Falls Church, Falls Church, VA — PublicRelay, in collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), has been awarded Gold at the 2025 MarCom Awards—one of the most prestigious honors in the communications and marketing industry.
The Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals (AMCP) recognized the innovative collaboration between PublicRelay and TVA, which combined advanced media analysis with quarterly reputation survey data to uncover the connection between public familiarity and trust. This innovative work was awarded in the Research/Study category of Strategic Communications.
“This award recognizes the value and strength of Communications to drive business goals,” said Azhar Unwala, senior vice president of Insights & Analytics at PublicRelay. “We’re honored to collaborate with TVA to turn data into actionable strategies that build trust and deliver real results.”
Integrating communications insights with key public perception metrics enabled TVA to refine its messaging, increase proactive media engagement, and strengthen public trust—an essential asset in the energy sector, where reputation is built on transparency and reliability.
“At TVA, we believe that an effective communication strategy is rooted in data. By leveraging media analytics and survey insights, we’re able to better understand public perception and align our messaging with the needs of the communities we serve,” said Jessica Dufner, vice president of TVA Communications. “This data-driven approach helps guide our communications strategy and amplify TVA’s broader business goals— ensuring we remain transparent, trusted, and innovative as we build America’s energy future.”
The MarCom Awards honor excellence in communications. It is open to all industries, receiving about 7,000 print and digital entries each year from dozens of countries. This recognition highlights how organizations are increasingly using data to better understand stakeholders, elevate storytelling, and create lasting reputational value.
About PublicRelay
PublicRelay is the unmatched choice for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits seeking accurate, actionable insights into their communications efforts. Combining cutting-edge technology and AI with human analysis, PublicRelay delivers data and insights that show communications’ impact on business goals, predict risks, trends, and outcomes, and guide smart communications strategy. Known for exceptional partnerships with clients, PublicRelay delivers communications analytics and insights that leading communications executives need to compete in today’s complex marketplace.
About the Tennessee Valley Authority
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to more than 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA has one of the most diverse energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, coal, gas, solar and advanced technologies. TVA is making significant investments in its power system toward new generation and transmission.
TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. TVA maintains some of the lowest energy costs and highest reliability in the nation. TVA’s residential rates are lower than those paid by about 80% of customers of the top 100 U.S. utilities, and its industrial rates are lower than those paid by over 90% of customers of the top 100 U.S. utilities. In addition, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at tva.com.
Falls Church, VA; October 8, 2025 — PublicRelay and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) are delighted to announce they have been named finalists in the Use of Data and Measurement category for the 2025 PR Daily Awards. These awards recognize the people, campaigns, and firms raising the bar for communications.
The recognition highlights an analytics initiative designed to quantify the impact of communications on customer experience. Together, PG&E and PublicRelay developed a proprietary PR analytics model linking media quality directly to business outcomes — including Customer Satisfaction Score (CSS) and Customer News Recall.
Redefining What PR Can Measure
Through this program, PG&E transformed media analysis from a reporting function into a business intelligence tool. By combining media data, sentiment insights, and customer KPIs, the company was able to:
- Prove the direct correlation between earned media quality and customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrate how message tone and regional targeting influence audience perception.
- Separate communications impact from operational variables, clarifying PR’s contribution to performances
Winners will be announced at the PR Daily Awards and Top Agencies Luncheon in December.
About PublicRelay
PublicRelay is the unmatched choice for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits seeking accurate, actionable insights into their communications efforts. Combining cutting-edge technology and AI with human analysis, PublicRelay delivers data and insights that show communications’ impact on business goals, predict risks, trends, and outcomes, and guide smart communications strategy. Known for exceptional partnerships with clients, PublicRelay delivers communications analytics and insights that leading communications executives need to compete in today’s complex marketplace.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States, serving more than 16 million people across Northern and Central California.
Falls Church, VA; August 14, 2025 — PublicRelay and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) are proud to announce they have been named finalists for the inaugural Zenith Awards, presented by Ragan and its Communications Week brand. The awards recognize the ultimate campaigns in communications, PR, and marketing, along with the people and teams leading the charge.
The finalist recognition comes in honor of a joint initiative to tie communications output to business outcomes for PG&E. This program developed a customized PR analytics model linking media coverage quality directly to key business metrics — specifically, Customer Satisfaction Score (CSS) and Customer News Recall.
Elevating Communications as a Strategic Business Partner
PG&E set out to transform its communications function from a reactive support team to a proactive driver of business outcomes. Partnering with PublicRelay, the utility integrated media data, customer sentiment insights, and critical KPIs to:
- Demonstrate the direct correlation between high-quality media coverage and customer satisfaction.
- Optimize spokesperson strategy, elevating local leaders to drive stronger sentiment and CSS.
