The public relations profession is operating in a period of unprecedented transformation. Artificial intelligence is changing how information is created and distributed, public trust in institutions continues to face challenges, and reputational risks can emerge and spread globally within hours. Modern communications professionals are expected to do far more than secure media coverage. They advise executives, manage corporate reputation, navigate social and political complexities, and help organizations build credibility in increasingly skeptical markets.
The individuals featured below have played a significant role in shaping the global conversation around public relations between March 2025 and March 2026. They have influenced the profession through thought leadership, research, education, innovation, public engagement, and practical guidance for communications professionals worldwide.
About This List
This collection highlights 25 communications leaders who have made notable contributions to the public relations industry during the review period. Selection factors include professional influence, thought leadership, media visibility, published content, industry recognition, community engagement, and the impact of their ideas on the evolving communications landscape.
These professionals are not simply known for serving clients or leading organizations. They actively contribute to advancing the profession through education, research, commentary, and innovation.
1. Gini Dietrich
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Gini Dietrich is the founder and CEO of Spin Sucks and one of the most influential educators in modern public relations. She is best known for creating the PESO Model®, a framework integrating Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned media into a unified communications strategy. Over the years, the model has become a standard approach used by organizations worldwide.
During 2025 and 2026, Dietrich continued expanding the framework to address the realities of AI-driven content discovery and audience engagement. She also updated the PESO Model Certification program to reflect changes in communications technology and digital media. Through her articles, podcasts, and educational resources, she remains one of the profession’s most practical and widely followed voices.
2. Deirdre Breakenridge
New Jersey, USA
Deirdre Breakenridge has spent more than three decades helping organizations improve communication strategies, leadership visibility, and brand positioning. As CEO of Pure Performance Communications, she has advised executives and organizations across numerous industries.
An accomplished author and educator, Breakenridge has created multiple professional development courses and hosts a highly respected podcast focused on leadership and career growth. Throughout the review period, she continued sharing insights on communication effectiveness, executive presence, and professional development, making her a trusted resource for practitioners at every career stage.
3. Richard Edelman
New York, USA
Richard Edelman leads Edelman, the largest public relations agency in the world by revenue. His influence extends far beyond agency leadership through the Edelman Trust Barometer, one of the most respected and frequently cited studies on trust, institutions, media, government, and business.
The Trust Barometer reports released during 2025 and 2026 shaped strategic discussions among communications leaders globally. Edelman also remained highly visible through public commentary on trust, reputation, artificial intelligence, and the evolving role of communications professionals in a rapidly changing information environment.
4. Mark Schaefer
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Mark Schaefer is a bestselling author, consultant, speaker, and podcast host whose work spans marketing, communications, branding, and digital transformation. His recent work has focused heavily on how organizations can maintain human connection and authenticity while adapting to AI-powered marketing environments.
Throughout the review period, Schaefer’s writing, speaking engagements, and educational content explored how brands can differentiate themselves in an increasingly automated world. His ability to translate complex industry shifts into practical strategies has earned him a loyal audience across communications and marketing professions.
5. Shonali Burke
Malvern, Pennsylvania, USA
Shonali Burke is widely respected for her expertise in public relations measurement and accountability. As president and CEO of her consulting firm, she has consistently advocated for evaluating communications based on business outcomes rather than surface-level metrics.
During 2025 and 2026, Burke’s work gained additional relevance as organizations sought better ways to demonstrate return on investment amid AI-driven changes in media and communications. Her emphasis on measurable business impact continues to influence how practitioners evaluate success.
6. Jason Falls
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Jason Falls has become one of the most recognized experts in influencer marketing, social media strategy, and digital communications. Through his writing, speaking engagements, and podcasting efforts, he has helped organizations better understand how influence operates in modern media environments.
His work during the review period focused on the changing role of influencers, the impact of AI on content authenticity, and evolving methods for measuring campaign effectiveness. Falls remains known for his straightforward and practical approach to communications strategy.
