ECD Chair’s April 2025 Message
Dear PRSA ECD Members:
One quarter into 2025, PRSA’s East Central District isn’t just operating—we’re thriving!
When I stepped into the role of ECD Chair, I shared that my word for the year was “engagement.” I believe that when we fully engage with our work, our colleagues, and the opportunities available through ECD and PRSA, we grow both professionally and personally.
Looking back at the first three months of the year, I’m amazed at what we’ve already accomplished together.
Here are just a few highlights:
2025 ECD Conference – Incoming Chair Mark Pompilio has secured the International Center for Creativity in Dublin, Ohio, as the host venue for our 2025 ECD Conference. The theme of the conference is “Leave No Doubt.” I highly encourage you to begin making plans to attend this conference because I believe it will help advance your career. Stay tuned for more details!
Sponsorship Growth – In 2025, we’ve secured $3,000 in sponsorships. This is a strong start, but we have more work ahead. While every board member has committed to making at least one sponsorship ask, if any ECD member is aware of an organization that might benefit from being connected with the East Central District, please send the information to me, and I will be happy to contact them. Let’s keep the momentum going and see if we can generate $10,000 in sponsorship revenue!
Week of Caring Initiative – Under the leadership of Dr. Alisa Agozzino, APR, our new engagement committee is preparing for ECD’s first-ever “Week of Caring,” which will take place Sept. 21-27. During this week, many chapters will volunteer at a food bank. There are also opportunities to provide communication-based services, including inviting a speaker to discuss crisis communication efforts within nonprofit organizations, running a social media campaign to support local hunger relief efforts, or even offering PR consulting to a non-profit organization in need of outreach strategies.
Mental Health Awareness – Jennifer Kramer, APR, has developed an action plan for a mental health awareness webinar series. This series will provide individuals with engaging, expert-led webinars on mental health, work-life balance, and fostering a supportive community to help improve personal and professional well-being.
AI Communication – Including with today’s newsletter, communication co-chairs Kim Skeltis, APR, and Jordan Ferrell have shared our first three AI instructional videos produced by Dr. Rob McDole, a presenter from last year’s East Central District conference. We are planning to include a new AI session each month. Website chair Jessica Meldrum, APR, added this convenient page to the ECD website where all the AI videos are housed.
Clearly, the energy within our district is growing, and engagement is happening at every level. I am thrilled when I receive emails from chapter members about a recent accomplishment or future ideas. Keep them coming!
Finally, I want to acknowledge that April is APR Month, and I encourage you to review the many resources available through PRSA if you wish to pursue your Accreditation in Public Relations. And to our existing APRs, we value your important involvement in the district.
I’m also excited to see how we will continue building momentum in the months ahead. Thank you for your dedication—let’s keep moving forward, together!
Mark D. Weinstein
PRSA East Central District Chair
