Next PR (Formerly SSPR): Tech PR Agency Profile

Originally published June 2026. Updated October 14, 2026.

What is Next PR?

Next PR is the agency formerly known as SSPR, which Steve Simon founded in Chicago in 1978 as S&S Public Relations. It announced the Next PR name in January 2021 under CEO Heather Kelly, and it describes custom programs spanning media relations, social media and analyst relations.

What happened to founder Steve Simon?

O'Dwyer's reported that Simon, a former press secretary to the mayor of Memphis, died on January 4, 2015 from complications of amyloidosis at age 67, and that the firm then had seven offices. The University of Memphis says SSPR then continued under Kelly. EPR's earlier version described a planned "clean founder-to-CEO succession" and said Simon remained associated with the firm, which was wrong.

When did SSPR become Next PR?

An Agility PR release said SSPR unveiled the Next PR brand to start 2021, saying the name reflects the agency's agility and pays homage to Simon's legacy. Kelly said the firm had helped clients navigate conversations around COVID-19, race relations, politics and diversity. EPR's earlier version said the SSPR name dated from 2015, which is not supported.

What does Next PR do?

The 2021 release describes brand management and messaging, media relations, social media, analyst relations and online sales trainings. EPR's technology PR and B2B marketing pages cover the category.

Which clients has Next PR worked with?

EPR's earlier profile named Whistle, a pet technology company, which could not be re-verified. A 2008 reference listed a case study for Maui Wowi and a focus on high tech, medical, financial, consumer, security and food industries.

How does Next PR compare with other tech PR firms?

Next PR is a long-running independent, so compare it with Inkhouse, LaunchSquad and Karbo Communications.

---

Related: PR agency profiles, PR leaders directory, Technology PR agencies