Honored for her extraordinary leadership and mentorship, Baker has inspired growth, empowered others and left an outsized impact on colleagues while shaping the future of the communications industry

PITTSBURGH – OCT. 6, 2025 – Gatesman proudly announces that its President, Shannon Baker, has been named a Chief Marketer/PRNEWS 2025 Person of the Year in the Mentor category, recognizing her extraordinary leadership, dedication to cultivating the next generation of communicators and unwavering commitment to advancing talent in the industry.

Baker joins an elite group of industry innovators, trailblazers and changemakers recognized annually by PRNEWS for their contributions to shaping the future of communications. The 2025 People of the Year Awards will be celebrated at the Platinum PR Awards Gala on October 7, 2025, at Pier Sixty in New York City, where the communications industry’s most visionary leaders and rising stars will gather for its most prestigious night of recognition.

“Each of our People of the Year honorees have made an indelible mark on the communications field,” said Kaylee Hultgren, Content Director for PRNEWS. “From breaking new ground to championing meaningful change, they reflect the ingenuity and excellence that define our industry at its best.”

As a recognized leader and mentor, Baker has built her career on the belief that great communication begins with great connection. She leads with passion, strategic vision and a commitment to nurturing talent at every level of the organization. Her leadership has been characterized not only by results, but also by her willingness to invest in the growth of colleagues, champion new voices, and foster an environment where mentorship is not just encouraged – but expected.

Under her leadership, Gatesman has evolved into one of the most respected independent marketing communications agencies in the nation, celebrated for its culture of curiosity, creativity, collaboration and inclusivity. 

“I’m deeply honored to be recognized among this incredible class of communicators,” said Baker. “Mentorship has always been a cornerstone of my career – it’s the most meaningful part of what I do. Helping others grow, thrive and see what’s possible for themselves is both a privilege and a responsibility I take to heart.”

The Platinum PR Awards Gala, hosted by PRNEWS, will feature a red-carpet networking reception, elegant dinner and awards program and the renowned Platinum After Party, convening more than 450 industry leaders, top brands and powerhouse agencies to celebrate the individuals and campaigns that have defined excellence in communications this year.

Baker’s recognition as a PRNEWS Person of the Year follows a long list of accolades for both her and Gatesman, including recognition from American Advertising Federation – Pittsburgh as an inductee into its esteemed Hall of Achievement and also this year from PRSA Pittsburgh as a member of its 2025 Hall of Fame.  

For more information, please visit gatesmanagency.com or keep up with #TeamGatesman on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

About Gatesman:

With offices in Pittsburgh and Chicago, Gatesman offers expertise in strategy/branding, advertising, public relations, social media, digital and analytics. Gatesman is a partner in AMIN Worldwide, an alliance of over 50 independent marketing agencies, and IPREX, a global communications network. Gatesman acquired Quest Fore in 2014 and Noble Communications in 2017.

About the People of the Year Awards

Presented by Chief Marketer / PRNEWS, the People of the Year Awards celebrate the PR and communications professionals making the greatest impact in categories such as agency leadership, innovation, brand reputation, in-house communications, crisis management, DEI, digital, media relations, nonprofit, and mentorship. The awards gala is a premier industry event bringing together hundreds of leaders for an evening of recognition, networking, and inspiration.

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