“As we begin 2018, we find the world in a new phase in the loss of trust: the unwillingness to believe information, even from those closest to us.” -Edelman 2018 Executive SummaryMistrust is at an all-time high. In an age of fake news, lack of trust in government, large corporations and media, it is an increasing challenge for businesses and non-profits to gain the public’s trust.Eighteen corporate and non-profit leaders are bucking this trend as SPOKEies® Award winners. They have been recognized for increasing authenticity and trust for the brands and non-profits they represent as spokespeople.“It’s vital for brands to regain trust through honest, authentic communications and the SPOKEies® are designed to reward that” says Doug Simon CEO of DS Simon Media and Founder of the SPOKEies® .Winners include spokespeople affiliated with LIFEWTR, Marine Corps Marathon, B&G Foods, Guinness World Records, AARP, Allianz Global Assistance, American Medical Association, and more. They’ve shared tips and best practices here about building authenticity and trust amongst their public. Sample advice includes:“You must become the subject matter expert, possessing a depth of understanding that affords the confidence to be creative, expressive and complete.”

• Marc Goldman, Marketing and Sponsorship Manager of the Marine Corps Marathon

“Successful communication comes from connecting with your audience through understanding and respect; it’s not about you, it’s about how you can help them.”

• Luke Margolis,Corporate Communications Manager at Atlantic Health System

“Find, for yourself, a simple but powerful connection between your core values and what you’re representing.  When you’re grounded in that, it’s impossible to sound inauthentic.”

• Danielle Holly, CEO at Common Impact

In-house spokespeople are valuable assets to brands and companies as they bring more credibility to the company. Additionally, a D S Simon Media Authenticity Survey also discovered that 87% of journalist would rather interview an in-house spokesperson over a third party spokesperson.The full list of winners include: