Past Presidents and Chairs of PRSA

2020
T. Garland Stansell, APR

During the global COVID-19 Pandemic Garland helped PRSA pivot to COVID-specific programming; approved formation of Voices4Everyone advocacy education and resources and created the Civility Task Force.

He guided the launch of the Global Capabilities framework (career resource) in partnership with the Global Alliance and developed the  first PRSA Strategic Plan with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion as a specific strategic priority as part of the plan.

2019
Debra Peterson, APR, Fellow PRSA

Under Debra D. Peterson’s leadership, ICON achieved its second-highest attendance for the International Conference in PRSA history. She began development of PRSA’s first 3-year D&I strategic plan and launched revised PRSA.org website..

2018
Anthony W. D’Angelo, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 2018 chair, Anthony W. D’Angelo implemented significant investment in the Society’s IT infrastructure, greatly improving functionality and member benefits; led collaboration of 15 professional associations in an advocacy initiative to support journalists and a free press.

He also participated in the Chinese PR association’s Golden Flag Awards in Beijing, which led to its leaders’ participation in the Silver Anvil Awards ceremony and a PRSA Board of Directors meeting the following year.

2017
Jane Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 2017 chair, Jane Dvorak established the HBCU/Diversity Initiative and created PRSA Proud with Southwest District Leadership to provide support to impacted communities and members in Houston, Texas and Florida from natural disasters from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Marie.

2016
Mark McClennan, APR, Fellow PRSA

Mark McClennan successfully built a coalition to fight and win against a New York State JCOPE finding that would require any PR professional doing business in New York State to register as a lobbyist; committed $500,000 to diversity and inclusion initiatives and modernized technology infrastructure to enable delivery of more professional development virtually.

2015
Kathy Barbour, APR, Fellow PRSA

Under Kathy Barbour’s leadership, PRSA’s new CEO and President Joseph P. Truncale initiated brand assessment for PRSA.

2014
Joseph E. Cohen, APR

As 2014 chair, Joseph expanded integrated marketing programming and professional development offerings; launched roll-out of PRSA MBA Initiative in 2011–12.

2013
Mickey G. Nall, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 2013 chair, Mickey G. Nall launched the Moving Veterans Forward program; initiated 50^th Anniversary Member category; funded research monies to PRSA Foundation for diversity and inclusion and launched effort to promote APR credential in advance of its 50^th anniversary.

2012
Gerard F. Corbett, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 2012 chair, Gerard F. Corbett spoke globally about PRSA and ethics in Russia, Sharjah-UAE, Hong Kong, Beijing and Melbourne, Australia (signed the Melbourne Mandate); PRSA launched the MBA Program; and completed revised definition of PR covered by The New York Times.

2011
Rosanna M. Fiske, APR, Fellow PRSA

Rosanna M. Fiske is the first Latina woman to lead PRSA. Under her leadership as 2011 chair, PRSA launched PR Serving America to highlight pro bono/public service work of professionals, adopted the first dues increase in ten years, entered a record number of partnership agreements with diverse organizations (HPRA, BPRSA, AAAF) and lobbied Congress to avoid restricting use of public relations firms on behalf of federal programs.

2010
Gary D. McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 2010 chair, Gary D. McCormick launched the APR+M credential; created an Advocacy Advisory Board to focus on value of PR, ethics and diversity; signed the Barcelona Principles; entered strategic partnership with AMEC and held international conference in London on measurement in public relations.

2009
Michael G. Cherenson, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 2009 chair, Michael G. Cherenson launched the Business Case for Public Relations; unveiled a new website; merged the Diversity and Multicultural Committees to strengthen diversity focus; developed PRSA’s Hardship Program to help members navigate the recession; and promoted the development of the +M (military) certification for the APR program.

2008
Jeffrey P. Julin, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 2008 chair at PRSA, Jeffrey P. Julin increased the use of social media to post remarks about the importance of truth in presidential elections, responded to CBS's criticism of the PRSA Code of Ethics, and advanced open and respectful discourse in business and politics.

2007
Rhoda Weiss, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA

In 2007 PRSA celebrated its 60^th and PRSSA’s 40^th anniversaries; brought on a new COO; co-hosted with State Department Ambassador Karen Hughes diplomacy program for members of Congress; hosted educational session at FEMA on ethics and issues management; and launched the peer-reviewed Public Relations Journal.

