PRSA To Explore Winning Communications Strategies With Leaders From Iconic Global Brands At 2019 PRSA International Conference

Keynote Panel Features Top Executives From Chevron, Coca-Cola, Ferrero USA,
MSNBC and Walmart

NEW YORK, Aug. 9, 2019 – Five top communications executives representing some of the world’s most influential companies will be featured in a keynote discussion at the PRSA 2019 International Conference, taking place Oct. 20-22 in San Diego, it was announced today by PRSA, the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community.

The keynote panel on Monday, Oct. 21, includes:

• Errol Cockfield, Senior Vice President, Communications, MSNBC and NBC News
• Cheryll Forsatz, Vice President, Corporate Communications & Public Relations, Ferrero USA
• Ivy Grant, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Customer Care, Walmart eCommerce
• Kent Landers, APR, Vice President, External Communications, Coca-Cola North America
• Dave Samson, General Manager, Public Affairs, Chevron Corporation

As the communications industry tackles technological convergence, public relations professionals are responding to increasing stakeholder demands and the need to strategically integrate and leverage the ever-growing availability of data resources. The highly accomplished panelists will explore standout communications approaches that provide lasting value to brand and clients, and discuss why, more than ever, there is a need for breakthrough creativity and cutting-edge solutions across all disciplines.

“We are looking forward to having this distinguished group of senior leaders provide their insights into best practices for successful communications strategies,” said Debra Peterson, APR, 2019 PRSA Chair. “We are pleased they will join us at our annual conference to share industry trends, lessons learned and their collective wisdom into how organizations can continue to evolve and remain successful in today’s complex environment.”

In his role at MSNBC and NBC News, Cockfield is responsible for setting the communications and media strategy for the premier destination for in-depth analysis of daily headlines through commentary and informed perspectives. He joined the company in 2016 following successful leadership roles in agency communications, politics and journalism, including as press secretary for two New York governors and as a senior vice president for Edelman.

Representing the third largest confectionery company in the U.S., Forsatz leads public relations and corporate communications for Ferrero’s portfolio of products including Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, Tic Tac, Kinder and Fannie May, as well as the Ferrero corporate brand. She previously held senior roles at Ketchum and MWW PR, and also was director of communications for McDonald’s New York Metro Region. Forsatz received PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 award and the National Asian Pacific American Corporate Achievement Award and was chair of PRSA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Grant is the interim lead for Walmart eCommerce Customer Care, after joining the team in 2018 as VP/Chief of Staff. In these roles, Grant and her team work to enhance Walmart’s overall customer experience across Walmart’s family of digital brands, including Walmart.com, Jet.com, Hayneedle.com, Shoes.com and others. Prior to Walmart, Grant’s career included senior roles in strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company, Edelman and PwC, with customer-centric operational roles at Polo Ralph Lauren and Eversight Labs.

A former Public Relations Student Society of American (PRSSA) National President, Landers has an extensive career in corporate communications working with renowned brands such as Delta Air Lines and the Coca-Cola Company. For the past two years, he has led external communications for Coca-Cola North America, the company's flagship market. Prior to that, he was Group Director, Corporate Media Relations and Vice President, Public Affairs & Communication, Coca-Cola Japan.

Samson has led public affairs and communications for Chevron, one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, since 2004. His team is responsible for Chevron’s communications strategies and activities, including digital engagement, media relations, employee engagement, executive communications, and corporate branding and advertising. The Arthur Page Hall of Famer and its past chair, Samson has also held senior communications roles at Oracle, IBM and Levi Straus & Co.

This year’s Conference provides an unparalleled opportunity for communications professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills, navigate change and advance their careers. Truly international in scope and offering nearly twice the learning opportunities than ever before, the Conference includes experts from across the globe, sessions in Spanish and more than 140 presentations by speakers representing a diverse range of industries and sectors.

The Conference also includes 10 keynote presentations from influential newsmakers such as Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss; journalists Bob Woodward and Laura Ling; Microsoft communications executive Frank X. Shaw; former President of Mexico Vicente Fox and former First Lady Marta Sahagún de Fox; panels of executives from global agencies and branches of the military, as well as networking events and an expansive exhibition hall.

More information about the 2019 PRSA International Conference is available here.

Media interested in covering the Conference should send requests to PRSACommunications@prsa.org.

About PRSA
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community. PRSA is the principal advocate for industry excellence and ethical conduct and provides members lifelong learning opportunities and leading-edge resources to enhance professional connections and support them at every stage of their career. With more than 30,000 members, PRSA is collectively represented in all 50 states by 110 Chapters and 14 Professional Interest Sections, and on nearly 375 college and university campuses through its student organization, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). For more information, please visit www.prsa.org.

Photo key (left to right): Errol Cockfield, Cheryll Forsatz, Ivy Grant, Kent Landers, Dave Samson

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Media Contact:
Rod Granger
(212) 460-0307
rod.granger@prsa.org