2025 Ones To Watch - Industry Leaders: Risa Hoag, GMG Public Relations, Inc.

“My small company worked with Risa and her team on a recent project and had a terrific experience. With Risa’s guidance and connections, the project went incredibly viral and created unprecedented international press. What began as a small project generated nearly 8 billion global impressions and thousands of articles and TV spots. The project expanded exponentially, and with it the demands on her team’s time and attention, but Risa never hesitated in continuing to facilitate multiple interviews and TV spots and orchestrate the press and PR, effectively guiding us through the uncharted waters. We could not recommend her company and her team more highly” -  Andrew Brunk, President, Brunk Auctions. 

Recent goal and impact:

We’ve long supported clients nationwide from our Nyack office, but I set a goal to expand into the Carolinas — and we’ve made it happen. Not only have we opened a new office in North Carolina, but we’re already working with four clients in the region, including a luxury residential development near the South Carolina border. This growth is no accident — it’s the result of setting a clear goal and consistently executing a smart marketing plan. We practice what we preach, and the results speak for themselves: a stronger company, a broader reach, and a more diverse client base.

Sharing knowledge and expertise:

I have always enjoyed teaching so I jump at the chance to offer marketing workshops addressing social media, maximizing LinkedIn, storytelling through PR and more. My goal is always the same, to leave attendees with actionable advice they can put to use immediately. I’ve taught workshops in person and over Zoom for decades. I also serve as a mentor to students through several colleges offering insight into the field of communications and advice for young minds looking to enter the PR and marketing arena.

Best advice for new leaders:

Nothing makes a more powerful first impression than confident energy and a warm smile.