About
CEO and Founder
Sandy Dubay, CEcD
Sandy Dubay, CEcD (formerly Sandy Sponaugle) is the CEO and Founder of PPR Strategies (formerly Platinum PR). As PPR Strategies’ fearless leader, she brings over 20 years of marketing savvy to provide strategies and solutions for our clients. Passionate about placemaking, Sandy brings her talents as a marketing consultant, spokesperson, and economic development and tourism expert to the communities we serve.
Sandy loves where she lives, and shares her time and talents with many organizations. Her commitment was recognized by the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, which honored her with The Van Ryzin Award for volunteerism. West Virginia Executive Magazine recognized her as a Young Gun for her entrepreneurial successes and outreach activities. In 2013, The American Advertising Federation – Greater Frederick named her PR Professional of the Year.
Sandy received her bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University in economics and business administration. She previously served as a Research Specialist at the Jefferson County Development Authority in Charles Town, West Virginia and as a Business Development Specialist in the Frederick County Office of Economic Development in Frederick, Maryland. Sandy participated in Leadership Maryland in 2016. She became a Certified Economic Developer in 2023. Connect with Sandy via email, 240-608-4441, or on LinkedIn.
Favorite part of her job: Cultivating young talent and helping others reach their goals (clients and team included).
Professional superpowers: Laughing at herself and keeping things in perspective.
Personal superpowers: Making friends everywhere she goes.
Her favorite things: kombucha; tea; hiking; traveling; public speaking; meeting new people; ruebens; cursing; spending time with her daughter, Tabitha; football games and tailgating; picking fresh fruit; getting drinks with friends.
Meet the Team Behind PPR Strategies
Sandy Dubay
CEO and Founder
Sandy Dubay, CEcD (formerly Sandy Sponaugle) is the CEO and Founder of PPR Strategies (previously Platinum PR). As PPR Strategies’ fearless leader, she brings over 20 years of marketing savvy …
Sophie Slawson
Managing Director
Sophie loves helping small-town economies reach their fullest potential. As the Managing Director at PPR Strategies, she leads projects, multitasks like a champ …
Heather Gramm
Vice President of Strategy
With over 20 years of expertise across municipal, county, and state economic development, Heather Gramm is a certified economic developer (CEcD) with a wealth of experience in transforming communities.
Hanna Turner
Director of Client Relations
Hanna enjoys tapping into the uniqueness of our clients, helping them to expand and thrive. She has worked in municipal government communications, economic development, …
Mia Vaccaro
Public Relations Specialist
Hannah Clawson
Senior Content Writer
Content makes the world go around and Hannah is more than happy to help it spin!
As Senior Content Writer, she meticulously crafts all written pieces for PPR’s clientele.
Kayla Sherry
Social Media Coordinator
Kayla, as the Gen Z stereotypes claim, is obsessed with all things social media. Growing up during the early stages of today’s most-used digital platforms has allowed her to become immersed…
Caleigh Bernota
Communications Specialist
Caleigh is a senior at Stevenson University working towards a degree in Business Communications with Graphic Design and Fashion Merchandising minors.
