The Mark of Excellence – PPRA’s 2012 Hall of Fame Induction

On May 7 in the Ballroom of Philadelphia’s Four Seasons Hotel, PPRA inducted its newest member of the esteemed Hall of Fame, Mark Tarasiewicz. Mark, the Associate Executive Director of the Philadelphia Bar Association was honored with PPRA’s highest award for his many contributions over the last 20 years to not only PPRA, but the greater Philadelphia region. 

A Philadelphian through and through, Mark has spent his life in this city and has become an integral part of its fabric. He shares his knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor of public relations in the Temple University graduate program in Strategic Communication, and has also lectured for a variety of organizations from the Public Relations Society of America to the American Society of Association Executives.  An active member of the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE), he serves as treasurer of the organization’s Communication Section and a member of its Program Committee, not to mention is a three-time recipient of the NABE Luminary Award.   In the community, Mark has volunteered his time to the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Young Advocates for Mural Arts and the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia.

Friends and former colleagues showered Mark with warm wishes and congratulations at the Hall of Fame luncheon, telling stories of their experiences with Mark over the years.  PPRA member and Penn State Abington Lecturer Dan Cirucci began by recalling how impressed he was with Mark’s work at The Legal Intelligencer – so much so that he hired him to work at the Bar Association 17 years ago. First Judicial District Judge Annette Rizzo and Chancellor Savoth, on the other hand, credited Mark with successfully connecting the legal community with the community at large and commended his effort to humanize the legal profession in Philadelphia.  But Bobbi Booker perhaps expressed it best, simply saying, “Mark made my life easy.” 

Emceed by NBC10’s Aditi Roy, the event was also attended by a who’s who of Philadelphia personalities, including Mayor Michael Nutter; Bobbi Booker, Lifestyle Leisure Reporter for the Philadelphia Tribune; Dan Martin, musical computer;  Valerie Knight, co-host of the Breakfast Club on Philadelphia’s 98.1 WOGL; Dr. Betsy Leebron Tutelman, Temple University’s Senior Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Communications; and John E. Savoth, the 2012 Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. 

At the conclusion of the afternoon, PPRA President Chris Lukach presented Mark with the Hall of Fame award and surprised him with tickets to Disney World. Mark sincerely thanked his friends and family, mentors, Temple University, and the Bar Association for helping him earn this great honor. He ended his remarks with a quote from Maya Angelou, “When you learn, teach; and when you get, give.” 

Mark embodies this quote and serves as an example of someone who has received a great deal from others but has given back what he has received tenfold.  Congratulations from all of your fellow PPRA members, Mark! 

Many thanks to Dan Cirucci and Lisette Bralow, co-chairs of the 2012 Hall of Fame committee, and all of the hard working committee members whose efforts to arrange and publicize this event made it the great success that it was.  If you missed the event and would like to view pictures, you can visit the PPRA website. 

Thomas is working towards his Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication at Villanova University. An active member of PPRA, Thomas served on the 2011 Gold Medal banquet committee, the 2012 Hall of Fame banquet committee and he serves on Philly PRoactive. His work can be viewed and he can be contacted at his blog The Good Word(smith).

Interview with PPRA's Brodey Award Winner: Rachel Santella

 At PPRA's Annual Meeting, Drexel graduate Rachel Santella was honored with the Dr. Jean Brodey Student Achievement Award. Get to know Rachel a little better in the interview below.

1. What was your reaction to winning the 2011 Dr. Jean Brodey Student Achievement Award?

Knowing how prestigious this award is I was so excited and really surprised.  It was a great ending to my college experience and culminates everything I’ve worked for while at Drexel.

2. How has your experience at PECO helped you with your studies at Drexel?

PECO really helped to exemplify everything I was learning in the classroom.  It added a whole different level of knowledge and experience that I couldn’t have gotten through just a class setting.  Being a full-time co-op and then becoming a part-time intern with PECO for over a year and a half has allowed me to really learn about the company and their communications strategies, so when we were learning about media tactics or dealing with press in class, I was able to compare that to how I saw it done at PECO and the experiences I already had.

