In this first-ever special, PRWeek's editorial team looks across agencies, corporations, and nonprofits to profile 40 professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate innovative thinking, strong determination, and results that indicate a long and successful career in the PR industry.

For all of the industry fretting about talent - and the absence of the necessary amount of PR pros in the five-to-eight year experience range to fill ranks - compiling our inaugural 40 Under 40 list was difficult only in one manner: it was hard making the final cut.