by Frank Johnson
Kena Hines is among the longest-tenured personnel at MarCom Group, having celebrated her 25th year with the agency last month. MarCom Group was founded in 1996, so she’s worked with the company almost from the beginning. “There were about 20 employees at the time,” Kena recalls. “Today, there are upwards of 75.” She serves as an accounting specialist with the firm, analyzing financial information, managing multiple checking accounts, and ensuring that the books are in good order.
Kena’s history with the company is rooted in family. She was born in Colorado where her father was stationed with the U.S. Army. He was transferred to Fort Ritchie, Md., which brought the family to Frederick County on the northern edge of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The family included her sister, Debbie Rainford, the future founder and president of MarCom Group.
Early in her career, she worked for technology companies in suburban Maryland and then, with the start of her own family, stayed at home with her children and served as a school volunteer. Soon, Debbie asked her to join MarCom Group part-time to help with a hiring event for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, a major project for its first federal recruitment client.
From there, Kena took on a full-time role in the accounting department, eventually filling the accounting specialist position, which required an awareness of the key financial areas of the organization. She keeps the check registers, pays bills, records invoices, works with clients and vendors on payments, and reconciles multiple checking accounts.
A “Driving” Dedication to Her Work.
People who live and work in the D.C. area know all about the stop-and-go traffic on the Capital Beltway, the crawl across the American Legion Bridge, and the slow-motion slog up and down I-70. Kena’s daily long-distance commute from the upper reaches of suburban Maryland to the heart of Northern Virginia and back for all those years is evidence of her commitment to her job. She’s now working remotely several days a week, which makes her daily routine a little easier.
Kena has seen a lot of growth and a lot of changes during her time with MarCom Group and appreciates the small business feel and company values. “Working with MarCom Group has been great,” she says. “I’ve been presented with many challenges and opportunities, met a lot of wonderful people, and learned a lot from everyone I’ve worked with.” She adds that the company also offers great benefits, which are important to everyone. “If your employees are happy, you get better work from them,” she observes.
Sam Mohs, Sam Mohs, MarCom Group’s chief financial officer, affirms the value of Kena’s work, complimenting her exceptional financial acumen and meticulous record keeping, that which has helped ensure the company’s fiscal stability over the years.
“Her proactive approach to managing accounts and her willingness to tackle any challenge have streamlined financial processes at MarCom Group, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency,” Mohs says. “Her dedication and positive attitude have earned her the trust and respect of her colleagues and have also reinforced the supportive culture that MarCom Group prides itself on.”
As she looks toward the finish line of her career, Kena anticipates a fun and family-focused retirement to keep her busy. Her three kids and five grandkids live in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, just a short drive from home. “We enjoy camping and listening to live music,” she says. “I love to be outside. I love the beach and hope to retire soon and live somewhere by the beach.” We can hope the lighter traffic and leisurely pace of seaside life will be a pleasant reward for a job well done.
About the Author
Frank Johnson is a senior writer with MarCom Group. He has 40 years’ experience in marketing content and copywriting, creative direction, and creative promotional thinking on both the agency and client side. He has worked in business-to-business, business-to-government, and consumer marketing communications in a variety of industries, including cybersecurity, information technology, telecommunications, publishing, and business and professional services.