Alisa Agozzino, Ph.D. (“Dr. Aggie”), is a PRSA leader from Central Ohio, serving as a new ECD board member. Get to know a little about Dr. Aggie.

Home Chapter: Central Ohio PRSA

City/state of residence: Lima, Ohio

University/degree: Ohio Northern University (B.A.), Bowling Green State University (M.A./Ph.D.)

What year did you join PRSA (national)? 2007

What was your first job out of college? Admissions Counselor

Where do you work/job title? Ohio Northern University/ New Title: Professor of PR and Social Media (as of Jan. 6)

What was your biggest career lesson?  The field of marketing and PR is constantly evolving — there’s no room to get too comfortable. Trends, technology and consumer behavior shift rapidly, making it an exciting space to continuously learn, adapt and innovate. Staying curious and embracing change is key!

What is the most memorable moment in your career? Hands down, the most memorable moment was being named the PRSA National Educator of the Year in 2023 at ICON in Nashville. It was an incredible honor to be recognized by industry peers and leaders, reaffirming my passion for teaching and shaping the next generation of PR professionals.

What lesson do you want to share with graduates entering the workforce in PR? Find a mentor, build relationships beyond just when you need something, and never underestimate the power of a handwritten thank-you note. At its core, PR is about mutually beneficial relationships — nurture them, and they’ll take you far!

What is your favorite aspect of the PR profession? There are so many aspects of PR that I love, but at the heart of it all is building relationships. Whether it’s with students, media or audiences, PR is about creating meaningful connections that drive trust and impact. Strong relationships are what make this field so dynamic and rewarding!

What do you most value about being a member of PRSA? The community — being surrounded by passionate PR professionals who share knowledge, insights, and support is truly invaluable. PR is constantly evolving, and lifelong learning is essential. PRSA provides access to resources, webinars, and conferences that help me stay ahead of industry trends.

Additionally, the mentorship and connections have been incredibly rewarding, offering opportunities to both learn from industry leaders and give back by mentoring the next generation of PR professionals.

What do you hope to accomplish in joining the ECD board? As Engagement Chair, I aim to establish a strong foundation for this new role by enhancing membership involvement and creating meaningful engagement opportunities. I look forward to developing initiatives that strengthen connections within ECD and elevate member participation at a higher level.

When not working, where would we find you? You’ll find me drinking a Kickstart or C4, carrying my Harvey’s seat belt bag, and playing taxi driver for my two teens who are always on the go with sports and dance. And probably stopping for ice cream — because I LOVE it!

What’s your favorite pastime? Cruising! I’ve been on nearly 25 cruises and have three more booked this year!