PRSA to Feature Washington Insiders at ICON 2025 Keynote Panel

PRSA has announced a powerhouse panel of Washington insiders and media experts for a keynote session at ICON 2025, titled “DC + Politics = A New Reality for Communications.”

The high-profile discussion will take place on Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. The panel will feature:

• Brendan Buck, former counselor to House Speaker Paul Ryan and press secretary to House Speaker John Boehner
• Leigh Ann Caldwell, chief Washington correspondent for Puck and former correspondent for The Washington Post and NBC News
• Ben LaBolt, White House communications director for President Biden
• Robyn Patterson, assistant White House press secretary for President Biden
• Ali Vitali, MSNBC anchor and former White House and Capitol Hill reporter

Panelists will share insights from their careers in politics and media before engaging in a fast-paced discussion on how Washington is reshaping communications. 

“This must-attend session with former White House and Capitol Hill communications and news media leaders is a master class in how to navigate complexity, embrace disruption and find new ways to engage with stakeholders,” said PRSA’s Chair Ray Day, APR, Stagwell vice chair and Allison Worldwide executive chair.

This keynote adds to a strong ICON 2025 lineup, which also features Amy Sherman-Palladino, award-winning writer, director and producer, on the art of storytelling; and Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., CEO of SHRM, on leadership in the modern workplace.

ICON 2025 is expected to draw more than 2,000 communications professionals and students from across the country. Visit the PRSA website for registration information.

PRSA Announces 8 New Members of the College of Fellows

PRSA has announced that eight new members have been selected to the College of Fellows:

• Dr. Kelly Bruhn, APR, Fellow PRSA, Associate Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Drake University
• Richard T. Chambers, APR, Fellow PRSA, Owner and President, Rick Chambers & Associates LLC
• Karen “KC” Crabtree, APR, Fellow PRSA, Principal, KC Crabtree Communications
• Natalie Ghidotti, APR, Fellow PRSA, CEO/Owner, Ghidotti Communications
• James L. Janicki, APR, Fellow PRSA, Chief Administrative Officer, Hillcrest Health & Living
• Iris E. Rivera Ortiz, APR, Fellow PRSA, President and CEO, Segmentos Public Relations
• Dawn Duplantier Robinette, MA, APR, Fellow PRSA, Tale to Tell Communications LLC
• Lauri-Ellen Smith, APR, Fellow PRSA, CAT 5 Crisis Communications Inc.

PRSA will induct the College of Fellows Class of 2025 at a gala celebration on Oct. 27, before ICON 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Established in 1989, the College of Fellows includes more than 750 professionals and educators who have made a significant impact on the PR and communications profession.

PRSA CEO Embarks on APR Journey

On Aug. 19, PRSA launched a new campaign chronicling CEO Matthew Marcial, CAE, as he works toward Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).

“I’m excited to launch ‘Journey to APR with Matt’ over the next few months,” Marcial said. “I’ll share milestones, lessons learned, and the real work behind earning the APR. If you’ve wondered whether APR is for you, follow along — and bring your questions. Let’s make the path clearer together.”

As part of the initiative, Marcial joined Yolanda King Stephen, MBA, APR, chair of the Universal Accreditation Board, for an open Q&A on Linked­In on Aug. 29.

PRSA is sharing updates on his progress across its social media platforms.