We know what it takes to thrive through change because it’s driven our success as one of the nation’s Top PR firms for more than a decade. Our industry, like yours, is ever-evolving. In order to adapt to that, we’ve been intentional with our evolution, adding new contemporary capabilities, new types of talent and new investments in technology to enhance our offering and make our clients more successful – whether we're promoting or protecting your brand. Our approach combines earned, influencer and social media to motivate action against business goals and drive influence across targets.
Beth is a highly motivated, dynamic Gatesman veteran with a proven record of leading award-winning communications, PR and social media programs across industries including retail, technology, energy, nonprofit, healthcare, financial services and food service. Her client campaigns have earned more than 80 national and regional awards spanning media relations, social, events and community engagement.
Accredited in crisis communications and reputation risk management by PRSA, Beth is nationally recognized for her media relations expertise – trusted by top-tier journalists and producers to deliver timely, compelling stories. Her work has secured standout headlines in outlets such as ABC News, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, and HuffPost. A strategic thinker with a new-age PR mindset, she excels at navigating complex business challenges with creativity, agility and precision.
Beth is a PRWeek 40 Under 40 nominee, the 2024 PRSA Pittsburgh Communicator of the Year, and a 2024 inductee into the Slippery Rock University Communication and Media Hall of Fame. A skilled writer, she has contributed thought leadership to Forbes, Advertising Week and Ragan, and regularly serves as a global judge for PRNews’ Platinum Awards. Passionate, relentless and results-driven, Beth shows up every day with one goal – to win for her clients.
Susan English believes that the right insight, uncovered at the right moment, can change everything. For 25+ years, she’s helped brands see their audiences more clearly—and connect in ways that inspire action. At Gatesman, Susan leads the strategic communications function, merging data and human perspectives to guide core messaging, uncover new opportunities, and design programs that resonate.
Susan's work spans industries from healthcare and energy to education and B2B. Her programs have been nationally recognized for creativity and impact, and several of her client relationships have lasted more than a decade. With expertise in strategic planning, Susan has helped shape her clients’ most foundational messaging including vision, mission and values. She has also helped guide them in developing thought leadership and engagement platforms in areas such as corporate giving, multicultural marketing, managed care, customer education, and social media. Susan is the force behind Gatesman's proprietary research studies and frameworks, including Gen Z Reframed and Women ReKnown, which help clients navigate shifting demographics and cultural trends.
A committed community leader, Susan co-founded the Pittsburgh Youth Mental Health Alliance and serves on the board of St. Lucy’s Auxiliary to the Blind. Known for blending sharp strategic thinking with warmth and candor, Susan brings an energy that makes people lean in—whether in a brainstorm, a boardroom or on stage.
Shannon is a bold and transformative leader, driving strategic and creative excellence as President of Gatesman. Known for her authenticity, collaboration and enduring commitment, she challenges where it matters and supports where it counts, ensuring the agency thrives through innovation, culture, and client impact. Under her leadership, Gatesman has significantly expanded its capabilities, specializations, and client roster, redefining what’s possible in marketing and communications.
With two decades of experience spanning agencies and journalism, she brings a broad industry perspective. She partners with clients nationwide, building powerful relationships, mentoring talent, and curating high-performance, diverse teams that deliver cutting-edge solutions—faster, smarter, and more effectively.
A passionate advocate for equity in the industry, Shannon has been instrumental in breaking gender and diversity barriers. She has intentionally built a senior leadership team that is over 70% female, aligning with the influence of the female consumer, setting a new standard for workplace excellence, equitable culture and driving the agency’s top-tier Gallup employee engagement scores. Her relentless focus on inclusivity and empowerment is a hallmark of her leadership.
Shannon’s impact extends far beyond Gatesman. She is a nationally recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, and award-winning executive, with accolades including induction into the 2025 American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement, PRNews Platnium Award and Chief Marketer's Person of the Year, PRSA Pittsburgh Hall of Fame and the City & State Above and Beyond Award for distinguished women in Pennsylvania. She was appointed to the 2026 NFL Draft Communications Committee and was recently featured in Forbes. She has earned prestigious honors such as Top Women in Business by the American Business Journals, Most Influential Women in Business in Pittsburgh, and Smart 50’s Mid-Atlantic’s Top Executives. Twice nominated for the ATHENA Award, she has also been recognized as one of the region’s top C-suite leaders at the Fox Rothschild Outstanding CEOs and Top Executives awards and she is an active member of CHIEF.
Beyond her professional achievements, Shannon channels her boundless energy into community leadership and mentorship. She serves as the first female Chairman of the Board for Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Vice Chair of VisitPittsburgh’s Executive Board, and a Director for the American Advertising Federation – Pittsburgh. A dedicated wife, mom and relentless Peloton enthusiast, she also coaches youth basketball, embodying her passion for mentorship, role-modeling and developing the next generation of leaders in all aspects of life.
Prior to her current role as President of Gatesman, Shannon held the position of EVP, Director of Public Relations and Social Media. She built the agency’s public relations practice from the ground up and in under five years it was recognized as one of the nation’s Top 100 Independent PR firms according to O’Dwyer’s PR rankings - a distinction the practice still maintains today. In addition, she earned the agency exclusive membership into the IPREX global network of top communications firms, and became PRSA’s Agency of the Year - twice. Her work in public relations has been widely recognized with awards from PRSA, IABC, AdFed and the AMA.
Today she continues to provide executive counsel on integrated communications campaigns, reputation management and crisis communications as well as national media campaigns. She frequently speaks at industry and university events and has shared her expertise and insights with The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, PR Week, Adweek, Campaign US and numerous others.
