ECD Chair’s October 2025 Message
Dear PRSA East Central District Members,
As we move into a new season of connection and growth, I continue to be inspired by how our district leads, serves and lives out the values of our profession. You make the East Central District strong and vibrant.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for ICON 2025 in Washington, D.C. Not only will we gather for one of the best professional development experiences of the year, but our district members will enjoy something most people can only dream of — an exclusive tour of the Pentagon. If you’re attending ICON and want to be part of this tour, please contact me by October 15.
Let’s be honest: “Sorry, I can’t talk right now. I have a meeting at the Pentagon.” is a pretty great line to drop into a casual conversation!
This fall, our September ECD Conference reminded us why we do what we do. We learned from one another and celebrated two incredible leaders.
- Ray Day, APR, recipient of the Platinum Award, is among the most respected voices in corporate communications. His decades of leadership at Ford Motor Company and Stagwell Global prove that authenticity and transparency aren’t just buzzwords — they’re what guide organizations through change.
- Jennifer Kramer, APR, recipient of the inaugural Legacy of Leadership Award, has poured into our profession through mentorship, collaboration and an unshakable commitment to professional growth. Her ability to unite chapters and build bridges across our district is a gift.
Together, Ray and Jennifer remind us that trust, mentorship and purpose are still the cornerstones of what we do. You carry those same qualities in your chapters every day.
In that spirit of purpose, we also launched our first-ever Week of Caring in September, bringing together 10 chapters across five states. From packing meals for children in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to supporting veterans in Erie, Pennsylvania, you showed that PR is more than a profession — it’s a force for good.
Who says we can’t make headlines and a difference at the same time?
We’re also committed to caring for one another. That’s why we’re hosting a free online event, Digital Detox: Reclaiming Your Attention and Joy, on Thursday, October 9. Led by Lisa Du Bois Low, APR, this timely conversation — aligned with World Mental Health Day — will help us all to reflect on our relationships with technology and offer practical strategies for focus, balance and well-being. Consider it as a reset button for your brain (and your calendar).
I’m deeply grateful for this community of professionals who advance our field and strengthen our communities. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events, cheering on your successes and celebrating the power of integrity, leadership and service together.
With gratitude (and maybe just a little excitement about that Pentagon tour)!
Keep moving forward,
Mark D. Weinstein
PRSA East Central District Chair