2006
Cheryl I. Procter-Rogers, APR, Fellow PRSA

Cheryl I. Procter-Rogers was the first African American woman to receive APR (1985) and the youngest inductee into PRSA College of Fellows (2000). In 2006, PRSA entered partnership with Canadian Public Relations Society and University of Wisconsin to align with 60th Anniversary.

2005
Judith T. Phair, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 2005 president and CEO, Judith T. Phair oversaw PRSA’s first industry summit on ethics, restructured PRSA Foundation, established first endowed scholarship to honor Betsy Ann Plank, created alliances with GLBT Newswire and the Society of Human Resource Management and launched PRSA GLBT affinity group.

2004
Del Galloway, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 2004 president, Del Galloway launched Advancing Diversity to promote multiculturism in public relations and the business community, enhanced online career web site with diversity professionals, and developed the Diversity Tool Kit.

2003
Reed Bolton Byrum Sr., APR, Fellow PRSA *

Byrum expanded PRSA diversity initiatives in 2003 and focused on advancing professional ethics and leadership development. More than 40 U.S. universities invited him to lecture on public relations. He delivered the keynote addresses at the prestigious Don Davis Symposium on Ethics at the Pennsylvania State University, and at the Washington and Lee University’s Institute on Media Ethics.

2002
Joann E. Killeen, APR, Fellow PRSA

Joann E. Killeen is the first PRSSA member to become PRSA president and the first female PRSA president from the West Coast. As 2002 president she restructured the financial policies and procedures of PRSA leading to financial success after 9/11 hardship and restructured the PRSA ICON sponsorship program resulting in record revenue.

2001
Kathleen Larey Lewton, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 2001 president, Kathleen Larey Lewton held the International Conference just weeks after 9/11 and created the Patrick Jackson Award to honor the passion of “father of modern public relations".

2000
Stephen D. Pisinski, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Stephen D. Pisinski began his career with Ketchum in Pittsburgh, transferring to San Francisco to become Vice President and associate director; he then opened and directed the San Francisco office of Burson-Marsteller, subsequently moving to the New York office; next, opening his own agency that was acquired by Ogilvy & Mather, becoming general manager of their San Francisco office.

1999
Samuel L. Waltz Jr., APR, Fellow PRSA

Samuel L. Waltz Jr. is the first Fellow to serve as PRSA president; launched BEPS Review that resulted in change from enforced to Advisory Educational Standards; initiated first Membership Development Committee.

1998
Mary Lynn Cusick, APR

Mary Lynn Cusick began her career with Bob Evans Farms, Inc, to scale the company from approximately $70 million in sales when she joined to nearly $2 billion in sales when she left as senior vice president of restaurant marketing (CMO).

1997
Debra A. Miller, Ed.D., APR, Fellow PRSA

Dr. Debra A. Miller was the first woman of color and first African-American president and second educator to lead PRSA. She also was the first woman of color to win the PRSA Gold Anvil. During her tenure PRSA’s annual conference became international.

1996
Luis W. Morales, APR, Fellow PRSA

The first individual from a minority background elected to serve as PRSA President, Luis began exploring affiliate membership relationship with Puerto Rico Public Relations Association (finalized in 1999) and launched the The Public Relations Strategist magazine.

1995
John Beardsley, APR *

A first adopter of new technologies, John Beardsley is credited with putting PRSA on the internet during his term of office. He worked to expand the power and relevance of the profession, with a strong focus on research, data analysis and continuous transformation.

1994
Joseph A. Vecchione, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Joseph A. Vecchione also served as the PRSA Foundation president (1995, 1997).

1993
Harland W. Warner, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Harland W. Warner’s achievements include Charter Member of College of Fellows. He is also credited as a prime force behind development of “Blueprint 2000,” PRSA’s first long-term strategic plan.

1992
Rosalee A. Roberts, APR, Fellow PRSA

Since joining PRSA in 1972, Rosalee has served in multiple leadership positions on the local, regional and national PRSA levels.

1991
Joe S. Epley, APR, Fellow PRSA

Defense Information School Hall of Fame; University of North Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s PR Hall of Fame

1990
H.J. (Jerry) Dalton Jr., APR, Fellow PRSA *

Founding president of the PRSA Foundation and Plank Center Legacies from Legends in Public Relations.

1989
John L. Paluszek, APR, Fellow PRSA

John L. Paluszek, represented PRSA at the (USIA) “US–USSR Information and Cultural Talks,” Moscow and at “Summit Dialogue – 1st East-West Public Relations Conference”.

1988
Dwayne Summar, APR, Fellow PRSA

1986-1987
John W. Felton, APR, Fellow PRSA *

John W. Felton is the only person to serve two terms as president, replacing Anthony Franco for his remaining term and serving another term in 1987.

