About Matt Shaw
Capitalizing on his background as an executive communications leader, Matt launched Shaw PR in 2016. Whether working with clients from energy, financing, marketing research or PR and advertising, Shaw brings a wealth of insight and public relations acumen to each engagement.
Prior to launching his eponymous firm, Shaw was an instrumental part of the growth and success of the PR Council. Under Shaw’s guidance, the trade association established a well-respected brand position with more than 100 agencies that came to rely on the PR Council to serve as the industry’s advocate and support the communications business.
As Senior Vice President & Director of Communications, Shaw strengthened the recognition and role of public relations firms in corporate strategy, business performance and social education. Owing to his ability to cultivate and nurture productive relationships, Shaw established partnerships with leading PR firms, securing his status as a trusted leader.
In an effort to establish and solidify the future of PR digital communications, Shaw played a lead role in the re-branding of the Council, which included defining the positioning and messaging. In addition, he directed strategic planning efforts, which were critical to fostering and maintaining the PR Council’s focus on the needs and goals of its member firms.
As an experienced strategist, Shaw possesses a clear understanding of business, trade and consumer media. He is a talented writer and engaging leader. Energetic, highly motivated, conscientious and detail-oriented, Shaw takes the initiative to develop new ideas that bring the industry’s key players together to share insights and ideas. He is assertive in driving programs from start to finish and is dedicated to championing efforts that achieve positive performance results.
Shaw has a proven track record of success:
- He is a sought after expert and has been quoted in dozens of notable publications and has been published in PR Week, the Huffington Post and AdWeek, to name a few.
- Led agency management events in dozens of cities to present industry data, address agency issues and foster peer-to-peer networking events for Council members. In collaboration with member firms, he raised the stature of the PR industry and contributed to revenue growth.
- Conceptualized and launched “The Firm Voice,” the Council’s bimonthly e-newsletter that reached 60,000 readers. He later turned the Firm Voice into a popular weekly blog, which he edited and contributed to regularly.
Earlier in his career, Shaw was an Account Manager with Edward Howard & Co. where he advised clients, including The Cleveland Cavaliers, Charter One Financial and Huffy Bicycle Co. in connection with crisis communications and public relations matters. Additional experiences include his work as a Senior Account Executive with Publicis Dialog, and as an Account Associate with Agnew Carter McCarthy where he worked with some of the world’s largest brands.
Shaw completed his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Middlebury College. He holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).