We all know that in PR, keeping up with industry changes – from evolving technology and communication channels to shifts in audience behavior – isn't just important. It’s essential. But keeping a pulse on industry trends certainly isn’t easy with everything else you’re juggling each day. In fact, staying ahead of the changing media landscape is the No. 1 industry challenge, according to a recent Cision survey of nearly 600 PR professionals.
So, what’s the secret to staying up to date?
One of the best ways to keep up is by tapping into the collective wisdom of the PR community. Your colleagues and peers are incredible sources of inspiration, insight, and support as you navigate the fast-paced world of PR.
With that in mind, we’ve gathered a list of some of the top PR influencers and experts you should follow right now:
1. Hajira Amla
Specialties: B2B PR, Content Marketing, SEO
Why We Like Her: Amla brings a unique blend of journalism and B2B public relations experience to the table. With a specialization in the tech and science sectors, she’s a passionate advocate for women in these fields. Be sure to check out her “editor’s notes” on LinkedIn for helpful reminders, strategic insights, and actionable advice.
Want to hear her speak? Amla was the first guest in episode 1 of our Deep Dive with Cision podcast, where she explored what AI really means for the future of PR and content creation.
Follow: LinkedIn | Newsletter
2. Fatou B. Barry
Specialities: Strategic Communications, Brand Development, DEIB Advocacy
Why We Like Her: Barry is a strategist and equity advocate who’s contributing to reshaping the comms industry from the inside out. For over a decade, she’s been supporting mission-driven brands and excels at impactful storytelling and strategic messaging. She also founded PR Girl Manifesto – a non-profit platform serving over 40,000 PR and marketing pros globally – and co-founded Hold the Press, creating accessible pipelines for underrepresented talent. Definitely follow her if you’re committed to building a more inclusive communications landscape.
3. Bill Byrne
Specialties: Media Relations, Brand Marketing
Why We Like Him: Byrne has built his reputation on securing major coverage for brands of all sizes, and he’s not shy about sharing his secrets. He regularly shares standout PR campaigns from both big and small brands and offers candid commentary on the latest news and trends in public relations.
Byrne joined us at our recent webinar, PR Trends 2025: Building Strategies That Drive Results. Hear what he (alongside Hajira Amla and Michelle Garrett, who are also included in this article) had to say about the key trends that are shaping the future of PR.
4. Allison Carter
Specialties: Content Strategist, Writing/Editing
Why We Like Her: As PR Daily’s editor-in-chief, Carter is at the forefront of the industry. Her superpower lies in making complex PR topics not just accessible, but also genuinely engaging. Head over to her LinkedIn feed for a steady stream of PR tips and thoughtful industry commentary.
Listen to Carter discuss today’s media landscape, and what PR pros can do to stand out, build stronger relationships, and land their next pitch in our webinar, The Media Mindset: What Journalists Want in 2025.
5. Jody Fisher
Specialties: Brand Storytelling, Media Relations
Why We Like Him: Fisher’s background as a reporter gives him a unique edge in PR, offering insider insights into how the media think. He's embraced TikTok to provide media relations tips and storytelling advice. His perspectives aren’t just informative – they’re also entertaining.
6. Kristin Gallucci
Specialities: Marketing Strategy, Customer Experience
Why We Like Her: We love Gallucci’s philosophy: Marketing is fundamentally about understanding people and creating meaningful moments. And we agree. She brings a perfect balance between marketing and technology, closing the gap between what companies promise and what their customers actually experience. Check out her posts (and blog) for insights on how your brand can live authentically in customers’ minds.
7. Michelle Garrett
Specialties: B2B PR, Content Creation, Media Relations
Why We Like Her: Garrett is a respected voice in public relations, known for her practical advice that bridges the gap between strategy and execution. Her passion for the field is evident in every piece of content she shares. Check out her blog and social feeds for valuable tips on media relations and content strategy.
8. Tim Gingrich
Specialities: Brand Strategy, Creative Strategy, Account Planning
Why We Like Him: Gingrich is an award-winning strategist who’s able to tackle some of the toughest challenges in the industry – he crafted bold campaigns for iconic brands like KFC and Intel. He’s also the mind behind the Big Inquiry framework , which he later turned into The Inquiry Machine (T.I.M.), a program using AI that helps teams ask the right questions. He’s also a part-time lecturer at Columbia University’s strategic communications program, shaping the next generation of strategic thinkers.
9. Sarah Kissko Hersh
Specialities: LinkedIn Marketing, Leadership Development, PR Relations
Why We Like Her: As a top 2% LinkedIn creator and award-winning PR strategist (25+ industry awards), Hersh is definitely someone you should follow. She’s built her reputation on helping professionals and teams break through barriers and maximize their impact through one-on-one coaching, training sessions, or consulting projects. With her results-driven approach, she helps agency founders navigate growth, corporate leaders build PR teams, and PR and comms pros unlock LinkedIn’s full potential.
10. Alysha Light
Specialties: Communications Strategy, Media Relations, Executive Visibility
Why We Like Her: Light combines deep PR expertise with a journalist's eye for a story, making her insights particularly valuable. She frequently speaks on PR topics and mentors newcomers to the industry. Light's content offers inspiration, real-world examples, and a behind-the-scenes look at PR strategy.
