Who We Are
The Philadelphia Chapter is the fifth largest chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). We provide opportunities for professional development, mentoring, networking and continuous learning in all strategic communication disciplines to 430 members across Greater Philadelphia.
PRSA Philadelphia supports PR and communications professionals in all stages of their career and offers a myriad of resources, including the region’s preeminent PR job bank; the exclusive opportunity to earn the APR professional accreditation; professional development and networking events; and volunteer opportunities. We also work closely with student chapters of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) in the region.
Our Board
Our 2019 Board of Directors

Martha Gaston, APR
President
Vice President, Corporate Communications Manager II, TD Bank

Steph Byrwa
Vice President
Marketing & Communications Manager, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Philadelphia

Tom Logue
Treasurer
Senior Associate, AKCG – Public Relations Councelors

Michele Besso
Secretary
Public Relations Director, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

John Kouten
Immediate Past President & Ethics Chair
CEO,
JFK Communications

Lisa Packer
Director-At-Large
Strategic Communications Consultant, Tridiuum, AAWC, Ellis Investment Partners

Jawanza Keita
Director-At-Large
Director, Corporate Communications and Media Relations, AmericHealth Caritas

Rosie Braude
Director-At-Large
Assistant Director, Office of Media & Public Relations, Rowan University

Linda Woody
Director-At-Large
Senior Manager, Internal & HR Communications,
Saint-Gobain
Committee Chairs

Lori Doyle
Membership Chair
Senior Vice President, Communications,
Drexel University

Mike Lauer
Communications Chair
Marketing Communications Specialist,
McCormick Taylor

Ryan Sheehy-Cox, APR
Programming Chair
CEO,
SHEEHY strategies

Renee Cree
Diversity & Inclusion Chair
Associate Director, News and Media Relations, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Melanie Wright
PR Institute Chair
Director of Strategic Communications & Business Development, Ainsworth Communications

Jake Farbman, Ed.D., APR
APR Chair
Executive Director,
New Jersey Center for Student Success

Robyn Frenze
Emerging PR Pros Chair
Senior Director/Communications Consultant/Principal, High Lantern Group/Chameleon Communications

Vacant
Sponsorship Chair
If you have interest in serving on any of the PRSA Philadelphia committees or in filling a vacant position, please contact PRSA Philly Chapter President, Martha Gaston, APR at president@philly.org.