Public Relations Advisors Professionals to Watch 2025

I help develop and execute PR strategies for RizeUp Media and its clients.

Former TV correspondent turned Media trainer & PR strategist helping you better reach and communicate with the press.

Tieja MacLaughlin is a sought-after public relations and crisis management consultant for individuals, executives, and brands who are experiencing reputation damage including social media fallout, legal issues, and other sensitive matters that may attract media attention or public scrutiny. Tieja offers a no nonsense real-world approach to traditional crisis communications, and is frequently relied upon as a strategic asset in high-stakes scenarios. Tieja’s background in media and communications, combined with her personal lived experience, has bolstered her natural ability to seamlessly navigate chaos and turn reputational disasters into redemption arcs. www.tiejamaclaughlin.com

For over 17 years, I have implemented successful public relations campaigns and initiatives for a variety of tech companies in North America and across the globe. With deep expertise in the tech industry, I have developed and executed communications strategies and media campaigns that consistently advance both the reputation and business objectives of my clients. My PR experience extends across a wide range of tech related industries – from startups to more well-known brands – including cybersecurity, telecom (VoIP/UC), cloud computing, consumer tech, higher education, storage/virtualization, IT/networking, KVM/Pro AV, open source and document management. Leveraging proven analyst relations and media research techniques, my PR efforts have helped clients increase their overall coverage numbers and SOV percentages, and generated interest that ultimately led to numerous lucrative acquisitions and funding rounds. In my "spare" time, I am the owner and creator of SnuffleMutt snuffle mats (a work-to-eat toy for dogs).

Sarah Mawji-Walker created Venture Strategies (formerly Final Edit Media & PR) following a pivotal moment in her career when she put a North American brokerage on the map, leading it to receive a nine figure equity injection through the support of public relations. Today, under Sarah's leadership and guidance, Venture Strategies has established itself as a rapidly growing firm supporting clients in key industries across North America. Sarah has worked with Fortune 500 companies, some of the world's top beauty brands and emerging companies. She was invited to join the Forbes Business Council in 2023 and named to the Qwoted 100 List three years in a row for excellence in PR leadership and fast and effective communication with the media. Venture Strategies believes in giving back to the community and has helped several notable organizations including Dress for Success and Hockey Helps the Homeless.

I'm a high energy and high impact PR pro, hunting down stories, engaging leaders and executing persuasive multichannel strategies for more than 15 years. What has the road looked like?Moving around as a kid taught me to embrace diverse perspectives and learn new languages (literally and figuratively).Fundraising taught me that audience analysis fuels persuasive pitching, and that listening is everything.Consulting at independent PR agencies taught me to balance quick wins with effective long-term strategies, in any market and on any budget. Leading corporate PR at a Fortune 500 medtech company taught me to navigate heavily matrixed organizations, find reputation-building stories everywhere and tell them so they stick.And parenting two small kids (especially through a pandemic!) taught me more about living my values—and staying cool under pressure—than any challenge I’ve ever taken on at work.All of it taught me to find the fun wherever I am, and what it really means to show up for myself, my teams and the organizations I serve. Onward!

PR strategist helping business leaders achieve their competitive edge by clarifying key messaging to create newsworthy content. My clients have achieved national and regional media coverage that delivers category leadership while catapulting key executives to industry thought leaders.

Stepping into the dynamic world of marketing and public relations, my independent consultancy has reshaped brand narratives and elevated market positions for illustrious clients across fashion, entertainment, and sports. The cornerstone of our success lies in forging strategic influencer-brand partnerships and producing gripping digital content, which has notably spiked brand recognition and engagement for clients like Sony and Calvin Klein. Within this ever-evolving sphere, our team has championed the development of transformative marketing communications and new media strategies, harnessing the power of social networking to capture and captivate target audiences. Our approach has not only increased brand reputation by 50% but also played a pivotal role in driving substantial market share growth. With a linguistic versatility in English, Twi, and Spanish, we continue to build and maintain enduring international relationships and foster brand growth on a global scale.

