Public Relations Advisors Professionals to Watch 2025

Hailey Widrig, founder of Art Partners Advisory, is a seasoned art advisor and appraiser specializing in 20th-21st Century Fine Art and Photography. With over 15 years of experience in the art world, Hailey has analysed thousands of artworks from galleries, artists and auction houses on behalf of clients. A member of Association of Professional Art Advisors and an accredited member of the Appraisers Association of America, she provides USPAP-compliant art appraisals for insurance, donations and estates. Hailey is the only art advisor holding these qualifications in Paris, France, where she has lived since 2014. Her unique position in the art market allows her to work with private collectors and corporate clients to build and maintain some of the most significant art collections in Europe and abroad. Hailey is fluent in both English and French languages.

Scientist turned media strategist. Websites: JCSStrategies.com (Media Strategy, Branding & Public Relations) DrJordanSchaul.com (Zoology & Veterinary Science) AnimalTrainerDude.com (Animal Training/Behavior Consulting) ScapegoatStrength (Psychology & Social Science) Profiles: muckrack.com/jordanschaul (Muck Rack Profile) imdb.com/name/nm4721849/ (IMDb Profile)

I’m Cristy Verdeja Zaldívar—a strategic communications and marketing leader with over 15 years of experience transforming how brands connect, grow, and lead. As CEO of Pointe Connect, I consult for companies across industries—from nimble startups to global Fortune 500s—offering high-level strategy rooted in clarity, creativity, and results. I specialize in diagnosing challenges, crafting messaging that resonates, and building marketing and communications frameworks that drive real business impact. Known for my sharp instincts and innovative thinking, I’m the person teams call when they need to elevate their brand, reset their approach, or navigate complexity with confidence. My expertise spans corporate communications, PR, digital strategy, crisis and issues management, and multicultural marketing. I’ve advised industry giants, led global campaigns, and built cross-functional teams that deliver. I’m a bilingual storyteller (English/Spanish + conversational French) with a global mindset and a deep belief in the power of connection. Whether I’m guiding an executive team or rolling up my sleeves with a small business owner, I bring vision, structure, and momentum to every engagement.

Mark MacDonald is a seasoned strategist and creative with 4 decades of expertise in powerful Branding and Marketing Communication based on reliable research. He's the go-to guide for effective church communication, branding, and logos. As a bestselling author, engaging speaker, and founder of BeKnownforSomething.com, Mark empowers church leaders to communicate with impact.

Christine Pietryla Wetzler is a seasoned marketing and communications leader, fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and the founder of Pietryla PR & Marketing. Christine specializes in helping packaging, energy, and manufacturing companies improve their brand awareness, market share, and profitability. Her expertise spans strategic marketing, branding, digital engagement, and crisis communication, making her a trusted partner to businesses ranging from $1 million to $500 million in annual sales. Throughout her career, Christine has held executive roles with prominent organizations like Dow Packaging and National Coal Corp. She has also led high-stakes marketing initiatives for global brands such as Pregis, Accredo Packaging, and Servidyne. Christine has a proven track record of successfully managing cross-functional teams, launching products, and executing complex marketing campaigns that deliver measurable results. As a fractional CMO, Christine excels in developing tailored marketing strategies, aligning sales and marketing efforts, and enhancing customer acquisition and retention. Her strategic leadership has helped companies navigate crises, build stronger brands, and position themselves as industry leaders. She also contributes thought leadership as a writer for publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Packaging Technology Today, solidifying her role as a trusted voice in the industry. Christine’s notable achievements include implementing global media relations campaigns, pioneering digital marketing strategies, managing crisis communications, and driving market expansion for international organizations. Her experience with investor relations adds another layer of expertise to her diverse skill set. In addition to her professional work, Christine is an active community leader, previously serving on the University of Florida’s Public Relations Advisory Board and other nonprofit boards. Her past leadership roles include serving as Vice Chair of Communications for the Chicago Public Library Foundation Junior Board and as an executive board member for the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse. Currently, she is the public image chair for the Lake Zurich Rotary Club. Christine is passionate about helping businesses succeed in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. Whether leading a team, advising on high-level strategy, or writing about industry trends, she brings a thoughtful, results-driven approach to every project.

For over 30 years, Jim has been a change agent in the nonprofit and public sectors. Just recently, he finished his 7th interim executive position. Jim was the Interim CEO of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, a visual and performing arts center in the heart of the cultural and convention district of San Francisco. There, he helped reduce a projected $4M deficit to $600k surplus and built back trust with the staff after a major public relations crisis. Previously, Jim was the Interim CEO of Downtown Streets Team, a nonprofit rated as one of California’s top five evidence-based best practices in transitioning the homeless to self-sufficiency. Over 18 months, he turned an $800,000 deficit into a $500,000 surplus while also paying off a third of their debt. Previously, he served as the interim executive director of five other nonprofits. His additional positions include acting as the Chief Communications Officer for the American Red Cross in Colorado, the interim Chief Operating Officer for More than Me (an international nonprofit for girls in Africa), and the Chief External Relations Officer for the Minnesota Zoo. In addition to his nonprofit work, Jim is passionate about good government. Jim was the VP of Strategy at CivicMakers, a San Francisco government innovation consultancy. There, he co-facilitated a three year strategic roadmap for the City of Hayward and designed process improvements for over 40 internal procedures for the City of Berkeley. As a 2014 Humphrey School Policy Fellow, 2013 White House Innovation Fellow finalist, and winner of the 2012 Minnesota Idea Open, he has been recognized for excellence within the public sector. Jim holds a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from the University of Pennsylvania.

Nancy J. Capistran, PCC, is a nationally recognized Executive Coach, Vistage Chair, and Board Director with a reputation for elevating leaders and organizations in complex, high-stakes environments. As Founder and CEO of Capistran Leadership, Nancy partners with senior executives and boards to accelerate growth, sharpen decision-making, and drive results with clarity, agility, and impact. Nancy’s background spans executive leadership coaching, culture transformation, strategic planning, risk and crisis advising, and organizational performance. With a keen understanding of the pressures facing today’s leaders, Nancy brings practical, actionable insights that help organizations strengthen culture, boost engagement, and achieve sustainable growth. Boardroom experience adds trusted guidance in governance, risk management, and strategic alignment, ensuring organizations are positioned to navigate change, mitigate risk, and seize new opportunities. As a Vistage Chair, Nancy facilitates high-performing peer advisory groups for CEOs and business owners, challenging leaders to broaden their perspectives, confront critical issues, and achieve breakthrough outcomes. The facilitation style is direct, results-oriented, and grounded in real-world business acumen, making Nancy a sought-after resource for leaders who want to think bigger and move faster. Nancy’s work has earned multiple “Best Executive Coach” awards and has featured insights in major media outlets. Known for the ability to reframe complex challenges, spark innovation, and unlock untapped leadership potential, Nancy is frequently called upon to advise on leadership strategy, board effectiveness, and organizational resilience. Proprietary frameworks and a candid, straightforward approach help executives and teams cut through noise, focus on what matters most, and deliver measurable results. Clients describe Nancy as a trusted sounding board and catalyst for positive change—someone who challenges assumptions, fosters accountability, and inspires leaders to reach new heights. Whether guiding a Board through strategic pivots or coaching a CEO through high-pressure decisions, Nancy brings clarity, composure, and a relentless focus on excellence. For actionable insights on leadership, Board governance, or organizational transformation, Nancy Capistran delivers clear, candid advice that empowers executives and teams to thrive. Connect directly at nancy@capistranleadership.com.