Gatesman congratulates president Shannon Baker on being named a Smart Business Magazine Smart 50 top executive for the second year in a row. This award is a testament to Baker’s relentless nature to always push boundaries, deliver results and drive success for Gatesman, year-over-year.
The Smart 50 Awards are presented to top executives in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus each year for their ability to effectively build and lead savvy organizations. Nominees are evaluated based on achievements in innovation, impact and sustainability.
“In all my years in this business, I’ve never encountered someone with more passion, determination or smarts,” said John Gatesman, CEO, Gatesman. “Shannon’s leadership and competitive spirit is a big factor in what sets our agency apart, and I’m very fortunate to have her as a trusted partner in leading our agency.”
Baker joined the agency in 2008 and hasn’t stopped moving since. As director of public relations, she built a nationally recognized PR practice in less than three years. Her leadership allowed Gatesman’s PR department to become a center of excellence and one of the most award-winning teams of its size. This success and business impact earned her equity partnership in the firm, and Baker became a major contributor to a record-breaking 10 years of consecutive year-over-year growth for Gatesman.
Baker took on the role of president in November 2016 and is now responsible for the agency’s daily operations as well as playing a key role in redefining the agency’s marketing model to drive integration, innovation and creativity as the worlds of technology, content and experience combine. In the past year, Baker contributed to her strong new business track record with five additional national brand wins and has expanded her leadership within the Pittsburgh region as an elected member of the Executive Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
“It’s rewarding and humbling to be recognized alongside so many inspiring leaders, partners and friends,” added Baker. “We are all visionaries doing our part to advance Pittsburgh forward by leading smart and sustainable organizations grounded in innovation.”
About Gatesman:
Gatesman is one of the fastest-growing, mid-size, privately owned agencies in the U.S. With offices in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Springfield, Mo., 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.
