Coyne PR: PR Agency Profile, History, and Industry Coverage

Part of EPR's New Jersey Communications State · PR Firms Directory · PR Leaders

Coyne PR is one of the largest independent public relations firms in the United States and one of the longer-running founder-led independent PR firms in the country — celebrating 35 years in 2026. Founded in 1991 by Tom Coyne in Parsippany, New Jersey, the firm operates from its NJ headquarters and a New York City office with 150+ full-time professionals. President John Gogarty leads day-to-day operations. Coyne PR has won more than 1,000 industry awards including the 2019 Creative Agency of the Year and the 2026 Best Mid-Sized Agency at the PRSA Anvil Awards.

Overview

Coyne PR is one of the larger US independent public relations firms and one of a small group of agencies that has maintained independence through 35 years of consolidation in the PR industry. Founded in 1991 by Tom Coyne — then a 22-year-old entrepreneur — the firm has grown steadily into a 150+ professional integrated agency with a reputation for big creative thinking, deep client service, and consistent industry award recognition. Coyne is one of the leading New Jersey PR agencies. Coyne extends its global footprint through its partnership in the Worldcom Public Relations Group, a network covering 115 cities in 49 countries.

Why It Matters

Coyne PR is one of the longer-running founder-led independent PR firms in the United States — 35 years old and still led by founder Tom Coyne, who launched the agency in Parsippany, NJ in 1991 at age 22. The firm has remained independent through three decades of holdco consolidation and PE roll-ups. The agency's 1,000+ industry awards and 2026 PRSA Best Mid-Sized Agency Anvil Award reflect a durable competitive position built without holding-company affiliation or PE backing.

History and Ownership

Tom Coyne founded Coyne PR in 1991 in Parsippany, New Jersey at age 22. Coyne PR has been independent throughout its history. In 2022, Tom Coyne was named CEO of the Year by the PRNEWS Platinum Awards.

Key Milestones

1991: Tom Coyne founded Coyne PR in Parsippany, NJ at age 22.

2016: Named Best Agency to Work For Globally by the Holmes Report.

2019: Named Creative Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report.

2022: Tom Coyne named CEO of the Year by the PRNEWS Platinum Awards.

2026: Named Best Mid-Sized Agency at the PRSA Anvil Awards. Multiple wins at the 2026 Innovation SABRE Awards including for a viral CeraVe/Jake Shane campaign. Coyne PR celebrated 35 years.

Services

Coyne PR delivers integrated communications across public relations, social media, digital marketing, advertising and creative production, integrated content strategy, and crisis communications.

Practice Areas

Consumer brands, healthcare, corporate communications, hospitality, food and beverage, automotive, energy, retail, education, and B2B.

Clients and Accounts

Coyne PR's client roster includes Hilton Worldwide, Hard Rock International, Shell Oil, Chrysler, Pfizer, VTech, Columbia Business School, CeraVe, Entenmann's, Keurig Dr Pepper, Delta Air Lines, Banfield (pet health), Express Scripts Pharmacy, and The V Foundation. The 2026 CeraVe/Jake Shane viral campaign was recognized at the Innovation SABRE Awards.

Leadership

Tom Coyne is Founder & CEO. John Gogarty serves as President. Clara Albanese Heffernan is Chief People Officer. The senior leadership team includes Stacey Cooney, Amanda McGarrity (AVP, Head of Integration), and Danielle Paleafico (VP, lifestyle and travel communications).

Awards and Recognition

Coyne PR has won 1,000+ industry awards over its 35-year history. 2026 PRSA Anvil Award for Best Mid-Sized Agency; multiple 2026 Innovation SABRE Awards; 2022 PRNEWS CEO of the Year (Tom Coyne); 2019 Creative Agency of the Year; 2016 Best Agency to Work For Globally.

Related Agency Profiles

NJ neighbors: MikeWorldWide (MWW)

Other founder-led independents: Finn Partners · Ruder Finn · ICR

Hubs

New Jersey Communications State · PR Firms Directory · PR Leaders

Related: Coyne PR: Agency Profile