- Tailor messaging by region to maximize relevance and impact.
- Isolate the influence of communications from operational challenges, giving communicators a stronger seat at the decision-making table.
Delivering Measurable Business Value
Through a longitudinal research approach, PG&E and PublicRelay uncovered actionable insights that have reshaped PR strategy. The results included higher resonance for key messages, a shift toward regional spokesperson use during crises, and greater alignment between communications and company leadership.
“This recognition reflects the power of combining innovative analytics with strategic communications leadership,” said Azhar Unwala, SVP of Insights & Analytics at PublicRelay. “PG&E’s commitment to tying PR outputs to tangible business outcomes sets a standard for our industry.”
Winners of the Zenith Awards will be announced during Communications Week’s flagship event.
About PublicRelay
PublicRelay is the unmatched choice for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits seeking accurate, actionable insights into their communications efforts. Combining cutting-edge technology and AI with human analysis, PublicRelay delivers data and insights that show communications’ impact on business goals, predict risks, trends, and outcomes, and guide smart communications strategy. Known for exceptional partnerships with clients, PublicRelay delivers communications analytics and insights that leading communications executives need to compete in today’s complex marketplace.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States, serving more than 16 million people across Northern and Central California.
Tysons Corner, VA; April 23rd, 2025 — PublicRelay is delighted to announce that its leadership team has further expanded to include Brendon O’Donovan.
O’Donovan steps into the role of SVP of Product Solutions and Innovation.
He is a seasoned product, marketing, and go-to-market executive with a proven track record of driving transformational growth in fast-growing B2B technology companies. He brings over 15 years of experience leading high-impact initiatives in product marketing, GTM strategy, and organizational transformation.
O’Donovan is a communications technology veteran, beginning his career in as part of the sales team at Vocus and has since held senior leadership roles at Cision and TrendKite, where he led global product messaging and positioning, competitive strategy, pricing, transformation initiatives, and product launches.
Most recently, Brendon served as VP of GTM Strategy at Telesign, where he led new product and program development and oversaw global integration efforts following a major acquisition.
“We’re looking forward to the expertise and energy Brendon brings to PublicRelay as we continue to innovate, grow, and deliver even greater value to our clients”, says PublicRelay CEO, Mark Parise.
About PublicRelay
PublicRelay is the unmatched choice for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits seeking accurate, actionable insights into their communications efforts. Combining cutting-edge technology and AI with human analysis, PublicRelay delivers data and insights that show communications’ impact on business goals, predict risks, trends, and outcomes, and guide smart communications strategy. Known for exceptional partnerships with clients, PublicRelay delivers communications analytics and insights that leading communications executives need to compete in today’s complex marketplace.
Tysons Corner, VA; February 13th, 2025 — PublicRelay is pleased to announce two strategic leadership appointments that will further enhance its ability to deliver data-driven insights and innovative solutions to clients.
Michelle Vangel joins PublicRelay as Senior Vice President of Client Success, bringing with her a wealth of experience in analytics-driven communications strategy. Additionally, Medha Chandorkar has been appointed to the new role of Vice President of Product Management, where she will champion PublicRelay’s product differentiation and value delivery in the market.
Michelle Vangel Joins as SVP of Client Success
As a seasoned leader in data-driven insights, Michelle Vangel has spent her career helping organizations turn analytics into actionable business outcomes. She has held leadership roles at Brandwatch, Visible Technologies, and Cision, where she successfully built and led client teams through periods of rapid growth and transformation.
In her role at PublicRelay, Michelle will focus on enhancing client engagement and ensuring that PublicRelay’s insights solutions drive measurable value for enterprise communications teams.
Medha Chandorkar Takes on Role of VP of Product Management
Since joining PublicRelay in 2015 as a Media Analyst, Medha Chandorkar has played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s client solutions and sales strategy. She has successfully led complex strategic programs and strengthened client relationships in various leadership roles, including Team Lead and Sales Director.
As VP of Product Management, Medha will focus on ensuring PublicRelay’s solutions remain differentiated, delivering maximum value to clients while equipping internal teams to effectively position and implement these solutions.
“These appointments reflect PublicRelay’s commitment to leadership excellence and innovation in media intelligence,” said Mark Parise, Chairman and CEO of PublicRelay. “Michelle’s deep expertise in client success and Medha’s extensive product knowledge will further elevate our ability to empower communications teams with actionable insights.”
PublicRelay continues to invest in its leadership and product strategy to drive meaningful results for clients worldwide.
About PublicRelay
PublicRelay is the unmatched choice for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits seeking accurate, actionable insights into their communications efforts. Combining cutting-edge technology and AI with human analysis, PublicRelay delivers data and insights that show communications’ impact on business goals, predict risks, trends, and outcomes, and guide smart communications strategy. Known for exceptional partnerships with clients, PublicRelay delivers communications analytics and insights that leading communications executives need to compete in today’s complex marketplace.