As CEO and Founder of Woodrow, Charlie leads the firm’s global delivery, advising leaders through complex communications challenges. Having served as a trusted advisor to multiple Heads of State and CEOs, he played a pivotal role in steering the Liberian government’s response during the Ebola crisis. Charlie specialises in strategic communications, crisis management, and high-stakes advisory. His work spans multinational companies, global philanthropic organisations, major transactions, and the challenges and opportunities facing scaling firms. He helps brands speak and find their voice in an ever more complex environment, thriving at the intersection of society, culture, and politics. He works closely with leaders on profile raising and reputation management, supports clients through crises and litigation, and regularly advises on sensitive international issues. Under his leadership, Woodrow became a Financial Times 1000 company in 2023 and 2024. He is a two-time PRWeek Global Award winner and was recognised by PRovoke as one of the top 25 innovators in global communications.

A highly accomplished marketing communications leader with a track record of delivering exceptional results for dozens of fast growth companies, ranging from prominent unicorns to emerging startups.

Brandi Sims, the visionary behind Brandinc PR, serves as the esteemed Founder & CEO. With an impressive track record spanning over 15 years, Sims has honed her expertise in the intricate realms of public relations, digital marketing, and the meticulous planning of PR events for her esteemed clientele. Her extensive skill set has been cultivated through collaborations with a diverse array of entities, including public figures, nonprofit organizations, government entities, corporations, and dynamic small to midsize businesses. Sims' clientele is as diverse as her expertise, hailing from a myriad of sectors such as Arts & Humanities, Literature, Sports, Beauty & Skincare, and beyond. The impact of her work has been monumental, with clients securing prominent coverage in renowned publications like Forbes, ESPN, Fox News, The New Yorker, Cosmopolitan, and numerous others. Her professional accomplishments are a testament to her unwavering dedication to excellence. This includes recognition from Design Rush Top Public Relations Company & Top Influencer Marketing Agencies, Expertise.com Best Digital Marketing Agencies in Austin, Soigne + Swank’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Arts, Culture and Entertainment, Davos Digital PR Awards Best PR Agency for 2021 and recipient of the Southwest Ledger 12:10 To The Top Award, recognizing young leaders helping Oklahoma become a top ten state. Sims is a current doctoral candidate at Liberty University, where she is passionately pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Media Communications, a testament to her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of her expertise. Her influence extends far beyond the academic realm. Brandi Sims is a recognized leader in various spheres, making a lasting impact on both local and national fronts. She proudly serves as a Local Leader representing Austin, Texas on the Forbes BLK Advisory Council, lending her insights and vision to a prestigious platform. Furthermore, Sims holds the esteemed position of National Chair for the Public Relations Society of America's Entertainment & Sports Executive Committee, an influential role that reflects her prowess and prominence in the field of public relations. Her dedication to the community and gender equity in the State of Oklahoma is unmistakable, having previously served as the Board Chair for the Oklahoma Women's Coalition. She frequently participates as a speaker, moderator, and participant at conferences and events, sharing her wealth of knowledge and insights with eager audiences.

Ulrika Gustafson, LL.M, PCC, is a certified Executive Coach PCC and former attorney, City Manager, and C-suite executive. She has rebuilt her career across five countries and three continents, leading government systems and senior teams through political pressure, organizational turbulence, and high-visibility moments where trust and credibility are on the line. Today she advises Fortune 500 leaders on executive presence, organizational politics, cross-cultural leadership, and how behavior at the top shapes performance, morale, and reputation. Her work draws on two decades of leading complex systems, managing high-stakes conflict, and coaching executives whose decisions carry real consequences for people, culture, and the bottom line. Reporters turn to Ulrika for grounded, experience-based insight on leadership under pressure, workplace behavior, manager–employee dynamics, talent strategy, and how power actually moves inside organizations.

