ECD Chapter Spotlight: PRSA Greater Cleveland Chapter
When the ECD Chapter Spotlight shone brightly on PRSA Greater Cleveland in 2022, we proclaimed, “The heart of rock and roll is still beating in Cleveland, and from what we’ve seen from PRSA Greater Cleveland… we believe ’em!” This year, during February “Caring Month,” we honor both Cleveland and the former PRSA Akron Area Chapter. It’s a St. Valentine’s tale of two cities, and two hearts who now beat as one.
The Akron Area Chapter officially merged with the PRSA Greater Cleveland at the end of 2023 with the unified resolve of creating a stronger Northeast Ohio PR community. A transition task force ensured a smooth integration of members from Akron, Canton, and the surrounding area.
“This year (2024), we are incredibly excited to welcome members of the Akron Chapter into the fold,” said Vicki McDonald, APR, as she became the first president of the newly expanded Greater Cleveland Chapter. “This integration combines the legacy and history of two unique groups, enriching our collective expertise and broadening opportunities for all members. We look forward to bridging geographies through enhanced programming, creative networking, and professional growth opportunities.”
As Greater Cleveland begins its third year since the merger, President Katie Archer talked about building on those aspirations amid the emerging challenges of AI.
“In 2026, the Greater Cleveland Chapter of PRSA is blending human creativity with smart AI insights to help practitioners build trust and get real results,” said Katie. “We’re striving to spark genuine connections through in‑person programs that celebrate great work, tackle challenges, and grow our membership. This year’s Board includes both new and returning leaders, each bringing fresh perspectives that will strengthen the Chapter and create meaningful experiences for our members.”
The Greater Cleveland Chapter was founded in 1951. Akron was founded in 1969 and celebrated its 50th anniversary a few years before the merger. In 2023, Greater Cleveland won ECD recognition as a Prominent Chapter award winner. The now-combined Greater Cleveland Chapter has 207 members with member representation of 24% agency, 20% healthcare, 16% corporate, 14% government and organizations, 8% education, 7% consultant, 6% non-profit, and 5% utilities.
When Akron was the focus of the ECD Chapter Spotlight in 2020, the Chapter had 94 active members—more than twice the number of its 1969 founding year. The chapter was supported originally by PR pros from Akron-based tire companies, but evolved to health care, agencies, higher education, corporate, non-profit, and government organizations.
There’s a wonderful generational legacy between the Chapters within the Batyko family. Rick Batyko, APR, PRSA Fellow, served as president of both Chapters, and his son Robert “Bobby” Batyko just completed his term as Greater Cleveland Chapter president. Rick was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows in 2009, received the PRSA Greater Cleveland Lighthouse Award in 2013, served as ECD chair in 2015, and further served the district as the PRSA national board representative for ECD.
ECD Past Chair Jennifer Kramer was president of the Akron Chapter when asked to share a “little-known fun fact” for the 2020 ECD Chapter Spotlight. Jen said Akron launched its website in 1998 under the leadership of then Immediate Past President Rick Batyko, and in 2009, launched its first chapter networking site on MySpace. Back then, the YouToo Social Media Conference was still the Akron Chapter’s “Biggest Project.”
When asked to name Greater Cleveland’s “Biggest Project,” it was no surprise that Bobby and Katie said the PRSA Rocks Awards.
“For more than 20 years, the PRSA Greater Cleveland Rocks Awards has been PRSA Greater Cleveland’s premier event, honoring the best, most effective and creative public relations work in our region,” said Bobby. “In 2024, PRSA Rocks welcomed more than 160 attendees and recognized more than 70 award winners. Our best in show winner was NASA Glenn Research Center’s spectacular total solar eclipse campaign.”
“Last year, we introduced several updates to our Rocks Awards, which celebrate outstanding work across the region,” said Katie. “From welcoming new organizations as sponsors and entrants to showcasing student projects and strengthening the PRSSA-to-PRSA pipeline, we received incredibly positive feedback. We’re building on those wins and insights to make this year’s event even stronger.”
The Chapter’s flagship event showcased its endurance during the dark COVID-19 year of 2020 by pivoting to a virtual platform. They shot the entire ceremony on video, including 50 different clips, interviews, and musical rock classic interludes – all from the Rock Hall.
During the pandemic, Cleveland often tripled the number of professional development programs and leaned forcefully into DEI by building a chapter committee, programming, education and scholarship.
As Past President, APR, Fellow PRSA, and current Chapter Advisor Chris Lynch said, “Clevelanders are used to being the underdog.”
Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River was once so polluted that it commonly caught fire. Singer Randy Newman infamously crooned, “Burn on, big river, burn on.” The 1969 river fire inspired the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the river cleanup served as a national catalyst for the modern environmental movement.
The Akron Chapter faced many of the same challenges seen in Chapters across the ECD. Jennifer and other Akron officers demonstrated tremendous loyalty, serving repeat terms in leadership to keep the Chapter alive. It’s why she said in 2020, “The ‘Secret to a Happy Chapter’ is to thank your volunteers genuinely and often.”
Katie and Bobby echoed that sentiment in describing Greater Cleveland’s “Secret to a Happy Chapter.”
“Margaret Mead famously said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’ That applies without reservation to the PRSA Greater Cleveland board,” Bobby said. “We are privileged to have a board comprised of exceptionally talented, dedicated and resourceful leaders – and an active membership base that brings myriad industries and experience levels to every Chapter event.”
Katie also shared a favorite quote. “In the words of the great Mr. Rogers, ‘As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has—or ever will have—something inside that is unique to all time,’” said Katie.
“PRSA has been a meaningful part of my career since college, and it’s an honor to be entrusted with leading this Chapter. One of my top priorities is ensuring each board member has what they need to be successful and reach their personal and professional goals. Helping people shine isn’t just part of the role, it’s what will differentiate our Chapter and keep it thriving for years to come.”
2026 Greater Cleveland Officers:
President: Katie Archer
Immediate Past President: Robert Joseph Batyko
President-Elect: Samantha Farland
Treasurer: Jocelynn Clemings
Secretary: Rachel Fleig
Assembly Delegates: Tom Spalding, Hyacinth Rucker & Mark Back
VP Membership: Christine Chenevey
VP Diversity & Inclusion: Shelly M. Shockley
VP Programming: Briana Bryant, MPA, APR
Student Liaison: Elizabeth Anne Thomas, Ph.D.
Cleveland Rocks Chair: Kristen Pohlig
Mentorship Chair: Rosemarie T. Ascherl-Lenhard
Chapter Advisor: Chris Lynch, APR
Fellow PRSA, Chapter Advisor: Sydney Alice Stone, APR
Directors: Emily Marie Brazytis, Ralph Joseph Davila, APR, Charlie Hatch
Chapter Administrator: Lynn Bracic
