What a firm chooses to celebrate says a lot about the kind of firm it wants to be.
Each year, the RHockstar Awards give us a chance to recognize the people whose work, ideas, relationships, and investment in others make RH Strategic stronger.
Now in its seventh year, the RHockstar Awards recognize professionals who embody our Six C’s—the attributes that define excellence across our firm: Communicator, Creative, Coordinator, Connector, Consultant, and Champion.
This year, peers submitted nearly 100 nominations, recognizing everything from innovative client campaigns and breakthrough ideas to mentorship, collaboration, and the countless everyday moments that make our firm stronger.
We’re proud to recognize our 2026 RHockstar Award recipients.
Communicator: Lauren Gibbons-Neff
Lauren is recognized for pairing exceptional storytelling with strategic thinking. Whether developing media strategies, exploring emerging platforms, or helping clients reach new audiences, she continually finds smart and effective ways to communicate. Her thoughtful approach and positive spirit make her a trusted advisor to clients and teammates alike.
Creative: Michelle Goins
Michelle has quickly become the creative partner every team hopes for. She transforms ideas into compelling visual stories that strengthen brands, elevate client work, and enhance new business efforts. Her collaborative approach and design expertise help others communicate ideas more clearly and effectively.
Coordinator: Ruby Lewis
Ruby is the steady force behind complex client programs and fast-moving projects. From managing intricate deliverables to navigating shifting priorities with calm and confidence, she creates clarity for clients and teammates alike. Her organization, reliability, and thoughtful leadership consistently set others up for success.
Connector: Jessica Gail
Jessica exemplifies the power of authentic relationship-building. She invests in meaningful connections with reporters, industry leaders, and colleagues, then generously shares those relationships to create new opportunities for clients and teams across the firm. Her collaborative spirit continues to expand our reach and impact.
Consultants: Ben Wagner and Gus Duran
Together, Ben and Gus have helped redefine our digital consulting capabilities. By introducing innovative approaches to artificial intelligence, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), digital analytics, and emerging technologies, they’ve expanded how we advise clients while generously sharing their expertise across the firm. Their partnership is helping position our firm, and our clients, for what’s next.
Champion: Kristin Peixotto Modawell
Kristin is recognized for her unwavering commitment to developing others. Through mentorship and genuine encouragement, she helps colleagues build confidence, strengthen their skills, and grow into exceptional communicators. Her investment in people continues to shape our collaborative culture.
2026 RHockstar of the Year: Harry Song
Selected from nominations spanning nearly every award category, Harry exemplifies the curiosity, innovation, and generosity that define our culture of excellence.
Over the past year, Harry has become a driving force behind the firm’s adoption of practical AI solutions, developing tools and workflows that improve efficiency, strengthen reporting, and create more time for strategic client work. Just as importantly, he has shared that knowledge freely. Harry is consistently helping colleagues across the firm embrace new technologies with confidence while continuing to deliver exceptional client service.
Harry’s willingness to experiment, teach, and continually push our firm forward made him the clear choice for this year’s highest honor.
Celebrating Excellence Together
While the RHockstar Awards recognize individual achievement, they also celebrate something bigger: a culture built on curiosity, collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning.
Congratulations to all our 2026 RHockstar Award winners. Thank you for the passion, creativity, leadership, and care you bring to RH Strategic every day.
