.

Laverty's Vision for Growth and Collaboration

Marilyn Laverty shared her excitement about Shore Fire's continuous growth since joining Dolphin in 2019 and the natural evolution of her role. She articulated her commitment to ensuring the success of the next generation of leaders and exploring enhanced creative collaborations with Dolphin's sister companies. Laverty emphasized that adaptability and community have always been core tenets of Shore Fire, and her new role will enable her to cultivate an environment where innovative ideas can thrive, further propelling the company's advancements.

Barkan's Expertise and Future Impact

Laverty expressed her delight in welcoming Angela Barkan as the new CEO, recognizing Barkan's proven leadership in key roles within major and independent record labels, as well as her deep understanding of emerging technologies and media. Laverty believes Barkan's skills as a team leader will empower Shore Fire's robust executive team and staff, building upon the foundations of success established over the years. This leadership transition marks a new era for Shore Fire Media, promising continued innovation and expanded service offerings beyond traditional public relations.

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