Five Zilker Media clients were also recognized as finalists across multiple categories, reflecting the agency’s reputation for building influential brands and leaders across Central Texas.
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 15, 2025 — The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce has named Paige Velasquez Budde, Co-Founding Partner and CEO of Zilker Media, a 2025 Austin Executive of the Year at the 25th Annual Greater Austin Business Awards. In addition to Velasquez Budde’s honor, five Zilker Media clients were named finalists across multiple categories, reflecting the agency’s commitment to building trusted, visible brands that drive impact across industries. The awards, celebrating a quarter-century of honoring Austin’s most impactful business leaders, represent one of the region’s highest recognitions in business achievement.
Paige Velasquez Budde will be honored alongside other winners at a live awards celebration on Wednesday, November 19 at the JW Marriott in downtown Austin. The event brings together more than 700 business leaders, elected officials, and community changemakers for a night celebrating innovation, leadership, and success across Central Texas.
“Austin is a city of bold ideas and purpose-driven leadership, and I’m honored to be recognized among such a visionary group of peers,” said Velasquez Budde. “This award is a reflection of the extraordinary Zilker Media team, our incredible client community, and the trust we’ve built together through values-based marketing and strategic influence.”
Under Velasquez Budde’s leadership, Zilker Media has grown into one of Austin’s most respected PR and brand strategy agencies, known for its people-first approach to building trusted leaders and companies. The agency has earned repeated recognition as a Best Place to Work and Fastest Growing Company by Austin Business Journal, while driving visibility and credibility for clients across industries ranging from healthcare and law to finance and tech.
The award also highlights a standout year for Zilker Media’s client community. Several clients were recognized as 2025 finalists in other categories of the Greater Austin Business Awards, including:
- Back Office Betties
- vcfo
- VVater
- Art + Artisans Consulting
- Hembree Bell Law
“We’re proud to work with so many clients who are reshaping industries with courage, clarity, and bold integrity,” added Velasquez Budde. “Their recognition as finalists is a powerful reflection of the shared commitment we all have to building meaningful, trusted brands in today’s business landscape.”
Velasquez Budde is also the author of The Strategic Business Influencer: Building a Big Brand on a Small Budget, a forthcoming book available for pre-order now. She regularly speaks to national audiences on thought leadership, trust-centered branding, and scaling influence as a modern executive.
To learn more about Zilker Media, visit www.zilkermedia.com.