PRSA Announces 2027 Board of Directors Nominations

PRSA has announced the nominees for its 2027 Board of Directors. The slate will be presented for election during the Leadership Assembly on Oct. 17 at ICON 2026, with terms beginning Jan. 1, 2027. 

The nominees are:

Chair-elect

• Paula L. Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA, Honoring America’s Veterans  

Secretary

• John Palmer, APR, Ohio Hospital Association  

Directors

• Mid-Atlantic District: Michael S. Gross, APR, Fellow PRSA, AKCG – Public Relations Counselors 
• Northeast District: Melissa Farmer Richards, APR, iMarketingMix LLC 
• Western District: Kenneth T. Hagihara, APR, Fellow PRSA, Integrity Public Relations Inc. 
• Director-at-Large: Natan Edelsburg, Muck Rack 

“This year’s nominees embody the leadership, vision and commitment that continue to move PRSA forward,” said Joseph Abreu, APR, chair of the 2027 Nominating Committee. “They bring a wealth of experience, a passion for serving the profession and a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing communicators today. I am grateful for their willingness to serve and confident they will help shape PRSA’s continued success.”

The positions of treasurer, East Central District director and Tri-State District director remain open and will be filled through the petition process and election at Leadership Assembly. 

Article VIII, Section 5 of the PRSA Bylaws provides that nominations for all positions may also be made by petition for at least 10 Leadership Assembly delegates and filed with the Secretary of the Society at PRSA headquarters at least 30 days before the annual meeting of the Leadership Assembly. 

Potential nominees must submit applications for consideration by Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. ET. For more information on petitioning for a Board position, please visit the Member Resources page on the PRSA website.

The 17-member Board provides strategic direction and governance for the Society. In 2027, Angela Walters Eveillard, MBA, APR, will serve as chair, with Heide Harrell, M.A., APR, serving as immediate past chair. 

Foundation to Honor Jones, Nall With 2026 Paladin Awards

The PRSA Foundationwill honor two communications leaders with its 2026 Paladin Award, recognizing their contributions to advancing diversity, inclusion and belonging in the profession.

This year’s recipients are Damon D. Jones, chief communications officer at Procter & Gamble, and Mickey G. Nall, APR, Fellow PRSA, a former PRSA chair and CEO, longtime educator and mentor.

Jones oversees P&G’s global communications function, including brand and corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, advocacy and reputation management. Throughout his career, he has championed inclusive storytelling and leadership while helping shape the company’s global reputation.

Nall has spent decades serving the profession through PRSA leadership, higher education and mentoring. In addition to leading PRSA as chair and CEO, he has taught generations of public relations students and has been a strong advocate for leadership development and diversity initiatives.

The awards will be presented during a PRSA Foundation celebration held in conjunction with PRSA ICON 2026 in Orlando, Fla. Oct. 18-20.

The Paladin Award recognizes individuals whose careers have made a significant, measurable impact on advancing diversity, inclusion and belonging in public relations.