7. Melissa Agnes
New York, USA
Melissa Agnes is a leading authority on crisis preparedness and reputation management. As CEO of Agnes + Day and author of several influential works on crisis communications, she has helped organizations prepare for increasingly complex reputation threats.
The rise of AI-generated misinformation, digital manipulation, and accelerated news cycles has made crisis readiness more important than ever. Agnes continued to provide practical frameworks for helping organizations identify risks, strengthen preparedness, and respond effectively when challenges emerge.
8. Barri Rafferty
New York, USA
Barri Rafferty is one of the most respected leaders in the agency world, having previously served as CEO of Ketchum. Although now focused on advisory and board positions, she remains highly influential in discussions about agency transformation and industry evolution.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, Rafferty contributed valuable insights on talent development, integrated communications, agency business models, and the long-term implications of artificial intelligence for public relations firms.
9. Brian Solis
San Francisco, California, USA
Brian Solis is a futurist, author, and researcher known for exploring how technology influences human behavior and customer experience. His work often examines the intersection of innovation, communication, and organizational change.
Over the review period, Solis continued analyzing how AI is reshaping consumer expectations, digital engagement, and brand relationships. His perspectives on digital anthropology and human-centered communication remain influential among communications and business leaders.
10. Judy Smith
Washington, D.C., USA
Judy Smith is one of the most accomplished crisis communications professionals in the world. As founder and CEO of Smith & Company, she has advised political leaders, executives, corporations, and public figures through some of the most challenging reputation crises of recent decades.
Her practical understanding of crisis response, stakeholder management, and reputation recovery continues to make her one of the profession’s most respected experts. Smith’s guidance remains highly relevant in an era of constant public scrutiny and rapid information sharing.
11. Katie Paine
Durham, New Hampshire, USA
Often referred to as the “Queen of Metrics,” Katie Paine has spent decades advancing the discipline of communications measurement. Through research, consulting, publications, and educational programs, she has helped establish standards for evaluating public relations effectiveness.
As organizations increasingly seek data-driven decision-making, Paine’s frameworks for measuring outcomes and organizational impact continue to influence communications professionals around the world.
12. Helio Fred Garcia
New York, USA
Helio Fred Garcia is a communications strategist, educator, and author whose work has shaped leadership communication and crisis management practices for decades. His books and training programs have become essential resources for executives and communications professionals.
During the review period, Garcia’s emphasis on transparency, credibility, and effective leadership communication remained especially relevant as organizations faced growing pressure to communicate clearly and authentically.
13. Rani Molla
New York, USA
As a technology and media journalist, Rani Molla provides valuable insights into the forces reshaping communication, journalism, and information consumption. Her reporting focuses on the intersection of technology, business, advertising, and media ecosystems.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, her analysis of AI’s influence on content distribution, audience behavior, and media economics helped communications professionals better understand the environment in which they operate.
14. Abbi Whitaker
Reno, Nevada, USA
Abbi Whitaker is co-founder and managing partner of The Abbi Agency, a firm recognized for its creative campaigns and community-focused approach. Her work emphasizes authentic engagement, local credibility, and meaningful relationships.
As automation continues to transform communications, Whitaker has consistently highlighted the importance of human connection, ethical practices, and long-term trust-building within communities.
15. Jen Prosek
New York, USA
Jen Prosek is the founder and CEO of Prosek Partners, a highly respected communications firm specializing in financial and professional services. Under her leadership, the agency has built a strong reputation for strategic communications excellence.
During the review period, Prosek contributed valuable perspectives on agency culture, leadership development, and attracting top communications talent in a rapidly evolving industry.
16. Tom Foremski
San Francisco, California, USA
Tom Foremski has long been recognized for his independent analysis of technology, media, and corporate communications. Through his writing and commentary, he provides critical perspectives on how organizations engage with journalists, audiences, and stakeholders.
