“Obviously, there is a need for a new direction, and the culture has to evolve. To be the first female CEO of this agency, in this year, under these circumstances — the weight of this isn’t lost on me. It’s going to be hard, but we can do hard things. As a mom, I want my kids to see that, and to set an example that resilience and possibility matter.”

Two VCU Brandcenter leaders praised the choice of Cavallo, who has given lectures and presentations to students at an internationally respected graduate-level advertising school.

“I think if they had to make changes, they made a very, very wise one,” said Helayne Spivak, executive director of the VCU Brandcenter.

“I think because of what has been in the press, what people have read about, I think she can bring them together. I think she can bring them in a lot of new business. I think she can turn around what needs to be turned around. I know their new business record has not been what it has needed to be. If you look at her reputation at MullenLowe, I think she doubled or tripled that agency in the time she was there,” Spivak said.

Caley Cantrell, a VCU Brandcenter professor of strategy, worked with Cavallo at The Martin Agency. She described her as “high energy.”