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Next PR (Formerly SSPR): Tech PR Agency Since 1978

Next PR, formerly SSPR, was founded in 1978 by Steve Simon as S&S Public Relations and is led by CEO Heather Kelly. It took the Next PR name in January 2021.

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Technology & B2B

Updated

Oct 21, 2026

Desk

EPR Editorial Team

Firm summary

Next PR, formerly SSPR, is a public relations agency that Steve Simon founded in 1978 as S&S Public Relations, per SourceWatch and Agility PR. Simon died in 2015, and the University of Memphis says the firm continued under CEO Heather Kelly, who had worked with him for 17 years. The agency announced the Next PR name in a January 2021 release datelined Colorado Springs, and Clutch lists it with 10 to 49 employees.

Originally published June 2026. Updated October 18, 2026.

Who founded Next PR?

The University of Memphis says Simon graduated from the university in 1969 with a journalism degree, worked as press secretary to the mayor of Memphis, took executive roles at several Chicago PR agencies and founded S&S Public Relations in 1978. It says he died in 2015 at age 67 after battling amyloidosis and that SSPR thrives under Kelly. SourceWatch's entry lists Simon as CEO and founder and Kelly as senior vice president during the firm's earlier years.

When did SSPR become Next PR?

An Agility PR release said Colorado Springs-based SSPR unveiled a complete rebrand and a new name, Next PR, to start 2021, reflecting the agency's agility and commitment to helping clients navigate what is next. It said the name pays homage to Simon's legacy. Kelly said 2020 was a powerful learning and growth experience for the agency. Clutch's profile says the agency is entering a new chapter of growth as Next PR under Kelly's continued guidance.

PeriodNameSource
1978S&S Public RelationsSourceWatch
Later yearsSS|PR, SSPRSourceWatch; Agility PR
January 2021Next PRAgility PR

What does Next PR do?

The 2021 release describes holistic brand management and messaging, with custom programs spanning media relations, social media, analyst relations, online sales trainings and socially conscious business strategy consultations. It says the agency helped clients navigate conversations around COVID-19, race relations, politics, diversity and inclusion. CB Insights says it uses analytics to measure and report on PR campaign effectiveness and describes SSPR as an agency for businesses from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. SourceWatch lists brand positioning, media relations and financial PR among its work, and a Maui Wowi case study from the October 2007 California wildfires. EPR's technology PR agencies ranking and B2B marketing page cover the category.

How does Next PR compare with other tech PR firms?

Next PR is a long-running agency with a small current team, so compare it with InkHouse and LaunchSquad, and see EPR's PR agency profiles directory for more.

Related: PR agency profiles, PR leaders directory, Technology PR agencies, B2B marketing, 5W Public Relations

Next PR (Formerly SSPR): Tech PR Agency Since 1978 FAQ

Who founded SSPR?

Steve Simon founded it in 1978 as S&S Public Relations, per SourceWatch and Agility PR.

Who runs Next PR?

Heather Kelly is CEO.

When did SSPR become Next PR?

The Next PR name was announced in January 2021, per Agility PR.

What happened to Steve Simon?

He died in 2015 at age 67, per the University of Memphis.

Where is Next PR based?

Colorado Springs, per its 2021 release and Clutch.

How big is Next PR?

Clutch lists 10 to 49 employees.

Editorial assessment by Everything-PR, based on public record and archive coverage. No firm-supplied marketing copy, no paid placement.

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