Shelisa Demuth is a public relations executive and media startup founder specializing in go-to-market strategy for emerging brands and leaders. With over 15 years of demonstrated leadership in strategic communications and entrepreneurial support, she is the founder of LAUREL, a public relations firm for innovation ecosystems and the people who lead them. Her track record of innovative entrepreneurial activity is extensive, founding three companies and contributing communications and sales and communications leadership to several others. She is the former executive director at The Beta Group, the nonprofit organization which operates BETA, Twin Cities Startup Week and tech.mn. During her tenure, the organization doubled its community size from 25,000 to over 50,000 and successfully expanded programs for access to capital for founders representing underrepresented communities, thus connecting founders to over $17M in venture capital funds in 2022. In 2023, Demuth launched a leadership profile series, RISING ICONS, which features innovators from startup, philanthropy, risk capital, research, government and corporations who are disrupting industries and shaping our world. The series received grant funding from Knight Foundation and is positioned to feature over 200 leaders in its first year, providing participating ICONS a platform and support developing key opinion leadership strategy. Demuth's work is fueled by a passion for innovation, connection and belonging, a nod to her formative experiences growing up in a rural town in the midwest. Considered by peers as a disruptor for social good, she stays engaged in work that advances innovation and accelerates economic empowerment in her home state of Minnesota.Her leadership extends to community organizations where she serves as a member of the board of directors for Junior Achievement North, on the advisory board at LaunchMN and the leadership council at Forge North.

From Un-Employed to Award-winning! Amore Philip is a nationally quoted PR strategist and small business consultant who brings real-world entrepreneurial experience to every conversation. After being laid off in 2008, she built Apples & Oranges Public Relations into an award-winning agency based in New York’s media capital. She’s been mentioned in Inc., Fast Company, Forbes Advisor, Fox Business, and The Independent, offering clear, quotable insight on celebrity branding, reputation management, leadership, and the evolving media landscape. With experience across tech, lifestyle, government, and B2B sectors, Amore is known for breaking down complex stories into smart, accessible commentary that resonates on-air and in print.

PR, Marketing, Business Development, Business Services and Products Online and Offline.

A senior communications practitioner and corporate storyteller with a decade's experience across strategic communications, public relations, journalism, brand management, and creative advertising, I've helped early-stage founders and senior executives navigate today's distracted, diverse, and multi-stakeholder information landscape to achieve their business objectives while staying true to who they are.

Dynamic and results-driven communications professional with over seven years of experience in crafting compelling messaging and enhancing brand awareness. Seeking to leverage strong writing, content creation, and strategic communications skills to contribute effectively to teams. Known for delivering high-impact communications strategies that drive engagement and support organizational goals.

Passionate and professional are qualities that make me an Emmy Award-winning producer. With years of experience in the television industry -- including producing the #1 morning show in Los Angeles, "Good Day LA", working on celebrity talk shows, game shows, reality shows, home shows and developing & launching shows. Available to work as NYC local.

Samantha DeRose is an award-winning publicist and the co-founder and president of Liminal Public Relations & Communications. She is known for transforming under-recognized brands into market leaders through integrated campaigns that blend earned media, thought leadership, content strategy and executive communications. After nearly a decade leading campaigns across sustainability, tech, social impact, the built environment and everything in between, she noticed a common challenge: great stories were going untold. ​DeRose works with brands to uncover what makes them meaningful and turn it into messaging that resonates with audiences both internally and externally. Her approach combines media relations, executive thought leadership, digital storytelling and strategic messaging to deliver campaigns that increase visibility, strengthen market positioning and drive measurable results. ​ She specializes in brand strategy and positioning, helping organizations clarify who they are, why they matter and how to communicate it clearly across initiatives. She partners with executives to translate their expertise into bylined articles, LinkedIn content, speaking opportunities and media placements that build credibility and authority. She also develops award strategies, positioning standout work and leaders for industry recognition and project honors, and ensures events make a lasting impact through strategic messaging, speaker prep, talking points and follow-up content. ​ ​Her work has earned coverage in virtually every major Phoenix outlet, as well as national consumer and trade media, including USA Today, CNN International, CNET, CoStar News, FOX Weather Wild, Better Homes & Gardens, Architectural Digest, HGTV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Love It or List It, Modern Luxury Magazine, iHeart Media and more. Beyond mainstream media, she has secured placements in top AEC and CRE publications, leveraging technical expertise to craft compelling narratives that influence decision-makers and industry peers. Her portfolio spans global brands and regional leaders, including Kingspan Light + Air North America, Solatube International, Kingspan Insulation North America, Skanska USA, LGE Design Build, Diversified Partners, LGO Hospitality (Buck & Rider), Phoenix Art Museum, The Phoenix Symphony, St. Joseph the Worker and Vincent’s on Camelback.