Gatesman proudly announces that Beth Thompson, Vice President and Director of PR and Social Media, has been inducted into Slippery Rock University’s (SRU) Communication and Media Hall of Fame. Thompson was recognized by SRU’s Department of Strategic Communication and Media and Office of Alumni Engagement for exemplary contributions to the field on Friday, Oct. 11 at the 2024 SRU Hall of Fame Awards.

“Beth’s dedication, relentless drive and infectious energy are truly one-of-a-kind,” said Shannon Baker, president of Gatesman. “Beth’s influence extends far beyond our walls—her ongoing support of Slippery Rock University and its students is a testament to her commitment to giving back and nurturing future PR leaders. We are incredibly proud of her, and I know she’ll continue to build an enduring legacy.”

A trailblazer in public relations, Thompson has built an award-winning career spanning multiple industries including retail, technology, energy, healthcare and non-profits. Under her leadership, Gatesman’s PR and social media division has earned more than 80 national and regional accolades, thanks to Thompson’s integrated approach to strategic communications and her talent for media relations, crisis communications, and community engagement. Her work has been featured in top-tier outlets like ABC News, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, and her writing has been published in Forbes, AdvertisingWeek and Ragan’s PR.

As an alumna of Slippery Rock University, Thompson’s ties to the institution run deep. She was a standout student, excelling both academically as a public relations major and athletically as captain of the women’s swimming and water polo teams. She was also a founding member of PRSSA Rock PRoductions and interned with WSRU-TV. Today, she remains an active contributor to the university as a member of SRU’s Strategic Communication and Media Advisory Board, helping to shape the future of the industry by mentoring students, conducting mock interviews and hiring SRU alumni.

Beyond her work with SRU, Thompson has earned national recognition for her advocacy in advancing gender equity in media and sports. She was honored with the Geena Davis Takes Aim National Resolution for her efforts in promoting Title IX, and she is an active member of the Geena Davis Institute. Additionally, she has contributed to the Forbes Communications Council and serves on the executive board of the American Diabetes Association of Western Pennsylvania.

Thompson’s induction into SRU’s Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to her dedication to advancing the communications profession and her unwavering commitment to supporting future generations of PR professionals. Gatesman congratulates Beth on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to her continued leadership and success!

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