Our annual RHockstar Awards are a hallmark of RH Strategic’s culture: a peer-nominated recognition program that celebrates excellence in public relations and communications. Each year, we honor colleagues who demonstrate exceptional client service, collaboration, creativity, and leadership, while continuously investing in their own professional growth.
Now in its sixth year, the RHockstar Awards continue to celebrate individuals who exemplify RH’s 6 C’s, the core attributes that define expert communication professionals: Communicator, Creative, Coordinator, Connector, Consultant, and Champion. Together, these traits represent the craft, curiosity, and commitment that fuel RH Strategic’s success.
This year, nearly 70 nominations were submitted by peers across the firm, which is a meaningful and powerful reflection of how much we notice, value, and learn from one another’s work.
Please join us in congratulating our 2025 RHockstar Award recipients and our 2025 RHockstar of the Year.
Communicator: Arnie Aurellano
Arnie is recognized for his ability to distill complex topics into clear, compelling messages that build trust with media and clients alike. Known as a “go-to” teammate for message development, he listens carefully, asks the right questions, and delivers thoughtful narratives that consistently make an impact.
Creative: Danielle Land and Ben Wagner
Danielle brings originality and energy to every campaign, from elevating client visibility in key markets to pushing creative thinking across owned, earned, and paid channels. Her innovative strategies continue to produce results that matter.
Ben pairs creativity with strategic rigor, helping teams sharpen ideas and move from good to great. He’s known for taking bold swings, refining executive thought leadership, and inspiring his colleagues to think bigger and work smarter.
Coordinator: Olivia Dixon
Olivia excels at managing complex projects with focus, poise, and precision. She has stepped up to lead major client initiatives, earning praise from teammates and clients alike for her organization, attention to detail, and ability to keep teams aligned and moving forward.
Connector: Dylan Smith and Jasmin Gaitan
Dylan has a rare ability to connect ideas, people, and opportunities across teams and time zones. His strategic approach to media and client relationships elevates both the firm’s visibility and collaboration across accounts.
Jasmin has proactively built her network within the industry, showing up to events and engaging in conversations that expand RH’s presence and perspective. Her initiative and curiosity exemplify what it means to be a connector in today’s PR landscape.
Consultant: Harry Song
Harry is a strategic problem-solver who combines analytical precision with practical insight. His work evaluating media monitoring practices helps RH make smarter, data-driven decisions. Harry’s ability to translate research into meaningful recommendations has strengthened teams, clients, and firm strategy alike.
Champion: Kelsey Clary
For the second consecutive year, Kelsey is recognized as a Champion for her leadership, mentorship, and steady advocacy for her colleagues’ growth. She leads with grace, professionalism, and optimism. Kelsey is fiercely dedicated to fostering an environment where others can learn, succeed, and thrive.
2025 RHockstar of the Year: Brittany Jacobsen
Brittany exemplifies what it means to be a RHockstar. A two-time category award winner in Consultant and Connector categories, she continues to demonstrate relentless curiosity, strategic thinking, and care for her colleagues’ growth. Whether leading initiatives around AI, digital transformation, or firm marketing strategy, Brittany approaches every challenge with vision and purpose. She’s a trusted mentor, a catalyst for progress, and a true ambassador of RH’s culture of excellence.
The RHockstar Awards celebrate not only individual achievement but also our collective pursuit of mastery and growth. Each of this year’s winners embodies the spirit of RH Strategic to lead with creativity, collaboration, and curiosity in everything they do.
Congratulations to all our 2025 RHockstar Award winners!
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RH Strategic is a Seattle and D.C.-based PR agency with a nationwide presence and additional global reach via membership in the Worldcom Public Relations Group. We provide strategic public relations for innovators in the technology, government, healthcare, and social and environmental impact markets.
