Veteran Communicator and Industry Award-winner Will Lead Next Era of PR, Social and Agency Brand Communications 

PITTSBURGH, PA — December 18, 2025 — Gatesman, one of the nation’s leading independent marketing communications agencies, announced today the promotion of Beth Thompson to Senior Vice President, Director of PR, Social & Agency Brand Communications.

In this expanded leadership role, Thompson will guide Gatesman’s public relations and social media practices, ensure marketing integration and lead the agency’s external visibility efforts. A 17-year agency veteran and a driving force behind Gatesman’s return to the Top 100 independent agencies in the U.S., Thompson will continue to serve as a key member of the  leadership team guiding talent and culture. 

“Beth’s journey at Gatesman is a true testament to grit, hard work and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for our clients,” said CEO John Gatesman. “She brings passion and a never give-up attitude to everything she does. Her loyalty to this agency, the trust she’s built with our clients and the respect she’s earned across the industry speak volumes. Beth is an exceptional leader, and I’m excited to see how her talent and drive continue to shape Gatesman in this next chapter."

Over the past several years, Thompson has led integrated communications programs for a number of Gatesman’s marquee clients, including USG Corporation, Geena Davis Institute, the Center for Organ Recovery & Education, SHOP ‘n SAVE, Quaker Steak & Lube, Qdoba, CFA Institute and many more. Her leadership has helped Gatesman deliver breakthrough campaigns that drive reputation, connection and measurable results – while expanding the agency’s PR and social practice into one of the region’s most award-winning teams.

“Beth is a powerhouse of strategic vision, creativity and cultural insight,” said Shannon Baker, President of Gatesman. “Her ability to fuse earned media expertise with social intelligence has helped Gatesman and our clients achieve national recognition. She’s always learning, always striving and always encouraging. This promotion reflects her leadership in elevating both our client partnerships and our agency brand.”

Thompson’s accomplishments also extend beyond the agency. In 2024, she was named PRSA Pittsburgh’s Communicator of the Year, recognizing her leadership in advancing the industry and mentoring rising talent. She also serves on the Academic Advisory Board for Slippery Rock University, and was inducted into the University’s Communication and Media Hall of Fame. Over the past two years, she has served as an executive board member of the American Diabetes Association of Western Pennsylvania.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built and the momentum we’ve created,” said Beth Thompson. “This role opens the door to an exciting new next chapter – one where we push the boundaries of what's possible in earned, social and integrated storytelling – helping our clients and our agency stand out in an ever-evolving communications landscape.”

For more information, or to learn first-hand about the new capabilities, please visit gatesmanagency.com or keep up with #TeamGatesman on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or X.

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.