Celebrating IPREX Leaders Shaping the Future of PR & Communications
At IPREX, we often say our strength lies in our people — the ones shaping what’s next in communications, purpose, and leadership around the world.
That truth was on full display recently as several of our partners were recognised among the industry’s most accomplished and inspiring professionals.
Leading with Purpose and Connection
At the PR News 2025 People of the Year Gala in New York City, two IPREX leaders were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Shannon Baker, President of Gatesman (Pittsburgh), was recognised for her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to elevating others — qualities she demonstrates daily within IPREX. Shannon’s ability to foster collaboration and support across partner agencies reflects what makes this network unique: leaders who lift as they lead.
Lindsey DeWitte, Chief Impact Officer at BarkleyOKRP (Kansas City), was celebrated as a Chief Communicator People of the Year for her work driving purpose-driven communications that create genuine impact across industries. Lindsey’s work reminds us that communicators have both the opportunity and the responsibility to shape change through values-led storytelling.
Diversity and Strength Across the Network
That same spirit of leadership is reflected in Stephanie Crockett, President and CEO of Mower (Syracuse), whose agency recently earned WBENC certification as a women-owned business.
“Now that we are formally recognized as a women-owned business, Mower offers unique value to companies prioritizing diversity in their partnerships. WBENC certification ensures our clients and prospective partners gain both the creative advantage of our agency and the strategic business advantage of aligning with a women-owned enterprise,” Stephanie shared.
“Now that we are formally recognized as a women-owned business, Mower offers unique value to companies prioritizing diversity in their partnerships. WBENC certification ensures our clients and prospective partners gain both the creative advantage of our agency and the strategic business advantage of aligning with a women-owned enterprise,” Stephanie shared.
Stephanie’s recognition highlights another defining strength of IPREX: the diversity of our leaders and agencies. Across the network, women are leading major firms, mentoring rising talent, and shaping the next generation of communications leadership.
Honouring Our Founders and Their Legacy
We were also proud to see Ken Makovsky, Chairman and CEO of Makovsky + Company, receive the Page Distinguished Service Award during the Page Annual Conference on September 28. The award honours individuals who have made a lasting impact on corporate communication and its role in business and society.
Ken, who co-founded IPREX in 1983, has spent his career building the very values that continue to define our network: partnership, ethics, and excellence. Our thanks also to Greg Beuerman of BMF for representing IPREX and celebrating this milestone with Ken at the ceremony.
The Power of People and Partnership
Across IPREX, our partners are consistently recognised for their leadership and innovation — far too many to mention here. These particular honours felt worth a special shoutout because they embody what IPREX stands for: trusted relationships, purposeful communications, and a shared belief that better business starts with better people.
We are proud to see our best and brightest continue to shape this profession — and to do it together.