His observations regarding AI, media disruption, and communications practices continued to offer valuable guidance for professionals navigating technology-driven change.
17. Holly Pavlika
Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
Holly Pavlika is a respected marketing and communications executive known for her expertise in content strategy, influencer marketing, and community engagement. Her work frequently focuses on demonstrating measurable business outcomes through integrated communications programs.
Throughout the review period, she continued educating professionals on building authentic audience relationships and adapting content strategies for changing digital environments.
18. Sabrina Horn
San Francisco, California, USA
Sabrina Horn is a veteran technology communications leader and founder of Horn Strategy. She has spent decades helping technology companies communicate effectively during periods of growth, innovation, and disruption.
Her thought leadership during 2025 and 2026 focused on authentic leadership communication, organizational trust, and navigating the challenges associated with AI-related hype and expectations.
19. Lee Odden
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Lee Odden is a leading authority on content marketing, search visibility, influencer engagement, and integrated communications strategy. His work bridges the gap between marketing and public relations, helping organizations create cohesive audience experiences.
As AI continued transforming search and content discovery, Odden provided practical guidance on maintaining visibility, authority, and relevance in evolving digital ecosystems.
20. Michelle Rosen Sapir
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Michelle Rosen Sapir is the co-founder and CEO of Bospar, a technology-focused public relations agency known for its innovative remote-first operating model. Her leadership has helped the agency earn recognition for growth and industry performance.
During the review period, Sapir frequently addressed agency transformation, talent management, operational efficiency, and the future of communications services in an AI-driven world.
21. Chip Griffin
Bow, New Hampshire, USA
Chip Griffin is the founder of the Agency Leadership Institute and a respected advisor to communications agency owners. Through educational programs, consulting, and podcasting, he helps agency leaders improve profitability, client management, and business development.
His practical insights on scaling agencies, managing teams, and building sustainable business models have made him a trusted voice among independent agency owners.
22. Carreen Winters
New York, USA
Carreen Winters serves as Chief Strategy Officer at MikeWorldWide and has earned a reputation as a strategic thinker in corporate reputation, crisis management, and organizational communications.
Her contributions during 2025 and 2026 included guidance on corporate purpose, stakeholder trust, reputation strategy, and strengthening diversity and educational initiatives within the communications profession.
23. Peter Himler
New York, USA
Peter Himler is a veteran communications professional with extensive experience in media relations and strategic communications. His perspectives draw upon decades of working closely with journalists and news organizations.
As media ecosystems continue evolving, Himler has provided valuable analysis on journalist expectations, earned media effectiveness, and the changing relationship between communications professionals and the press.
24. Adrienne Sheares
Washington, D.C., USA
Adrienne Sheares is the founder of InfluenceIQ and an emerging leader in community-driven communications strategy. Her work focuses on building engaged communities that generate meaningful relationships and organic advocacy.
During the review period, she explored how organizations can develop stronger audience connections through community-building rather than relying solely on traditional media outreach.
25. Frank Strong
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Frank Strong is the founder of Sword and the Script Media and one of the industry’s most research-focused communications professionals. His work combines data analysis, content strategy, and public relations insights to help organizations improve communications effectiveness.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, Strong published widely discussed research on media relations challenges, pitching effectiveness, and changing journalist behavior. His evidence-based approach continues to make him a highly trusted voice within the profession.
Conclusion
The communications landscape continues to evolve at a remarkable pace. Artificial intelligence, changing media consumption habits, declining institutional trust, and heightened reputation risks are forcing organizations to rethink how they communicate.
The 25 leaders featured here have helped guide that transformation through research, education, innovation, strategic thinking, and practical expertise. Their work is influencing how public relations professionals approach trust, reputation management, crisis response, measurement, leadership communication, and audience engagement in the modern era.
As the industry moves forward, these professionals will continue shaping the conversations, frameworks, and best practices that define the future of public relations.
