LEXINGTON, Ky., April 21, 2026 — Marc Whitt, director of Media & Strategic Relations at the University of Kentucky and board president of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter, has been named to the “Strategic 26” — Top 26 Strategic Communication Leaders of the Year, a global honor recognizing outstanding professionals who are making a meaningful impact on the communications industry.

 

Strategic, a global platform for communication leaders, selected 26 professionals from across multiple countries and disciplines who exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, and ethical practice within the field.

 

“To be included among this group of professionals from around the world, many of whom I admire and am proud to call friends, is truly humbling,” said Whitt. “This recognition reflects not just my journey, but the many mentors, colleagues, and students who have shaped and inspired me over the years. I’ve been incredibly blessed to spend my career doing work I believe in, alongside people who challenge me to be better every day.”

 

Whitt’s career spans more than four decades in higher education and nonprofit public relations, where he has built a reputation for strategic leadership, thoughtful storytelling, and a deep commitment to advancing the profession. In addition to his professional role, he serves as a part-time instructor in the UK College of Communication and Information’s Department of Integrated Strategic Communication, mentoring the next generation of communications leaders.

 

Mike Klein, editor-in-chief of Strategic, noted Whitt’s far-reaching influence and contributions to the field.

 

“With his unique blend of leadership in the educational and nonprofit communication worlds, his generosity in sharing knowledge through his writing, and his unwavering commitment to ethical and professional communication, Marc Whitt has become an influential global voice in the PR and communications profession,” Klein said. “It’s a privilege to recognize him as part of the Strategic 26.”

 

Additionally, Whitt is the author of two #1 Amazon bestsellers, When In Doubt, Make Applesauce! Core Habits of the Masterful Public Relations Professional and PR Lessons Learned Along the Way, both of which were named to BookAuthority’s “100 Best PR Books of All Time” and honored with Goody Business Book Awards. His third book, TAKEAWAYS: Ideas, Strategies and Encouragement for the Nonprofit Public Relations Professional, released in August 2025, quickly became a #1 Amazon New Release in Marketing & Communications and the #2 New Release in Public Relations. It was also recognized as a 2025 Goody Business Book Award winner in Marketing: Communications & PR and named a Google 2026 recommended read.

 

Whitt joins a distinguished cohort of honorees representing countries across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, underscoring the global nature of the recognition and the impact of strategic communication worldwide.

 

“This feels, in many ways, like a capstone moment in a 42-year journey that continues to grow,” Whitt added. “I’m deeply grateful to God for His guidance and blessings, and to my family, my colleagues, and this profession for the opportunities to learn, lead, and serve.”