3. How are you hoping to use your collegiate experiences to develop into a full-time PR professional?

I’m hoping to take away and apply everything I’ve acquired over the last few years.  I want to use every facet of knowledge I’ve received.  In addition to practices and skills in public relations that I’ve learned, I also gained knowledge and understanding in valuable things like patience and work management, which I know will help me do well moving into a full-time PR position. 

4. What advice can you give students who are working on academic studies, internships, and pre-professional organizations like you did?

Do as much as possible, but be careful not to overdo it.  I’ve always been the type of person that gets involved with a million things at once and then ends up running myself ragged.  When I came to Drexel I knew I wanted to be involved, but wasn’t sure at what level, so I started out small and worked my way into things.  I chose student orgs that I was interested in and used them as a kind of release from school and work, which turned out really well for me and kept me balanced.  

Internships are so vital and I can’t thank Drexel enough for the co-op program. I really lucked out in getting three great co-ops and the chance to meet and work with amazing people.  As a college student, I don’t think we’re always thinking of the future and how competitive and difficult the business world is really going to be.  Internships can give a good glimpse into that world and can set you up for what’s to come.

5. What are you most excited for, post-graduation?

To just be able to do what I enjoy doing everyday. I feel like I was always kind of teased with the co-op program.  I’d always hate the transition back to class right after having worked for six months, which I think made me much more career-focused.  I’m lucky in that I graduated knowing what I want to do. 

I’m also very excited to be done with 15 page papers and all-nighters that’s for sure!

6. How are you hoping to get more involved with PPRA?
I want to learn as much as I can about the organization right now and want to get more and more involved as my knowledge grows.  I look forward to a long and fun future with the PPRA.

This interview was coordinated by Melissa Marsili.  Melissa is a 2010 Temple University graduate now working in marketing at a non-profit organization in Center City, Philadelphia.  As Newsletter Chair for PPRA, Melissa works to gather interesting and helpful information for the monthly newsletter.  You can find Melissa on Twitter or on LinkedIn.

Interview with PPRA's Fast Track Award Winner: Darren M. Behuniak

Congratulations to Darren M. Behuniak, 29, director, marketing and communications for the Devon International Group! Darren was recently awarded the Fast-Track award from the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA). He was nominated for this award by Christopher Lukach, who works for Anne Klein Communications Group, LLC in Mount Laurel, N.J., and who is incoming president for PPRA.

The PPRA Fast-Track award honors a member of PPRA who has made great contributions to the organization, profession, the community and who exemplifies PPRA’s vision for the future. The nominee has been in their profession for 5-8 years and receives a commemorative plaque. Below you will find some more information on Darren.

1. What is your current job? Tell me a little bit about that.

My title is director of marketing and communications for a group of corporate companies, but I feel more like an agency director.

I work for the Devon International Group, which is a multinational group of six companies in King of Prussia that span healthcare, IT, and international business. Our U.S. headquarters are in King of Prussia and we have offices around the world, including a major base in Shanghai.

I lead a department that is responsible for public relations, marketing, web presence, advertising and branding programs for all of the companies. We operate like an agency within a corporate environment, as we support our own “clients” and their respective goals.

I routinely meet with our founder, the companies’ presidents, and sales executives to shape business strategies and ensure that our messages are communicated effectively to all audiences.

It’s been an unbelievable experience to work in health insurance, computer hardware and software, medical devices, and other industries. And I have been lucky to work with a fantastic staff skilled in public relations, marketing, web design, and graphic design that works so well together.

2. Where did you attend school?

I attended La Salle University in Philadelphia and earned a B.A. in Communication, with concentrations in public relations and mass media writing. Go Explorers.

3. Where are you from? Where do you reside now?

I am originally from upstate New York, near Saratoga. I currently live in Oaks, PA, but will be buying a house in the Conshohocken/Plymouth Meeting area. Soon. Very soon. Hopefully.