11. Carly Martinetti
Specialties: Media Relations, Social Media Marketing, Strategic Communications
Why We Like Her: Martinetti has co-founded Notably, a modern PR agency that helps high-growth companies accelerate expansion and secure significant investment. She’s a master of blending traditional PR with brilliant digital advertising and creative campaigns. What makes her stand out? Her journalist's instinct for compelling narratives, combined with her talent for cultivating authentic media relationships. Besides her agency work, she’s also a committed advocate for animal welfare, children’s causes, environmental protection, and science and technology initiatives.
12. Molly McPherson
Specialties: Crisis Communications, Media & Culture Analysis
Why We Like Her: McPherson has seen it all in her public relations career, particularly when it comes to managing crises. Her approach to PR reflects the shift toward digital, blending traditional wisdom with modern social media tactics. Her TikTok breakdowns of PR wins and fails in pop culture are not just entertaining, but deeply educational.
13. Simon Poulton
Specialities: Marketing Strategy, Customer Experience
Why We Like Him: For insights on data, metrics, and measurement, Poulton is your go-to expert. He operates at the critical intersection of digital marketing strategies and analytics, helping brands connect performance marketing dots and focus on growth-driving metrics. Make sure to listen to his podcast for insights on the complexities of modern marketing measurement.
Follow: LinkedIn | Podcast | X
14. Leah Rosenfeld
Specialities: Strategic Communications, Corporate Narrative Development
Why We Like Her: Rosenfeld has both agency and in-house experience, making her an expert in building communications systems that actually last. She helps leaders shift from reactive to sustainable strategies that drive measurable impact. With AI reshaping the comms landscape, she also translates complexity into practical, actionable frameworks you can implement right away.
15. Judy Smith
Specialities: Crisis Management, Reputation Management, Strategic Communications
Why We Like Her: As the founder and CEO of Smith & Company – and the real-life inspiration behind Olivia Pope in the hit TV show “Scandal” – Smith has over 25 years of experience in counselling presidents, world leaders, and Fortune 50 CEOs through their most complex challenges. A former federal prosecutor and Deputy White House Press Secreaty, she brings unparalleled crisis expertise to high-stakes situations. But the legendary career behind her is not all – she's also a thoughtful voice on leadership, using her influence to champion empathy and compassion as essential tools for building resilient teams and lasting organizational cultures.
16. Jeremy Tunis
Specialities: Crisis Communications, Public Affairs, Corporate Communications
Why We Like Him: An attorney with 20 years of experience navigating high-stakes communications, Tunis brings rare versatility across crisis management, legislative advocacy, and C-suite operations. Follow him for advice on coalition development, crisis preparedness, and thought leadership across different industries. A true philanthropist, he’s also supporting causes on education, environment, and disaster and humanitarian relief.
Follow: LinkedIn
17. Stephen Waddington
Specialties: Research, PR, Corporate Communications
Why We Like Him: Waddington has a keen eye for emerging PR trends and technologies. His content is filled with forward-looking perspectives, interesting research, and measurement strategies. We especially appreciate his insights on the evolving role of PR practitioners and advocacy for the value communicators bring to the table.
18. Brandon Watts
Specialities: Corporate Communications, Earned Media, Content Strategy
Why We Like Him: Once you follow him, you quickly learn that he’s “more press release than human” (as he describes himself). With over 20+ years of experience in PR & comms, he brings solid – and honest – advice on how to earn attention and press coverage in today’s noisy environment. As a former journalist, he knows both sides of the media pitch.
19. Myles Worthington
Specialties: Brand Marketing, Content Strategy, Multicultural PR
Why We Love Him: An experienced communication leader, Worthington is a champion for “underestimated audiences” (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, etc.) in the entertainment industry. His mission is “to change the industry for the better.” Worthington’s content offers a unique blend of PR tips, company updates, and personal perspectives.
20. Eileen Ziesemer
Specialities: Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Strategic Communications
Why We Like Her: Ziesemer’s passion shines through as she crafts insight-based strategies that deliver meaningful awareness, industry recognition, and bottom-line results. She believes that leading by example – at home, at work, and in communities – can create sustainable, tangible impact. Follow her for perspectives on transforming brands through authentic storytelling, driving purpose-led partnerships, and championing causes in sustainability, education, and science and technology.
Follow: LinkedIn
Final Thoughts
Following these PR experts and influencers is more than just a way to stay informed – it's an investment in your professional growth. Each of these thought leaders brings a different perspective and set of experiences to the table, offering insights that can help you navigate the complex and ever-changing world of public relations.
So go ahead, follow these PR pros, engage with their content, and don't be afraid to join the conversation.
Let us know who else is on your PR watch list – reach out on LinkedIn or X.
Editor’s note: This piece has been refreshed from an earlier version to include updated information, revised profiles, and newly added PR leaders whose work has made a significant impact over the past two years.
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About Bianca Parvu
Bianca is the Junior Copywriter at Cision, specializing in tech industry storytelling. She crafts engaging content across digital channels, from thought leadership to email marketing campaigns.