Public Relations Advisors Professionals to Watch 2025

From global newsrooms to celebrity green rooms, I’ve spent over 20 years turning bold ideas and expert voices into stories that resonate. My journey began in journalism, reporting for CNN, NBC and Euronews, where I interviewed world leaders, artists, change makers and entrepreneurs. I later stepped into the world of PR, leading purpose-driven campaigns with iconic figures like Jane Goodall, Dame Judi Dench, and Ricky Gervais, landing headlines and interviews in the BBC, CNN, Reuters, ABC, Newsweek, ITV, and beyond. I’ve written across every format and platform: from news tickers to press releases, video scripts to public speeches. Whether for a major broadcaster or a personal brand, my work helps voices cut through the noise and connect with audiences that matter. Today, I use that experience to help thought leaders, experts and businesses craft their message, shape their public-facing profiles, and connect with global media. Whether you're shaping a brand, sharing a mission, or finding your voice, I’m here to turn your story into something bold, original, and unforgettable.

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.

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.