1986
Anthony M. Franco, APR

1985
David Ferguson, APR, Fellow PRSA *

David Ferguson was instrumental in establishing five public relations rules for PRSSA and Chapter Charter and the Certification of Education in Public Relations.

1984
Barbara W. Hunter, APR, Fellow PRSA

Barbara Hunter founded Hunter PR in 1989 and was the first woman to buy a major public relations agency (Dudley Anderson Yutzy). As 1984 president she achieved a much-needed major dues increase; and increased services offered to Chapters and members.

1983
Judith S. Bogart, APR, Fellow PRSA

1982
Joseph F. Awad, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Awad received the Thomas Jefferson Award for Career Achievement from the Society’s Old Dominion Chapter.

1981
James A. Little, APR, Fellow PRSA

As 1981 president, PRSA strengthened the Professional Interest Sections offerings for PRSA members and brought on Betsy Kovacs, seasoned agency executive, to manage the organization.

1980
Patrick Jackson, APR, Fellow PRSA *

In 1980, PRSA voted to require four courses in a university or college curriculum in order for schools to qualify for a PRSSA charter. Jackson was also a member of the inaugural class of College of Fellows.

1979
Kerryn King, APR *

Kerryn King was Senior Vice President of Texaco, an officer of Hill & Knowlton, and President of the Foundation for Public Relations Research and Education.

1978
Frank W. Wylie, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Frank W. Wylie worked in various positions at Dodge/Chrysler for 32 years, rising to Director of Public Relations. He proposed that Dodge get into NASCAR racing to update its public image and became the lead person in that effort, hiring drivers, mechanics and pit crews and working the races on weekends. He was a member of the inaugural class of College of Fellows and PRSSA 40th Anniversary Legacies from Living Legends in 2007.

Gold Anvil Award (1982)

1977
Kenneth Owler Smith, APR *

Kenneth Owler Smith is regarded for his contributions to public relations education, most notably creating USC’s international curricula in journalism, broadcasting in public relations and advertising courses, and the first degreed sports and information program in the United States. His career included service in the U.S. Army and work for Western Airlines, the Apollo space projects and two Olympics Games Awards.

Awards:
Outstanding Educator Award (1979)
Kenneth Owler Smith Symposium at USC Annenberg’s School of Journalism and Communication

1976
Jay Rockey, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Jay Rockey is credited with making the 1960 Seattle World’s Fair a rousing success. In 2002 PRSA’s Puget Sound Chapter established the Jay Rockey Lifetime Achievement Award in his honor.

1975
James F. Fox, APR, Fellow PRSA * 

A member of the inaugural class of College of Fellows, James F. Fox served as the vice president of Chase Manhattan Bank and taught at New York University.

Gold Anvil (1978)

1974
Dr. Carl F. Hawver, APR, Fellow PRSA * 

A member of the inaugural class of College of Fellows, Hawver served executive roles in the Republican Congressional Committee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Consumer Finance Association.

Gold Anvil (1974)

1973
Betsy Ann Plank, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Betsy Ann Plank achieved multiple firsts for women: first to head a division of Illinois Bell, first woman president of Publicity Club of Chicago and PRSA, and first to receive three of PRSA’s top individual honors. In 1981 she was the National Adviser to PRSSA and co-founded Champions (Friends) of PRSSA, establishing the profession’s only national scholarship program. 

Other honors included: PRSSA 40^th Anniversary Legacies from Living Legends (2007); inaugural class of College of Fellows; founded the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations; ongoing commitment to public relations education — founding member of Commission on Public Relations Education; Public Relations Education certification program. Honored with Arthur W. Page Society’s Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award.

Awards:
Gold Anvil (1977)
Patrick Jackson Award (2002)
David Ferguson Award (1981)
Paul M. Lund Public Service Award (1989)
Honored with Arthur W. Page Society’s Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award

1972
Kalman B. Druck, APR, Fellow PRSA *

A PRSA founding member, Kalman B. Druck partnered to form Harshe-Rotman & Druck, which became the sixth-largest PR firm in the U.S., boasting Mattel, Hertz and The New York Times as major clients. Also a member of the inaugural class of College of Fellows, he developed an evening course on public relations at City College of New York, creating the first accredited program on the subject being taught in the United States.

