FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2026 Class of PRNEWS People of the Year To Be Celebrated At Awards Gala on October 6 in NYC
The communication industry’s prestigious recognition event brings together a veritable who’s who of noteworthy people from the dynamic PR community.
New York, NY (August 6, 2026)— PRNEWS, the communications industry's leading source for news, education and recognition, today announced its 2026 People of the Year honorees—an accomplished group of leaders, innovators and rising talent redefining the future of PR and communications.
Representing agencies, brands, nonprofits and the public sector, this year's honorees are recognized for advancing the profession through bold leadership, strategic thinking and measurable impact. Together, they reflect the evolving role communications plays in shaping organizations, reputations and culture.
2026 Honorees Include:
- Paul Anastasiadis, MSQ Sport + Entertainment
- Dara Busch, HAVAS PR North America
- Kent Callison, PlayCore
- Joanna Campbell, EvolveMKD
- Kevin Dulaney, SourceCode Communications
- Marissa Dunn, Peppercomm, a Ruder Finn Group Company
- Maria Esposito, Moxie Communications Group
- Pat Fitzgibbons, M&T Bank
- Chris Floore, Macon-Bibb County
- Brenden Lee, Yahoo
- Raquelle Lewis, Texas Department of Transportation
- Michelle Lyng, Novitas Communications
- Shannon McGovern, Current Global
- Kirsten McKenna, WPP Media
- Laura Michael, METRO
- Kinley Morgan, Sachs Media
- Paige Presley, AFLAC
- Coleman Pyeatt, Zilker Media
- Angela Salerno-Robin, dna Communications
- Maggie Squires, Moxie Communications Group
- Melissa Stavenhagen, SolComms
- Katrina Stern, Zeno Group
- Jake Sticka, Rational 360
- Nicole Sullivan, Gregory
- Brianna Sumter, USPS
- Jeff Watson, PPA Tour/Major League Pickleball
- And More!
View the full list of People of the Year honorees.
"Communications has never been more strategic, influential or essential to organizational success," said Kaylee Hultgren, Associate Publisher of Awards and Content at PRNEWS. "This year's People of the Year honorees represent the professionals who are setting that standard every day. From seasoned executives to emerging leaders, they are driving innovation, navigating complexity and elevating the impact of communications across every sector."
Honorees will be recognized during the PRNEWS Platinum Awards Gala on Tuesday, October 6, at The Lighthouse in New York City. The annual celebration brings together communications leaders from top agencies, brands, nonprofits and public sector organizations to recognize excellence across campaigns, teams and individual achievement.
For questions about attending the People of the Year Awards, contact Mary-Lou French at mfrench@accessintel.com. To become an event sponsor, contact Vernesa Merdanovic at vmerdanovic@accessintel.com.
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About PRNEWS:
Chief Marketer Network’s PRNEWS is a leading source of business intelligence, recognition, and community for communications professionals. Through award programs, events, and editorial coverage, PRNEWS spotlights excellence, innovation, and leadership across the PR and communications industry.
About Chief Marketer Network:
The Chief Marketer Network (CMN) is a leading marketing intelligence hub connecting a global portfolio of nine specialized media brands that span the primary channels of media and marketing — from advertising technology to PR and communications. With an aggregate audience of over 1 million marketing professionals, CMN delivers curated insights, trend forecasting, and cross-disciplinary coverage that empower marketers to stay ahead of what’s next. Trusted by industry leaders, the Chief Marketer Network is the go-to resource for actionable intelligence across the evolving marketing landscape. CMN brands include AdExchanger, Event Marketer, Chief Marketer, PRNEWS, LeadsCon, Cynopsis, and CFX.
Media Contact:
Mary-Lou French
Awards Manager, PRNEWS
mfrench@accessintel.com