Twenty-five years ago, Nancy Waters became Image Source’s (asi/230121) first employee.

Today, she’s risen to the leadership role of vice president of operations.

Nancy Waters, Image Source (asi/230121)

Executives said it’s a well-won promotion that reflects the integral role that Waters has played – and continues to play – in transforming the Counselor 2024 Best Place to Work distributorship from a fledging startup to a branded-merchandise agency that generates more than $30 million in annual revenue.

“Known for her infectious kindness and the genuine connection she builds with her team, clients and supplier partners, Nancy is the heartbeat of Image Source,” the company said in a statement. “Her greatest joy comes from seeing her colleagues, teammates and industry partners thrive.”

Waters’ past roles at Image Source include account executive and director of operations. “For 25 years, Nancy has helped pave the way for the successful agency Image Source is today, and she will continue to do so in her new role,” the firm said.

Based in Washington, Image Source has been a fixture on Counselor’s Best Places to Work list, being one of only two companies to appear all 13 times it’s been published. “Fun,” “supportive” and “creative” are the three words that employees say best describe the firm.

Sadly, earlier this year, the distributor lost its massively influential founder and CEO, Brian Haner, though his legacy lives on in the work – and workplace culture – that Image Source has continued, company leaders have said.