When it comes to building relationships, it starts with sharing stories. That’s why Robin DeSantis (Rectenwald) has always had a passion for helping organizations share their stories to make an impact. With more than a decade of experience in strategic marketing, communications and public relations, Robin has helped numerous B2B, B2C and nonprofit companies with media relations, crisis communications, executive visibility, branding, tradeshows and more.

As the Senior Communications Leader at PPG, Robin works with the business leaders of Packaging Coatings to support business growth. Prior to PPG, Robin grew her skills as a client leader by working with local and global agencies including Burson (formally BCW Global), Pipitone and WordWrite. During that time, Robin had the opportunity to advise dozens of companies on their critical business communication needs including UnitedHealthcare, MedExpress, Alcoa, New York University, the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, VisitPittsburgh, Caliente Pizza & Drafthouse, Kennywood and more. Her previous experience also includes the Pittsburgh Pirates, Office of Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Jampole Communications and Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania.

Robin earned her master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University and a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Spanish from Duquesne University. Since 2019, she has served as an adjunct professor, mentor and advisor to Duquesne University, Point Park University and West Virginia University.

As for community involvement, Robin has served on the Board of Directors Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Pittsburgh since 2016, serving as president, vice president, secretary, Renaissance Awards chair and PR Summit co-chair. In 2022, she received a “Dukes of the Last Decade” Award from Duquesne University. She is also an honoree of the 2020-21 Pittsburgh 50 Finest Class and in January 2021, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recognized Robin with the 2020 Tomorrow’s Leader Award. In 2018, she received The Incline’s Who’s Next: Communicators class award and the PRSA Pittsburgh Member of the Year Award in 2017.

In her spare time, she likes to bike, kayak and travel. In fact, she accomplished a personal goal of biking 330+ miles from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. in 2020. She plans to complete her first triathlon in August 2024.

Robin grew up in the South Hills and lives with her husband and two cats in Brentwood Borough.