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About PRSA Philly

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 nearly 250 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.


Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Philadelphia is one of the nation’s most diverse and dynamic cities, and the communications profession is strongest when it reflects the communities we serve.


PRSA Philadelphia is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across the public relations and communications industry by creating opportunities for professionals of all backgrounds to connect, grow their careers and contribute their perspectives. We strive to foster a welcoming chapter culture, elevate diverse voices and champion communications that are authentic, inclusive and representative.


Through our programming, partnerships and leadership, we work to build a stronger profession—one that better serves Philadelphia’s people, organizations and communities.


Past Presidents

Thank you to everyone who has served our chapter.

2025 - Binh Nguyen


2023-2024 - Blair Kahora Cardinal


2021-2022 - Michele B. Besso


2020 - Stephanie E. Byrwa


2019 - Martha A. Gaston, APR


2018 - John F. Kouten


2016-2017 - Kimberly Nissen


2015 - Jennifer A. Dublisky Kitchen, MBA


2013 - Linda V. Woody


2012 - Blair Kahora Cardinal


2011 - Molly A. Wilson


2010 - Michael S. Gross, APR, Fellow PRSA


2009 - Jack E. Horner, APR


2008 - Marisa Avallone Sharkey, APR


2007 - Maribeth Roman Schmidt


2006 - Michele Chierici, APR


2004-2005 - Scott Tattar


2003 - Lee Marshall


2002 - Dina Silver, APR


2001 - Laurel O'Brien, APR



2000 - Rick Alcantara

1999 - David W. Brown



1998 - Warren Levy, APR


1997 - Carole Gorney, APR, Fellow, PRSA


1996 - Gary Brooten, APR


1995 - Harold Lefcourt, APR


1994 - Rosemary Rys, APR


1993 - John J. Moscatelli, APR, Fellow PRSA


1992 - Jeffrey St. Amour, APR


1991 - Barry Brinster


1990 - David Kirk, APR, Fellow PRSA


1989 - Stephen Albertini, APR


1988 - Donna Brennan, APR


1987 - John Polivka, APR


1986 - Jean Anwyll, APR


1985 - Luis Morales, APR, Fellow PRSA


1984 - Anthony Fulginiti, APR, Fellow PRSA


1983 - Robert Buzbee, APR


1982 - Pat Walker Hickman, APR, CAE


1981 - Edward Shapson, APR


1980 - Fred Barfoot, APR


1980 - Dana Hughes, APR

1979 - Anne Sceia Klein, APR, Fellow PRSA


1978 - Nelson Fellman, APR


1977 - Katherine E. Rauch


1976 - George Beiswinger, APR, Fellow PRSA


1975 - Graham Sudbury, APR, Fellow PRSA


1974 - Clifford C.R. Hood, APR


1973 - Rev. Barbara C. Harris, APR


1972 - Stephen Lawrence, APR, Fellow PRSA 


1971 - Richard J. Thiers, APR


1970 - Frank X. Long


1969 - Phillip D. Croll, APR


1968 - William Parker, APR


1967-1968 - Palmer Reed


1966-1967 - Georges Carousso, APR


1965-1966 - William G. Shain, APR 


1964-1965 - Joseph P. McLaughlin, APR 


1963-1964 - Robert G. Wilder, APR 


1962-1963 - Fredrick D. Foote, Jr., APR


1961-1962 - Robert Van Riper


1960-1961 - Harry E. Hammer



1959-1960 - Joseph V. Baker, APR 

1958-1959 - Ben Kauffman


1957-1958 - William W. Weston, APR


1956-1957 - Seth N. Baker


1954-1956 - John K. Murphy 



1953-1954 - Franklyn Waltman