PRSA Announces 2027 Board of Directors at Annual Leadership Assembly

Paula L. Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA, Selected as Chair-elect

ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct.17, 2026) - PRSA, the nation's leading professional organization serving the communications community, today announced its 2027 Board of Directors. Delegates of the 2026 Leadership Assembly elected Paula L. Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA, as chair-elect, along with other members to serve in officer and director positions beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

"This year's elected leaders bring an impressive breadth of experience, perspective and commitment to PRSA and the communications profession," said Joseph Abreu, APR, CPRC, chair of the 2027 Nominating Committee. "Their willingness to serve reflects the strength of our volunteer leadership and their shared commitment to advancing PRSA, supporting our members and helping shape the future of our profession. I look forward to the contributions they will make in the year ahead."

Officers (one-year term):

• Chair-elect: Paula L. Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA, Honoring America's Veterans, Phoenix
• Treasurer: Christina Morton, APR, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Maitland, Fla.*
• Secretary: John Palmer, APR, Ohio Hospital Association, Pickerington, Ohio

Directors (two-year term):

• East Central District Director: Andrea Clark, APR - Kellanova, Grand Rapids, Mich.
• Mid-Atlantic District Director: Michael S. Gross, APR, Fellow PRSA, AKCG - Public Relations Counselors, Glassboro, N.J.
• Northeast District Director: Melissa Farmer Richards, APR, iMarketingMix LLC, Hubbardsville, N.Y.
• Western District Director: Kenneth T. Hagihara, APR, Fellow PRSA, Integrity Public Relations, Inc., Mission Viejo, Calif.
• Director-at-Large: Natan Edelsburg, Muck Rack, New York

*Morton and Clark were elected to their respective positions following their candidacy by petition.

The PRSA Board of Directors features 17 voting members. Angela Walters Eveillard, MBA, APR, will serve as chair, and Heide Harrell, M.A., APR, will serve as immediate past chair in 2027.

About Paula L. Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA

Paula L. Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA, is executive director of Honoring America's Veterans, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and preserving the legacy of America's military veterans. A U.S. Navy veteran, award-winning communications leader and former Department of Veterans Affairs executive, Pedene has devoted more than 40 years of service to supporting veterans, strengthening communities and advancing ethical public service.

In her role, she works alongside volunteers, veterans and community partners to lead meaningful programs and events, including the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony and Veterans Forums, ensuring the stories and sacrifices of America's heroes are honored and remembered.

Throughout her distinguished career in military service, journalism, public affairs and nonprofit leadership, Pedene has championed initiatives that improve the lives of veterans and their families while elevating the practice of public relations. She has earned five Silver Anvil Awards from PRSA, holds the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential and was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows.

Guided by the values of honor, courage and commitment, she continues to build partnerships, mentor leaders and advocate for those who have served our nation.

About PRSA

PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Signature events include the Anvil Awards and ICON, the profession's premier annual conference for communications professionals and students. For more information, visit www.prsa.org.

Media Contact:
Linda Beltran, APR
[email protected]