Gold Anvil Award (1966)

1971
Jon B. Riffel, APR *

As 1971 President, he worked with J. Carroll Bateman to establish PRSSA and co-founded Champions for PRSSA with Betsy Ann Plank, establishing the profession's only national scholarship program. He helped launch the U.S. Marine Corps’ "Toys for Tots" program. He worked as Vice President of Public Relations and Advertising for the Southern California Gas Company, Lockheed and North American Aviation.

1970
Donald McCammond, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Inaugural class of College of Fellows

Gold Anvil Award (1983)

1969
George Hammond, APR, Fellow PRSA *

George Hammond served as President during the year that PRSA established the first 13 PRSSA Chapters.

Hammond was also chairman of the 1972 Nominating Committee, which was the first committee to nominate a woman to serve as President of PRSA. He was a member of the inaugural class of the College of Fellows. At Carl Byoir & Associates, he created the first in-house photography and television departments in a public relations agency during the 1940s. He was also the first to have his account teamwork in the offices of the client, not the agency.

Gold Anvil Award (1973)

First recipient of the John W. Hill Award for leadership in the practice of public relations, presented by the PRSA’s New York Chapter (1977)

1968
Edward P. VonderHaar *

Appointed the “Committee on the Formation of a Student Public Relations Society,” which helped define the relationship between PRSSA Chapters and PRSA. While he was president, the PRSA Board of Directors created the first PRSSA Chapters at nine schools, with 14 “alpha” Chapters by the end of the year.

Gold Anvil Award (1973)

1967
J. Carroll Bateman, APR *

The Assembly under J. Carroll Bateman’s presidency voted unanimously to establish PRSSA. He authored the initial report on “Accreditation of Public Relations Education” with Frank Kalupa. PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, established in 1973, was named in his honor. The Commission on Public Relations Education came about in large part due to Bateman’s initial work on public relations education with Scott Cutlip, included in the initial 1975 report by CPRE.

Gold Anvil Award (1975)

1966
Robert B. Wolcott, Jr., APR, Fellow PRSA *

As PRSA’s 1966 president, Robert B. Wolcott founded the Counselors Academy and the Public Service Council of PRSA. He was a founding member, vice president and director of the National Investor Relations Association. He also formed the Consultants Group of the International Public Relations Association.

1965
Ovid R. Davis, APR *

As PRSA’s president, Ovid R. Davis invited six schools to PRSA’s National Conference as guests of PRSA, which was the first step to creating PRSSA.

1964
Thomas F. Robertson, APR *

1963
Ward B. Stevenson, APR *

Gold Anvil Award (1968)

1962
Walter W. Belson, APR *

Walter Belson was most known for his work as Director of Public Relations for the American Trucking Association where he also served as its charter secretary. Before that he was Managing Director of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association.

1961
H.B. Miller, APR *

1960
Kenneth Youel, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Kenneth Youel was a member of the inaugural class of College of Fellows. He worked in public relations for General Motors and opened a firm — Youel, Philips & Associates — in Washington, D.C. He is part of PRSA’s National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame.

1959
Carroll R. West, APR *

Gold Anvil Award (1960)

1958
Kenneth W. Haagensen, APR

1957
Dan J. Forrestal, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Dan J. Forrestal was a member of the inaugural College of Fellows and a corporate public relations executive with Monsanto Company. He won a Gold Anvil Award in 1974.

1956
W. Howard Chase, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Howard Chase was a member of the inaugural class of College of Fellows and was recognized as No. 9 in the top 10 most influential PR professionals of all time, according to a University of Michigan study in 1970. He worked with Partners for Growth, Inc, in New York City where he played a major role in the development of issues management.

1955
George M. Crowson *

Gold Anvil Award (1960)

1954
Frederick Bowes, Jr. *

In Frederick Bowes, Jr.'s 42-year career with Pitney Bowes, named first vice president to direct the company’s international division.

1953
William G. Werner * 

Founded the public relations department at Procter & Gamble; Promoted public relations as counsel to corporations, not just publicity; Emphasized visual materials to support communication in public relations.

1952
Ed Lipscomb, APR, Fellow PRSA *

Inaugural class of College of Fellows; director of public relations for National Cotton Council of America; inaugural board member of the Public Relations Foundation; helped establish profession of agricultural public relations.

Awards:
Gold Anvil (1957)
2017 Agricultural Public Relations Hall of Fame

1951
Milton Fairman, APR *

Editor of Public Relations Journal (1954–55, 1968–71); president of Foundation for Public Relations Research and Education (1961–1965); served as Vice President of Public Relations for Borden, Inc; member of first Board of Public Relations Seminar and PRSA.