Tysons Corner, VA; January 20th, 2025 — PublicRelay is thrilled to announce the promotion of Susan Kampschror to the role of Chief Financial Officer.
Susan has over thirty years experience as an accounting and finance leader and has specialized in startup and midsize companies in the technology, communications and government consulting industries. She holds a BA in accounting from James Madison University and is licensed CPA.
“Susan has had a tremendous impact on PublicRelay in the nearly nine years she has been with us. She is a member of our executive team and drives all the financial aspects of our business, and is an integral part of our relationships with key stakeholders throughout the company” said Mark Parise, PublicRelay’s CEO and Chairman.
PublicRelay congratulates Susan on this exciting promotion.
About PublicRelay
PublicRelay is the unmatched choice for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits seeking accurate, actionable insights into their communications efforts. Combining cutting-edge technology and AI with human analysis, PublicRelay delivers data and insights that show communications’ impact on business goals, predict risks, trends, and outcomes, and guide smart communications strategy. Known for exceptional partnerships with clients, PublicRelay delivers communications analytics and insights that leading communications executives need to compete in today’s complex marketplace.
Tysons Corner, VA; November 7th, 2024 — Today PublicRelay announced the promotion of Azhar Unwala to Senior Vice President of Client Insights & Analytics. In this role, Azhar joins PublicRelay’s executive team and will lead a dedicated group of insights and analytics professionals focused exclusively on delivering value-driven, actionable intelligence to clients.
Azhar’s team will continue to enhance client value by leveraging PublicRelay’s cutting-edge data and technology to provide impactful insights that inform critical business decisions. Since joining PublicRelay in 2016, Azhar has worked closely with the company’s most advanced clients, creating strategic insights that stem from PublicRelay’s high-quality, integrated data. His expertise spans media analysis, political risk, and cyber threat intelligence, which has proven instrumental in PublicRelay’s approach to delivering actionable intelligence.
Beyond client service, Azhar has played a foundational role in shaping PublicRelay’s value-added insights solutions, influencing all aspects of the company’s advanced analytics, reporting, and analysis processes. His efforts have also extended to product and business development, where he has been the architect of innovative analytics solutions that reinforce PublicRelay’s leadership in the media intelligence industry.
“Azhar’s leadership and deep industry knowledge have been a driving force behind our ability to deliver sophisticated, data-driven insights that empower our clients,” said Mark Parise, Chairman and CEO of PublicRelay. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the executive team and look forward to seeing the continued impact he and his team will have on the success of our clients.”
PublicRelay congratulates Azhar on this well-deserved promotion and is excited for the future of the Client Insights & Analytics team as they embark on this new chapter.
About PublicRelay
PublicRelay is the unmatched choice for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits seeking accurate, actionable insights into their communications efforts. Combining cutting-edge technology and AI with human analysis, PublicRelay delivers data and insights that show communications’ impact on business goals, predict risks, trends, and outcomes, and guide smart communications strategy. Known for exceptional partnerships with clients, PublicRelay delivers communications analytics and insights that leading communications executives need to compete in today’s complex marketplace.
Tysons Corner, VA; October 18, 2024 — PublicRelay is proud to announce that, in partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), we have been awarded Gold at the 2024 MarCom Awards. The Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals (AMCP) recognized PublicRelay and the brilliant communications team at PG&E for their innovative collaboration in linking communications data to key business performance indicators.
Together, PublicRelay and PG&E successfully connected communications insights with measurable outcomes, including the Customer Satisfaction Score and Customer News Recall. This partnership enhanced the effectiveness of PG&E’s communications efforts, raising awareness of the company’s media strategy and its direct impact on customer engagement and perception.
“We’re thrilled to receive this honor alongside PG&E,” said Azhar Unwala, VP of Analytics at PublicRelay. “This award underscores the power of data-driven communications and its potential to drive meaningful business results.”
The MarCom Awards, one of the largest and most respected creative competitions in the world, recognizes outstanding achievements by marketing and communication professionals. PublicRelay and PG&E’s collaboration is a testament to the growing importance of analytics in shaping impactful communications strategies.
About PublicRelay
PublicRelay is the unmatched choice for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits seeking accurate, actionable insights into their communications efforts. Combining cutting-edge technology and AI with human analysis, PublicRelay delivers data and insights that show communications’ impact on business goals, predict risks, trends, and outcomes, and guide smart communications strategy. Known for exceptional partnerships with clients, PublicRelay delivers communications analytics and insights that leading communications executives need to compete in today’s complex marketplace.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States, serving more than 16 million people across Northern and Central California.
