PR’s Top Pros Talk

Davelyn Tardi Reyes, Public Relations Director at Discover Puerto Rico, discusses her tactics for building strong relationships with journalists. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed by engaging with local communities. Davelyn also shares an example of a successful brand partnership.

Sarah Wood, Founder and Chief Communication Consultant at Sarah Wood Communication, offers valuable insights on how organizations can utilize their owned channels. She emphasizes the importance of repurposing content while ensuring consistency and communication. Sarah also advises businesses not to underestimate the power of public relations in helping them achieve their vision.

Megan Noel, Global President of Corporate Affairs at Golin, offers valuable insights from Golin’s 2025 Trends Report. She underscores that business transformation and corporate reputation are now inseparable. This convergence demands that companies must approach every decision through a dual lens of operational excellence and reputational impact, recognizing that these elements are inextricably linked in driving long-term business impact.The companies that will win this year will be the ones that effectively communicate their business transformation story to their stakeholders while adapting to an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Curious about what’s next for communicators in 2025? In our second episode of “What to Watch for in 2025”, 12 of PR’s Top Pros share their unique perspectives. Topics covered include earned media, evolving client relationships, tech innovations, and more.Diana Littman, U.S. Chief Executive Officer, MSL Chris Hook, Communications Lead, CadenceLucia Lee, Vice President of Media and Public Affairs, Mount Sinai Health SystemMichael Rinaldo, Senior Health Communications Consultant at Michael Rinaldo Health CommunicationsMegan Noel, Global President, Corporate Affairs, GolinJoe Gargiulo, Executive Vice President, Coyne Public RelationsAmira Barger, Executive Vice President of Health Communications and DEI Advisory at EdelmanMichael Kempner, Founder and CEO of MikeWorldWideVanessa Donohue, Vice President of Health, AntennaJeff Winton, Founder and Chairman of Rural Minds and CEO of Jeff Winton AssociatesJackie Cox Battles, New York Consumer Brand Practice Lead and North America Consumer Brand Practice Growth Lead, Weber ShandwickKristi Tyll, Managing Partner, Stratacomm

Renee Mailhiot, Senior Vice President of Earned Media at Edelman, explains how she collaborates with clients to understand their media coverage goals. She shares how she prepares spokespeople to deliver authentic messages that align with the company's narrative. Renee also emphasizes the importance of cultivating strong relationships with journalists in today’s ever-changing earned media environment.

Kary Zate, Senior Director of Marketing Communications at Locus Robotics, and Christina Gorini, Vice President at FINN Partners, discuss how they combat misinformation through education. Christina explains how they create in-person experiences to create deeper understanding and engagement. Kary shares insights on how he utilizes testimonials to increase brand awareness.

Mike Gehrig, Managing Director of The Motion Agency, delves into the role of media relations in driving meaningful outcomes. Mike discusses how effective media relations tactics can expand a story's reach and audience engagement. He also emphasizes the importance of analyzing data to uncover meaningful insights.

What’s in store for communicators in 2025? 11 PR’s Top Pros share their top insights in our first episode of What to Watch for in 2025. Some of the topics discussed include challenges navigating disinformation, diversifying media, and the balance between AI and human intelligence. - Doug Simon, CEO, D S Simon Media - Bradley Akubuiro, Partner, Bully Pulpit International - Renee Mailhiot, Senior Vice President of Earned Media, Edelman - Raoul Bhavnani, Chief Communications Officer, Betterment - Julie Murphy, President, Sage Communications - Mike Doyle, Global CEO, Ketchum - Emily Teitelbaum, Chief Communications Officer, Libra Group - Saul Hafenbredl, Partner at CB&A, A FINN Partners Company, in the Global Education Practice - Monique Kelley, Associate Professor of the Practice at Boston University and CEO & Founder of Monique Kelley Consulting - Shauna Keough, President, U.S. Public Relations, Syneos Health - Blake Simpson, Senior Vice President, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Adtalem Global Education

Emily Teitelbaum, Chief Communications Officer of Libra Group, shares her proactive approach to understanding and leveraging AI. She highlights how comms can lead an organization in adopting new technology and how AI can enhance authenticity and foster collaboration. Emily also reflects on the expanding expectations of – and opportunities for – the CCO.

Bradley Akubuiro, Partner at Bully Pulpit International, discusses valuable insights on how communicators can combat disinformation. Bradley highlights the importance of aligning goals with business objectives. He also shares the importance of leading with your values.