ECD April Chapter Spotlight: The Legacy of Leadership at West Michigan PRSA
The PRSA West Michigan Chapter – best known as WMPRSA – challenges its members to get the most out of joining by getting involved. Their value proposition is, “We offer opportunities to contribute, to validate, and lead,” and it is a call to duty members are eager to answer.
It is fitting to honor WMPRSA as the East Central District Chapter Spotlight during April “Membership Month.” PRSA faces a nationwide challenge of declining membership, and it is Chapters like WMPRSA that remind us of what it means to elevate our profession and each other.
WMPRSA was founded in 1984 and has 108 members, including 29 APR’s, living and working in West Michigan from Benton Harbor to Traverse City. Home base is Grand Rapids, with 77% of the membership. Disciplines include Agency 29%, non-profit 27%, corporate 24%, and education and government 20%. PRSSA Chapters include Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University.
WMPRSA Chapter President Jason Manshum, M.S., notes that 34 have been members for more than 20 years, including 10 who have been members since “the 1900’s.” Jason says the combination of legacy and growth is what makes West Michigan great.
“We have a diverse membership that covers the entire westside of the Lower Peninsula,” said Jason. “We have senior leaders with enormous experience and knowledge, coupled with a very active group of new/younger professionals eager to get involved and grow within the profession. We are a chapter of strategists, but also tacticians – we not only plan, we get things done!”
Three current or former WMPRSA members have earned the distinction of PRSA Fellow, including Clare Wade in 2021 and Rick Chambers in 2025. ECD honored Rick at the ECD Conference 2025 awards recognition mixer event, and he has been appointed to the PRSA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards.
“For me, authentic public relations must embrace the highest ethical standards. It’s the heart and soul of what we do, guided by PRSA’s Code of Ethics,” said Rick. “That’s why I’m honored to join this outstanding board of professionals who share this unwavering commitment.”
“We are incredibly proud to see Rick selected to serve,” said Jason. “This appointment reflects both his personal commitment to ethical leadership and the caliber of professionals within our Chapter.”
The can-do credo has made WMPRSA a leadership pipeline to the ECD and PRSA. Past President Adrienne Wallace, Ph.D., APR, served as ECD chair in 2020, steering the District through the pandemic, including a virtual QuickStart Conference, and was honored with the ECD Platinum Award in 2022. Immediate Past President Jessica Meldum, M.A., APR, just completed her term on the ECD board, and Past President Kim Skeltis, APR, is ECD Chair-Elect and currently organizing the first ECD Conference to be held in Detroit next fall.
Kim was Chapter President in 2021 when WMPRSA brought back the PRoof Awards after a COVID hiatus with a “look live” virtual program. She said in 2021, “I think the secret to a Happy Chapter, especially in these difficult times, is to continue finding ways to add value and stay relevant. We were gratified to receive feedback like, “You guys are doing a great job during this tough time!”
Jessica noted the PRoof Awards continue to draw more than 150 attendees each year, and Jason said, “Our biggest achievement is still our annual PRoof Awards, which we will celebrate PRoof’s 40th anniversary this year!”
Another WMPRSA success is the Cohort program, which began in 2019. Three cohort groups based on length of time in PR meet regularly for informal, roundtable discussions of relevant issues and continued networking.
The “Secret to a Happy Chapter,” according to Jessica, is to “continue to be the top resource for practitioners at all levels and from all sectors for continued professional development and growth.”
Jason’s vision for WMPRSA in 2026 resonates with the Chapter’s long legacy of leadership: “To create meaningful programs, foster mentorship, and ensure our PRSA chapter remains a source of inspiration and professional excellence.”
WMPRSA 2026 Leadership:
President: Jason Manshum, MS
Immediate Past President: Jessica Meldru, MS, APR
Secretary & President-Elect: Kelsey Berkompas
Treasurer: Jill Simpson, APR
Board Members: Emma Buschle; Rick Chambers, APR, Fellow PRSA; Gillian Conrad; Alexis DeLodder; Cindy Droog, APR; Shandra Martinez; Kasi Meyer; Emma Nelson; Payton Peltomaa; Lindsey Rodarmer, MS