4.  What is your biggest challenge/opportunity at work?

I have had the unique opportunity to work alongside senior business, financial, and legal executives at a young age. Exposure to these seasoned business vets is invaluable, and having access to these leaders has helped me align our communications efforts more closely with business strategies. That is why it is so important that PR folks continue to serve in decision-making roles at their company or organization.

Regarding challenges, I think the biggest is “bandwidth” – but I hate that business term, so I’ll say “resources.” PR pros where many different hats – media/community/investor relations, social media efforts, event planning, fund raising, writing/editing, marketing, sales, etc. – so prioritizing and accomplishing goals can seem overwhelming at times.

The ability to communicate is very powerful, but with this expertise comes a self-imposed responsibility, I’ve found, to make sure everything is done “properly.” You need to delegate – if you have the resources – and pick and choose your internal and external battles wisely.

5. What is your favorite part about your job?

Getting a pizza or having a “liquid-fueled” brainstorming meeting with my staff after work hours. There are some fantastic ideas that come from not having an agenda, sitting in a room together, and just throwing ideas out there. Nothing should be off the table, because sometimes the wackiest, most inappropriate ideas can lead do something feasible, brilliant, and effective.

6. What is your dream job?

Playing golf on the PGA Tour. Or, playing second base for the Phillies or Boston Red Sox. Or, being the owner of a successful public relations/media relations/online marketing agency.

7.  What advice would you give other PR folks? Or those entering the field?

Meet as many people as possible. It sounds cliché, but clichés are started for a reason. The more people you know and network with (and PPRA is great for this) the more valuable you become.

Another tip: If at all possible, check email once every hour or two. For many PR folks checking email every time the red light blinks on your Blackberry or a notice comes up on your computer can be a time waster.
Professionals in crisis communications – and maybe some agencies – may not be able to get away with this, but I’ve found that email influx can be very distracting. 99% of your emails are not urgent – focus on your work first, and you may have a more calm and productive day.

8. I understand you are engaged. Where did you meet your fiancé?

My fiancé and I met through a friend. More specifically, we met through a woman that I hired – the first professional hire of my career. I’m glad I didn’t hire the other person. 

9. What are your future goals?

I would ideally like to have my own digital agency, to start. There’s a window for the next five to ten years to really help business combine PR and marketing skills to drive sales, cause awareness, etc. online. After that I think the younger generations will easily and fundamentally take online business light years beyond where we’re at even today.

And like everyone, I’m trying to think of the next Facebook or Twitter. However, I have a suspicion that niche social sites – as opposed to having everyone know everyone’s business – will be more popular in the future.  I think people will want their information out there less in years to come, so capitalizing on this anticipation is a goal.

This interview was conducted by Meg Boyd. Meg Boyd is currently a communications specialist for Catholic Health East, a $6B geographically dispersed, multi-unit, Catholic healthcare organization that serves ministries in 11 states. Here she delivers effective communications for both internal and external audiences in a wide range of mediums in the corporate office.

She is also a freelance writer for Main Line Today magazine and volunteers for many community organizations including the Women’s Resource Center, Good Works, Inc., and Chemo Clothes. She is chair, communications and marketing for the Villanova University Alumni Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter and is a member of both PRSA and PPRA currently working with the PPRA Proactive Program in assisting Rock to the Future with their public relations efforts.

She earned a M.A., in strategic communication from Villanova University and a B.A., in communication from the University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio.

PPRA Annual Meeting: Meet the Mayor

Every year, PPRA members look forward to the organization's final event of the year, the Annual Meeting. This highly-attended event draws some of Philadelphia's finest public relations professionals to network, listen to speakers, honor award winners and vote on PPRA's new board of directors.

Mayor Nutter speaking at PPRA's Annual Meeting

This year's Annual Meeting theme was Meet the Mayor. Attendees had the opportunity to listen to Mayor Nutter, his Chief Spokesperson Mark McDonald and his Director of Communications Desiree Peterkin Bell.

McDonald spoke about how he spends much of his time writing speeches and speaking with the media on behalf of Mayor Nutter. Since McDonald came from a journalism background, he feels that he is able to better understand the media's wants and needs when it comes to building a story.

