ECD Chair’s December 2025 Message
Hello PRSA East Central District,
As my term as Chair comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of serving you this past year. Working alongside such dedicated and talented professionals has been more of an honor than I even anticipated, and I am excited to see the district continue to thrive under the leadership of our incoming Chair, Mark Pompilio.
Over the years, I’ve been reminded time and again of the importance of listening, humility and grace in our professional and personal relationships. Too often, we see conflict escalate — not because solutions are unavailable, but because we resist the wisdom that’s already within our reach. Recently, I witnessed a situation where two colleagues, both deeply committed to their work, found themselves at odds. Their conversation was marked by blame, frustration and a detailed recounting of past wrongs. What struck me most was that the keys to resolving their differences — respect, patience and a willingness to truly listen — were principles they both understood yet struggled to practice in the heat of the moment.
Seeing that encounter and knowing how well our board served our district has encouraged me this year. We may not have always agreed, but our strategic and thoughtful conversations made us a stronger district and stronger professionals. I thank you for helping to advance our mission this year. Clearly, we are stronger together!
In our field as PR professionals, we know that strong relationships are built on a foundation of humility, gentleness, patience and a commitment to unity and peace. Here are a few reminders that guided me this year and that I hope will continue to guide our district:
- Humility: Pride can undermine even the strongest partnerships. When we approach others with humility, we open the door to collaboration and mutual respect.
- Gentleness: Treating others with kindness and understanding fosters trust and encourages open communication.
- Patience: Building meaningful relationships takes time. Being willing to wait, listen and support one another — especially when it’s difficult — strengthens our connections.
- Composure: No one is perfect. Accepting each other’s imperfections and working through challenges together is essential for long-term success.
- Unity: Prioritizing the collective good over individual preferences helps maintain harmony and focus on shared goals.
- Peace: Striving for resolution rather than conflict allows us to move forward together, even when we disagree.
These values aren’t just ideals — they’re practical tools that can transform our workplaces and our lives. As I pass the leadership baton to Mark Pompilio, I encourage each of you to continue embracing these principles in your interactions, both within PRSA and beyond.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to supporting our district’s ongoing successes and celebrating the achievements yet to come.
Keep moving forward,
Mark D. Weinstein
PRSA East Central District Chair