VIENNA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PublicRelay, the leading communications analytics and insights firm, announced two new senior executive hires: Anu George as Chief Operating Officer and Ryan Smith as Senior Vice President of Insights. Both leaders bring a wealth of experience in scaling global analytical operations and driving strategic growth for the world’s leading brands and organizations.
Anu George joins PublicRelay following distinguished experience leading global operations, quality, and innovation functions at AIG, Morningstar, and GE. Anu excels at driving organizational success in the digital era. Anu has been instrumental in delivering value for customers, simplifying operations, and enhancing product and service quality. By leveraging digital technologies along with design thinking, process reengineering, and agile methodologies, Anu has built scalable operating models and cultivated customer-focused cultures of innovation. At PublicRelay, Anu will oversee global client analytics operations, spearhead operational and data excellence, and drive strategic growth initiatives.
Ryan Smith brings a wealth of communications insights expertise to PublicRelay. He was most recently a senior executive at FleishmanHillard, culminating as SVP & Senior Partner for TRUE Global Intelligence. In that role, he provided strategic counsel to many Fortune 100 clients, growing and defending their reputations. Ryan will lead PublicRelay’s Strategic Partnerships team, focusing on delivering a superior-quality customer experience through unmatched insights and actionable, data-driven recommendations.
“I am thrilled to welcome Anu and Ryan to our leadership team,” said Eric Koefoot, CEO and Co-Founder of PublicRelay. “Their proven track records and visionary leadership will be instrumental in accelerating our growth and enhancing our position as the most trusted partner for communications analytics, insights, and advice to the world’s leading brands. With their expertise we will leverage our cutting-edge AI capabilities to expand our offerings and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.”
Anu George remarked, “I am excited to join PublicRelay and apply the latest technologies to drive superior quality, foster innovation, and deliver a powerful, high-value experience to clients.”
Ryan Smith added, “Analytics and insights are always behind the most effective communications strategy and actions, and PublicRelay is the leading expert in delivering this to the world’s smartest brands. To be part of this team to innovate quickly and really deliver value to clients in all-new ways is truly exciting.”
About PublicRelay
PublicRelay is the unmatched choice for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits seeking accurate, actionable insights into their communications efforts. Combining cutting-edge technology and AI with human analysis, PublicRelay delivers data and insights that show communications’ impact on business goals, predict risks, trends, and outcomes, and guide smart communications strategy. Known for exceptional partnerships with clients, PublicRelay delivers communications analytics and insights that leading communications executives need to compete in today’s complex marketplace.
TYSONS, Va., Dec. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire — Leading communications, analytics, and insights agency PublicRelay announced the formation of an all-new Strategic Advisory Board. These renowned executives are respected worldwide for their communications savvy and strategic brand thinking. Their input will advance PublicRelay’s strategy to solve the toughest analytical challenges facing CCOs.
The new Strategic Advisory Board includes:
Charlene Wheeless: A speaker, advisor, and author with decades of experience in communications, including leadership roles at Bechtel and Raytheon, Charlene was Chair of the Page Society and is one of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches. Her accolades include five years on PRWeek’s Global Power Book and The Betsy Plank Mentoring Award.
Jon Iwata: Leader of the Yale Program on Stakeholder Innovation and Founding Executive Director of the Data & Trust Alliance, Jon led IBM’s global brand, marketing, communications, and citizenship over 35 years. An inductee of the Page Society Hall of Fame and the CMO Club Hall of Fame, he was named a Brand Genius by Adweek.
Aedhmar Hynes: An experienced Board Director advising the IP Group plc, Jackson Family Wines, and Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, Aedhmar advised leading brands, including Adobe, Cisco, and IBM as CEO of Text100. She was Chair of the Page Society, a PRWeek Hall of Fame inductee, and recipient of The Plank Center Mentoring Award and Page Distinguished Service Award.
Tom Martin: Executive-in-Residence at the College of Charleston, he leads the Martin Scholars program for mentoring. Tom was President of the Page Society, founder of Page Up, and a leader at ITT and FedEx. His accolades include The Plank Center Mentoring Legacy Award, Page Distinguished Service Award, and induction into PR News Hall of Fame.
“We are honored to have this group of respected brand leaders advising us as we continue to innovate,” said PublicRelay CEO Eric Koefoot. “Each of these leaders brings a powerful set of experiences and deep strategic thinking that will drive value for our clients – the world’s leading CCOs.”
About PublicRelay
PublicRelay delivers quality analytics, insights, and advice that increase the value, influence, and impact of communicators. PublicRelay’s unique human-augmented technology helps prove communications’ impact on business goals, predict media outcomes, and guide future strategy. Known for exceptional partnership with clients, PublicRelay elevates communications data and insights to the standards of today’s C-suite leaders.