A few minutes later, Peterkin Bell took to the podium. Impressive fun fact about Peterkin Bell: she has worked for four mayors in her career, including working for Mayor Bloomberg in the years after 9/11. Peterkin Bell then took the opportunity to explain her role in the administration as compared to McDonald. She explained that McDonald is truly the voice of the mayor, while her role as Director of Communications involves overseeing strategy for the entire administration.

Peterkin Bell received applause when she said that PR/communication professionals need to be at the table when decisions are being made in their companies. She also added that PR professionals should be involved in the implementation of those decisions from the very beginning. As PR and communication pros, this is certainly something we can all cheer for!

After hearing from McDonald and Peterkin Bell, President Beth Archer presented the PPRA archives to a

Cathy Engle, Dr. Jean Brodey and Brodey Award Winner Rachel Santella

representative from the Temple University Library. Next, Archer turned the microphone over to Jill Flanagan who thanked the Philly PRoactive teams who offered pro bono PR services to two Philadelphia non-profits: Rock to the Future and Girls, Inc.

Shortly following, Archer presented two PPRA awards. The Dr. Jean Brodey Student Achievement Award went to Drexel University student Rachel Santella. The PPRA Fast Track Award went to Darren Behuniak. Stay tuned to the blog later this month for interviews with both award winners!

PPRA's 2011-2012 Board of Directors

Finally, the PPRA membership voted for PPRA's 2011-2012 Board of Directors. Congratulations to the new Board!

Between multiple useful events, launching a blog, developing a mentorship program and providing several opportunities for members to continue advancing their careers, PPRA certainly had an incredible year.

Since this was the last PPRA event of the year, please share your favorite PPRA member in the comments. 

*Photo credits: Bonnie Squires

This blog post was written by Jessica Lawlor. Jessica currently works on the public affairs team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia. She serves as PPRA's social media chair and blog editor.

2011 Award Nominations

Want to recognize our region's future and up-and-coming public relations professionals? PPRA presents two annual awards for students and young professionals, respectively - The Dr. Jean Brodey Student Achievement Award and The President's Fast Track Award.

The Dr. Jean Brodey Student Achievement Award is awarded to a college junior or senior who has exhibited outstanding professional promise in the field of public relations, has an excellent academic track record and contributes to his or her community.  Any PPRA member or internship supervisor in the Philadelphia region may submit nominations for the award.  The winner receives a commemorative plaque and a $250 cash prize. Past winners include:


2010 - Jessica Lawlor (Temple University)
2009 - Kwan Morrow (Penn State Abington)
2008 - Robert Johnson (Temple University)
2007 - Rosie Braude (Rowan University)
2006 - Meredith Avakian (Temple University)
2005 - Arianna Stefanoni (Rowan University)
2004 - Chris Lukach (Rowan University)
2002 - Susan Stahl (Temple University)

The President's Fast Track Award recognizes an up-and-coming professional who has contributed greatly to the organization, the profession and the community. This professional exemplifies PPRA's vision for the future and has been in the field for 5-8 years.  The winning nominee will receive a commemorative plaque presented by PPRA's president and the person who nominated the award winner.  Any PPRA member may submit nominations for the award. Past winners include:


2010 - Ashley Berke
2009 - Meredith Avakian
2008 - Kera Walter
2007 - Christopher Lukach
2006 - Elizabeth Rapczynski
2005 - Paige Wolf
2004 - Mark Tarasiewicz
2003 - Jeff Guaracino
2002 - Danielle Cohn

The award winners will be chosen by the PPRA Awards Selection Sub-Committee. The awards will be presented on June 15 at the PPRA Annual Meeting at the Stotesbury Mansion.

Click here to download the nomination forms for both the Dr. Jean Brodey Student Achievement and President's Fast Track awards.  The deadline for receipt of completed nomination forms is May 27, 2011. Supporting materials that show the nominee's professional promise, community service and commitment to the profession must accompany each nomination form.  All materials should be faxed to the Philadelphia Public Relations Association at 856-727-9504 or mailed to:

PPRA
P.O. Box 579
Moorestown, NJ08057

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.