Public Communications Inc. Wins Top Honors at PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards
On September 25, 2025, Public Communications Inc. (PCI) was recognized with the highest honors at the Public Relations Society of America’s Chicago Skyline Awards, including being named Organization of the Year for the second consecutive year.
The Skyline Awards honor the best in Chicago’s public relations, celebrating work that demonstrates creativity and drives impact. In addition to earning recognition across multiple categories, PCI’s crisis communications campaign for the rescue of beluga whales from a warzone was a finalist for the Best of Skyline award – an honor given only to campaigns that receive a perfect score from PRSA’s esteemed judges. This year’s decision was a four-way tie, underscoring the extraordinary quality of work recognized.
The Organization of the Year award is presented to the agency with the most Skyline wins across categories, a testament to PCI’s consistent excellence and impact. Together, these honors reflect the core of our mission: collaborating with clients to create stories that inform, inspire and strengthen communities.
Learn more about our award-winning programs:
Rescuing Belugas From a Warzone – Skyline Award & Best of Skyline Award Finalist
In June 2024, as war intensified in Kharkiv, Ukraine, two beluga whales faced starvation at a besieged dolphinarium. An international team led by Oceanogràfic Valencia, Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld executed a high-risk rescue, relocating the whales to safety in Spain. PCI developed and led a crisis communications strategy that addressed multiple outcomes, unified global messaging and secured embargoed media coverage. With the world watching, PCI shaped a narrative that honored the whales’ plight and scientific collaboration, achieving global visibility, message control and a powerful story of compassion and expertise under extreme, fast-moving conditions.
Messages that Move the Future – Skyline Award
To educate younger Americans on the value and future of Social Security, AARP partnered with PCI to launch a pilot digital advertising campaign targeting Gen Z (18–27) and Millennials (28–43). Leveraging geofenced ads at high-traffic sporting events and airports during peak holiday travel, the campaign used sports- and travel-themed content to educate, dispel myths and raise awareness about Social Security. By aligning with the interests and culture of younger generations, the campaign positioned Social Security as relevant to their parents or grandparents and a priority for their lives today.
More Than Books: Connecting the Roselle Library to its Community – Skyline Award
In early 2023, the Roselle Public Library District faced a critical turning point when voters rejected a $22 million bond proposal to replace its aging facility. To rebuild trust and deepen understanding of the Library’s evolving role, RPLD partnered with PCI to launch a research-driven communications campaign. Grounded in community insights, PCI used engagement and creative storytelling to position the Library as more than books—a vital hub of belonging, creativity and civic pride. The campaign strengthened public awareness and connected, contributing to the successful passage of a second referendum in November 2024 with 59% voter approval.
Influencers Drive Pediatric Vaccination Awareness – Award of Excellence
To combat low HPV and pediatric flu vaccination rates in rural communities, the American Academy of Pediatrics partnered with PCI to launch a nationwide influencer campaign. The initiative engaged seven influencers from November 2023 to July 2024 across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube—surpassing its recruitment goal. The campaign engaged parents, educators and community leaders with engaging, relatable content to drive awareness and traffic to AAP’s flu and HPV recommendations and resources. By leveraging personal storytelling and trusted voices, the campaign broadened reach, strengthened community trust and laid the groundwork for future influencer-led health initiatives.
