Honorees will be celebrated on June 4 in New York City and join a growing community of women leaders across media, marketing and communications
New York, NY (April 21, 2025)—PRNEWS, the communications industry’s essential source for news, education and recognition, today announced its 2026 Top Women in PR & Communications honorees—an accomplished group of leaders driving innovation, influence and impact across the communications landscape.
This year’s honorees represent a dynamic cross-section of talent spanning agencies, brands, nonprofits and independent consultancies. From navigating complex reputational challenges to building breakthrough campaigns and leading organizations through change, they are redefining how communications drives business and cultural impact.
Beyond their professional achievements, these women are recognized for their leadership, mentorship and commitment to advancing the industry—supporting teams, elevating new voices and shaping the future of PR and communications.
The 2026 Top Women in PR & Communications honorees include:
- Kate Achille, The Devon Group
- Kathryn Chappell, FleishmanHillard
- Nancy Cuocci, BPCM
- Kathryn DeVito, FTI Consulting
- Elizabeth Edwards, Volume PR
- Filomena Fanelli, Impact PR & Communications
- Jenna Guarneri, JMG Public Relations
- Heather Holmes, Publicity for Good
- Kilee Hughes, Six One Agency
- Argentina James, HillDay
- Kat Jones, Motiv
- Courtney Klopfer, Citi
- Valerie Martinez, VMA Communications
- Michele Murray, Ketchum
- Maggie Philbin, VSC PR
- Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Technica Communications
- Melissa Rosenfield, IFP Communications
- Haley Snider, Zilker Media
- Margy Sweeney, Akrete
- Katie Thomas, Nationwide Children's Hospital/The Kids Mental Health Foundation
- Catherine Turco King, Avoq
View the full list of 2026 honorees.
“This year’s Top Women in PR & Communications honorees exemplify the leadership, creativity and resilience that continue to push our industry forward,” said Kaylee Hultgren, Content Director of PRNEWS. “They are not only delivering meaningful impact for their organizations and clients, but also shaping the future of communications through mentorship, innovation and a commitment to excellence.”
As part of this recognition, honorees are welcomed into the Top Women Network, a growing cross-industry community designed to foster connection, visibility and ongoing engagement among women leaders across media, marketing, technology and communications.
The 2026 Top Women in PR & Communications honorees will be celebrated at the upcoming Top Women Awards Celebration on June 4, 2026, at Current in New York City, where industry leaders will gather for an afternoon of recognition, connection and community. The event serves as a signature moment for the Top Women Network, bringing together the women shaping the future of PR and communications. Register now.
For more information, please visit www.prnewsonline.com. For questions about attending the PRNEWS + Chief Marketer Top Women Awards Celebration, contact Mary-Lou French at mfrench@accessintel.com. To become an event sponsor or for information about congratulatory ads, contact Vernesa Merdanovic at vmerdanovic@accessintel.com.
About PRNEWS:
PRNEWS is the leading media brand and event platform providing business intelligence and in-person experiences for the PR and communications industry. Through awards programs, content and community-building initiatives, PRNEWS recognizes excellence and connects professionals shaping the future of communications. For more information, visit www.prnewsonline.com.
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, AdMonsters, Cynopsis, and CFX.
About Top Women Network:
The Top Women Network is a cross-industry community connecting women leaders across media, marketing, technology and communications. Powered by the Chief Marketer Network, it brings together a portfolio of industry-leading brands—including Chief Marketer, AdExchanger, PRNEWS, Cynopsis, CFX, Folio:, LeadsCon and Event Marketer—to create a platform for recognition, connection and ongoing engagement. Through awards programs, events and content, the network is designed to elevate women leaders, amplify their impact and foster meaningful relationships across the industry.