The backbone of the PR industry is its people. Whether they work for a corporation, agency, government, or nonprofit, PR pros are in a unique position to influence everyone, from their own institutions to the world we live in. They can change lives for the better by helping organizations listen to, and better respond to, the public's needs.

People like Ed Skyler, who began as Mayor Michael Bloomberg's press secretary and is now Deputy Mayor, and Beth Comstock, who joined GE ...