PITTSBURGH – FEBRUARY 5, 2025 – Gatesman has again proven its creative and strategic excellence at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Pittsburgh chapter’s annual Renaissance Award ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 30. The agency earned 11 awards, including five top honor Renaissance Awards, four Awards of Merit, two prestigious individual awards and recognition as a Best in Show finalist.

Among the night’s biggest wins, Gatesman’s PR and Social Media team was named Team of the Year, recognizing their ability to craft breakthrough campaigns, drive engagement and deliver measurable impact. Additionally, president Shannon Baker was inducted into the PRSA Renaissance Hall of Fame, a testament to her leadership, innovation and lasting influence on the industry. The agency also received nominations across several categories for a diverse range of high-impact work that resonated with audiences and delivered measurable results.

“Being named Team of the Year is a testament to the grit, determination and passion that fuels our success,” said Beth Thompson, vice president, director of PR and social media. “This team pushes boundaries, delivers results and never settles—always hungry for more. It’s that mindset that drives our award-winning work, and I couldn’t be prouder to lead such a dynamic and impactful group.”

Gatesman 2025 Renaissance Awards:

• Events – Best in Show Finalist: Tasked with branding and promotion of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s inaugural Oktoberfest Pittsburgh, Gatesman developed a strong visual identity and executed a high-impact media strategy. Through a creative launch event, strategic influencer engagement and targeted media outreach, the campaign generated extensive local buzz, drawing over 80,000 attendees. The event’s overwhelming success cemented it as a future staple in Pittsburgh’s annual festival lineup.
• Nonprofit Communications: The Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) CORE aimed to increase organ donor registrations within a male target audience through the “Donor Blitz” campaign. Gatesman and CORE launched the campaign at the 2024 Backyard Brawl football game, leveraging the rivalry between University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University as an opportunity to save lives. The activation featured interactive games and street teams to engage attendees, resulting in more than 50 new donors—each with the potential to save up to eight lives.
• Promotional Campaign: SHOP 'n SAVE, an independently owned and operated grocery chain, enlisted Gatesman to revamp its classic 2-Day Sale into a 3-Day Sale, aiming to re-engage loyal customers and attract new ones. Gatesman launched a promotional campaign with cohesive assets across social media, paid ads, influencer partnerships and broadcast to highlight the sale’s value.
• Influencer Relations: To strengthen its social media presence and engage contractors authentically, USG and Gatesman launched a strategic influencer marketing campaign. By collaborating with niche industry influencers, the campaign delivered highly engaging, educational content that resonated with builders and tradespeople.
• Short Form Content – Social Content: To highlight its commitment to Appalachia, CNX Foundation partnered with Gatesman to create dynamic short-form content showcasing Mentorship Academy’s Signing Day and its Dream Fields initiatives in Washington County. Through strategic videography, immersive storytelling and real-time social sharing, Gatesman successfully captured the human impact of CNX’s initiatives.

Gatesman 2025 PRSA Awards of Merit:

• New Products & Services Communications: National Vision partnered with Gatesman to promote an exclusive collection with Black women-owned eyewear brand Vontélle. As the collection debuted in 900+ America's Best stores, Gatesman leveraged the timely moment of Black History Month to generate exposure via earned media and influencer engagements—including an organic shout-out from Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose. The partnership resulted in more than 211M impressions.
• Regulated Communications Campaigns: Gatesman partnered with Pittsburgh Regional Transit to develop the PRTX Bus Rapid Transit Newshub, ensuring transparent and timely updates for impacted businesses and stakeholders in downtown Pittsburgh. The news hub has played a crucial role in maintaining public trust and preparedness throughout the ongoing transit project by delivering consistent construction updates, engaging in direct community outreach and leveraging digital communications.
• See it, Be It: Gatesman Celebrates #IWD: Gatesman’s second annual International Women’s Day event highlighted women’s empowerment through leadership, featuring a keynote from Geena Davis. Panelists from diverse industries discussed overcoming challenges, advocating for oneself, and mentoring others. Gatesman, which prioritizes female leadership in its executive team, aims to inspire and support future female leaders.
• New Products and Services Communications: Gen Z (currently ages 11-27) is now the largest generation alive, with incredible buying power and workforce impact. Recognizing the critical need to keep its employees and clients in tune with Gen Z, Gatesman conducted original research that uncovers marketing insights, helping bring added value to existing clients and attract new business leads.

Gatesman 2025 Individual Awards:

• 2025 Team of the Year: Known for their unmatched hustle, razor-sharp strategy and a creative fire that never burns out, the Gatesman PR & social team continues to set the gold standard in the industry. Whether launching headline-grabbing campaigns, igniting cultural conversations or delivering real, measurable impact for clients, they don’t just meet expectations, they shatter them. This honor cements their reputation as the team to watch.

• Renaissance Hall of Fame: President Shannon Baker secured her place among the legends of industry leaders as the newest inductee into the PRSA Pittsburgh Renaissance Hall of Fame for her 22 years of outstanding contributions to the public relations industry, the business community and beyond. Tap here to learn more about her honor.

“Shannon’s induction into the PRSA Pittsburgh Renaissance Hall of Fame is a testament to the fearless leadership, strategic brilliance and unwavering dedication she brings daily, " said CEO John Gatesman. “She has not only shaped the success of our agency but has also left an undeniable mark on the PR profession as a whole. Her ability to inspire, innovate and push boundaries is second to none, and there’s no one more deserving of this honor.”

‍

For more information, please visit gatesmanagency.com or keep up with #TeamGatesman on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or X, formerly 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 AMINWorldwide, an alliance of over 60 independent marketing agencies, and IPREX, a global communications network. Gatesman acquired Quest Fore in 2014 and Noble Communications in 2017.

‍

###