Jennifer Kaplan named 2026 PRNEWS People of the Year honoree

Evolve PR & Marketing founder Jennifer Kaplan was named a 2026 PRNEWS People of the Year honoree in the PR Entrepreneurs & Founders category, her second straight year on the list. She will be recognized Oct. 6 at the PRNEWS Platinum Awards Gala in New York City, highlighting Evolve’s growth and Kaplan’s role in Arizona communications.

Why it matters: - Jennifer Kaplan’s second consecutive PRNEWS honor underscores her standing among national communications leaders. - The recognition also spotlights Evolve PR & Marketing’s rise from a local startup to Arizona’s largest public relations firm. - The award reinforces the visibility of entrepreneurial PR leaders who have built firms through growth and results.

What happened: - PRNEWS named Jennifer Kaplan, president and CEO of Evolve PR & Marketing, a 2026 People of the Year honoree. - Kaplan is being honored in the PR Entrepreneurs & Founders category. - Kaplan will be recognized live on stage at the PRNEWS Platinum Awards Gala on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at The Lighthouse in New York City. - The annual gala gathers leaders, innovators and rising talent from across the communications industry.

The details: - Kaplan said the recognition reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped Evolve from the beginning. - Kaplan said Evolve’s progress over nearly 16 years reflects her team, client trust and a commitment to raising the standard for PR. - Evolve was founded in 2010. - The company now has a 30-person team. - Evolve represents more than 150 clients nationwide. - The firm describes its work as strategic storytelling, ambitious ideas and results that build lasting visibility. - Evolve says it is a results-driven, full-service public relations firm focused on elevating brands, enhancing visibility and creating meaningful connections. - The company says it uses strong media relationships and targeted campaigns to deliver measurable outcomes locally in Arizona and nationally. - More information is available in the company's announcement.

Between the lines: - Kaplan’s repeat inclusion points to sustained momentum rather than a one-time award cycle. - The mix of national and Arizona-specific honors suggests Evolve has built a profile that matters both in its home market and beyond. - The recognition of founders and entrepreneurs in PRNEWS’ program reflects how agency leadership itself has become part of the industry’s status markers.

What’s next: - Kaplan will be honored at the Oct. 6 awards gala in New York City. - Evolve is likely to continue leveraging the recognition as it competes for clients and industry visibility. - Kaplan and Evolve also enter the rest of 2026 with a broader list of national and statewide accolades behind them.

The bottom line: - Jennifer Kaplan’s latest PRNEWS honor cements her as a leading figure in Arizona public relations and keeps Evolve PR & Marketing in the national conversation.