PITTSBURGH – Jan. 30, 2025 – Gatesman proudly celebrates the induction of President Shannon Baker to the 2025 PRSA Pittsburgh Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes Baker’s 22 years of outstanding contributions to the public relations industry, the business community and beyond, cementing her legacy as a visionary leader, communications expert and champion for the next generation of public relations and communications professionals.
Baker was recruited to join Gatesman in 2008 as the agency’s first PR hire, quickly establishing and growing a nationally recognized public relations practice. Under her leadership, Gatesman PR took shape and ascended national rankings as it earned a place among O’Dwyer’s Top 100 Independent PR Firms, secured exclusive membership in IPREX and was named PRSA Pittsburgh’s Agency of the Year—twice. Throughout her career, she has pushed thinking and innovation. Her mindset for anticipating what’s next led to the creation of expanded social media and digital storytelling capabilities, nationally-publicized and award-winning integrated communications campaigns, crisis communications efforts and national media strategies for brands across industries.
“Every day, Shannon shows up to work with a fierce devotion to our agency, and a commitment to our clients and team,” said John Gatesman, CEO. “Anyone who is lucky enough to cross paths with her walks away energized by her hunger to succeed and overall passion. She is a remarkable partner and leader.”
Beyond her professional accolades, Baker is a relentless champion for equality in the industry, breaking barriers and redefining leadership. She has built and empowered a senior leadership team that is more than 70% female—reflecting the powerful influence of the female consumer and setting a new standard for workplace excellence and equitable agency culture.
In addition to her role at Gatesman, she has made history as the first-ever chairwoman of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, sits on the executive board of directors for Visit Pittsburgh, is a member of the 2026 NFL Draft Communications Committee and leads the communications committee as a member of the Board of Directors for American Advertising Federation’s Pittsburgh chapter. A highly sought-after public speaker, Baker has captivated audiences at leading industry events nationwide. Most recently, she earned a coveted spot in a panel discussion at the 2024 BFF Film Festival, further solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in public relations and beyond.
“Shannon has been my mentor for over 16 years, and there isn’t a single moment where she hasn’t inspired me to be better,” said Beth Thompson, VP, director of public relations and social media. “She taught me the importance of confidence in the workplace, how to take a seat at the table and stand up for what’s right. Shannon leads by example, balancing grace under pressure while showing her team that they can handle anything that comes their way.”
Throughout her career, Baker has been recognized nationally for her contributions to the advertising and business communities. She was recently featured in Forbes, named one of the Top Women in Business by the American Business Journals, recognized among Pittsburgh’s Most Influential Women in Business, and honored as one of Smart Magazine’s Smart 50 Mid-Atlantic Top Executives.
Her induction into the PRSA Pittsburgh Hall of Fame affirms her status as an industry innovator and a relentless advocate for excellence in communications.
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, marketing, 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.
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