First Advantage (FA) has been honored in the 2025 Merit Awards for Marketing & Communications, receiving the gold award in the Internal Communications category, recognizing the company’s outstanding internal communications strategy during the acquisition of Sterling. 
The award highlights the “Day One” internal communication plan, which was designed to provide team members with clear, transparent, and timely information to help ensure a smooth transition. The strategy prioritized maintaining productivity and engagement, delivering leadership announcements, comprehensive FAQs, manager and GTM toolkits, and talking points that anticipated employee questions and reinforced FA’s vision for the future.
“At First Advantage, we believe that transparency and connection are essential, especially during times of transformation,” Chief People & Culture Officer Beth Price said. “Together with the Integration Management Office (IMO), the communications team aimed to ensure every team member had the resources they needed to stay engaged and focused on what matters most — our customers and each other.”
The comprehensive communication plan was a critical component of a broader, company-wide integration effort involving close collaboration across the IMO with project managers, functional workstreams, and the executive team.
“Strong communication is at the heart of a strong culture. Our goal was to ensure that every team member felt informed, supported, and confident as we embarked on this exciting new chapter together,” Mariah Mellor, Senior Director, Corporate Communications said. “Receiving this award is a testament to the collaboration across teams and our commitment to clear, consistent communication during periods of change.”
The Merit Awards for Marketing & Communications recognize innovation, strategic excellence, and impactful storytelling, highlighting the leaders, businesses, and industries that are shaping today’s world. Learn more in the 2025 Merit Awards press release.
