Next PR's Heather Kelly Celebrated as PRNEWS People of the Year and Agency Elite Honor

Next PR's Impressive Achievements in 2026

In the ever-evolving landscape of public relations, few names resonate as prominently as Next PR. Recently, the agency announced two significant accolades that highlight its commitment to excellence in the industry. CEO Heather Kelly has been named a PRNEWS People of the Year honoree in the esteemed Agency CEOs category. Additionally, Next PR has solidified its status by being included in the PRNEWS Agency Elite Top 120 for an impressive seventh consecutive year.

These accolades are a testament to the leadership, workplace culture, and the client-driven results that Next PR has strived to deliver consistently. The honors were celebrated at the prestigious PRNEWS Platinum Awards Gala held in New York City on October 6, where the Next PR team gathered to commemorate their milestones alongside other industry leaders.

Heather Kelly, who has played a crucial role in the agency's growth, expressed her pride in these achievements. "Leading this agency means creating the conditions for our people and our clients to succeed," Kelly remarked. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and client trust as foundational elements of their success. Under Kelly's guidance, Next PR has experienced substantial growth, including a remarkable 38% increase in headcount over the past year, alongside the promotion of 30% of its employees. This growth has coincided with the launch of innovative AI optimization services aimed at enhancing brand visibility amid the rising influence of AI-generated content.

The backdrop of these honors is a year filled with impressive recognition for Next PR. In addition to the PRNEWS distinctions, the agency made waves by securing a spot on PR Daily's Top Agency list, which highlights its unyielding commitment to delivering exceptional service and impactful communication strategies.

In recognition of impactful leadership, Managing Director Nicole Paleologus was also honored as one of PRNEWS's Top Women in PR and Communications, further underlining the agency's emphasis on nurturing talent and fostering an environment conducive to success.

Next PR's workplace culture has not gone unnoticed either. For the fifth consecutive year, the agency earned the Great Place to Work® Certification. This recognition reflects the agency's dedication to creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes the well-being of its employees. Additional accolades include being recognized by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption as one of the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces for the 11th year running, showcasing their commitment to employee welfare through initiatives such as mental health days and flexible work arrangements.

Client results have also underscored Next PR's effectiveness in the industry. The agency was named a finalist in the PR Daily Top Agency Awards for its Media Relations Campaign work with HelloPrenup, which successfully generated 45 earned media placements and achieved an 82% share of voice. Another notable mention was for Lightcast's Beyond the Buzz data report campaign, which secured 39 media placements and garnered 10,000 downloads of the report, emphasizing Next PR's ability to deliver results that matter.

In summary, these recent honors affirm that Next PR is not only a leader in public relations but also a company that genuinely invests in its people and their professional development. As the agency continues to navigate the changing waters of communication strategy, its commitment to excellence remains clear, ensuring that they will continue to deliver meaningful results for their clients.

About Next PR

Next PR is a public relations firm renowned for its focus on achieving impactful results. Established in 1978, the agency has remained agile and innovative, continually adapting to market dynamics to meet client needs effectively. With locations in major cities including Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Colorado Springs, Next PR features a talented team recognized frequently as industry leaders and rising stars. Their consistent accolades and commitment to excellence reaffirm their status as an elite agency in the public relations realm.