ECD Chapter Spotlight: PRSA PITTSBURGH
December heralds the season of giving, and perhaps no East Central District chapter gives more to its community than PRSA Pittsburgh. We’re proud to celebrate Pittsburgh in the December ECD Chapter Spotlight.
PRSA Pittsburgh was founded in 1953 and is one of the largest ECD chapters with 132 members. Representation of PR disciplines among the membership includes 23% in corporate communication, 23% in PR agencies, 16% in non-profits, 9% in education, and 29% in various specializations.
The PRSA Pittsburgh mission statement is: “To create, educate, and empower a diverse community of communications professionals who value the role that public relations plays in their careers, their organizations, and the region.”
The chapter’s Value Proposition statement is: “PRSA Pittsburgh believes public relations serves an increasingly vital role in the leadership, business, marketing, and communications functions of all organizations, and we aim to provide our members with the tools, support, education, and networking to play this role in their respective organizations.”
PRSA does this through: Encouraging research, analysis, and discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing PR professionals today; Strengthening and maintaining the highest standards of service and ethical conduct by all members of the profession; Supporting the creation of mutually beneficial relationships between our members where diverse ideas, strategies and tactics can be shared; and Recognizing, rewarding, and sharing our members’ accomplishments.
Talk with chapter members and they are happy to swap stories about Steeler fans with their terrible towels, or the Emmy-winning ER drama “The Pitt” which films part of the series at Allegheny General Hospital. “The hospital they use as the location is about 5 minutes from my house!” said long-time chapter leader Jordan Mitrik.
Chapter members reveal their true love for their town through their long history of community engagement, volunteerism, and charitable support. They list their Biggest Project of the Year as their annual public service initiative. This year, the Public Service Committee partnered with Hope Haven Pet Sanctuary, a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and gives forever homes to animals who might not otherwise get a second chance. They described this endeavor as “think less ‘animal shelter’ and more ‘barnyard retirement dream.’”
Jordan highlighted more proud moments from his chapter:
Fun Fact: We created an annual PRSA DEI Internship program to attract more diverse young talent to PR careers in the region. We’re now in our second year having a student intern support our Chapter goals.
Secret to a Happy Chapter: Dedicated, diverse directors — ranging from recent grads to senior practitioners with 30+ years of experience!
Proudest Moment: Creating the Black Excellence Award, which recognized Black men and women for outstanding achievement in the Pittsburgh PR community.
2025 Officers: President: Brian Ackermann; Vice President: Jordan Mitrik; Secretary: Lauren Suchy; Treasurer: Nicole Harrell; Immediate Past President: Steve Radick