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).

2012 Hall of Fame Luncheon Honoring Mark Tarasiewicz

Monday, May 7, 2012
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch and Program

Register Now Online for this event or download the Registration PDF

 On Monday, May 7, 2012 PPRA will induct Mark Tarasiewicz into the Philadelphia Public Relations Association Hall of Fame.

Please join us as we honor Mark at a special event you will not want to miss! 

About Mark Tarasiewicz:
Mark Tarasiewicz is Associate Executive Director of the 13,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association. He recently marked his 17th year with the Bar Association, the oldest association of lawyers in the United States. As director of communications, Mark is the primary point of contact for the news media and also directs the association’s award-winning print and electronic communication vehicles, including The Philadelphia Lawyer magazine. He also served as Senior Communications Manager for Dechert LLP, one of Philadelphia’s largest law firms. Prior to his public relations career, Mark was Managing Editor of the Pennsylvania Law Journal and a reporter for The Legal Intelligencer, the oldest law journal in the United States.

Mark served as President of PPRA in 2006-07 and Chair in 2007-08, and is a recipient of the association's Fast Track Award. He is an adjunct professor of public relations in the Temple University graduate program in Strategic Communication, and has also lectured for the Public Relations Society of America, the American Society of Association Executives, the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE), Penn State University, Villanova University and the University of the Arts.

A three-time recipient of the NABE Luminary Award, Mark is Treasurer of the association's Communications Section and volunteers his time to create education programs for his national legal public relations colleagues as a member of NABE's Program Committee. He has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Young Advocates for Mural Arts and the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia.


Location:
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
One Logan Square
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6933

Registration Fees:
$65 Member
$75 Non-Member
$650 Table of Ten

Deadline: Friday, April 27, 2012
Cancellations will be accepted in writing by May 4, 2012. No Refunds after May 4, 2012. No-shows will be billed.

Remembering PPRA's Nessa Forman

Nessa Forman and I were circus buddies.
Every year, when the circus came to town we were there. I'm not sure which one of us enjoyed the spectacle of the circus more but I do know that we were like a couple of kids as we sat in the audience and gazed on in amazement at the greatest show on earth.
And this year we enjoyed every moment of the show just like every other year. We enjoyed it just as Nessa always enjoyed every moment of her life, even as she was weakened by an insidious illness.
From the moment that I first arrived in Philadelphia (a long time ago) to practice public relations I heard about Nessa Forman. Nessa was an editor at the old Philadelphia Bulletin and she was known as a first rate journalist -- scrupulous, thorough, unflappable, but patient and caring as well. Though she worked right alongside the guys in the tough, deadline-driven world of a big city daily newspaper, Nessa never developed a hard edge. Yes, she was keenly aware of the human condition but, more often than not she merely smiled knowingly at the shortcomings of others just as she routinely poked fun at herself. She never became a cynic.
By the time I got to know Nessa as more than just an acquaintance she had very smoothly transitioned to the world of public relations and assumed the title of vice president of corporate communications and public affairs at WHYY Inc., Philadelphia's public broadcasting outlet.
I was president of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) in 2002 when Nessa was nominated for induction into the Philadelphia Public Relations Hall of Fame. Nessa was so well-respected and had so many friends that she was voted into the Hall on the first ballot. Then, it was my job to call Nessa and give her the good news. We met for lunch to begin planning her Hall of Fame induction luncheon and that's when a beautiful friendship developed.
Over a period of nearly ten years Nessa and I grew closer. We exchanged stories, shared confidences and enjoyed many good times together. When I was inducted into the Hall of Fame, we became veritable partners. For many years the two of us co-chaired PPRA's annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony. I have to say that I never could have done the job without Nessa. She did most of the work. I was there just to be with Nessa.
Nessa wouldn't want to be called a pioneer but that's what she was - no question about it.
She was one of the first women to advance to a leading role in Philadelphia journalism and then became a model for all women professionals as a corporate executive. The words "worthy of emulation" were written to describe her. In 2005, the Philadelphia Business Journal named her a woman of distinction. She was all that and more. And she had all of the awards and honors to prove it.
But Nessa remembered the first rule for a good PR person: Have a passion for anonymity. She never, ever promoted herself. She was modest and unassuming. Though she was incredibly smart, quick and diligent, she also found the time to be kind and attentive. Consequently, she had many, many friends who were more than happy to sing her praises. And it's fair to say that in the tight knit world of Philly PR and journalism she was truly beloved.
Sometimes when Nessa and I were together I would vent all my frustrations and/or disappointment with one predicament or another or one personality or another. While never speaking ill of anyone, Nessa would simply laugh and redirect my energies toward more pleasant endeavors . She understood -- and she knew better.
Toward the end, Nessa managed her illness with grace, dignity and, yes -- courage. The closest she ever came to even talking about her predicament was confiding: "This is the hardest thing I've ever done."
Now it will be so hard for me to bid adieu to such a treasured friend. So hard.
And this is unfair -- not just to Nessa but to all of us who loved her and cared about her.
Still, we know we were lucky to call this gracious lady our friend. And, thanks to her, our hearts are full of so many happy memories -- so many cherished moments.

Dan Cirucci is one of the most widely honored public relations professionals in his field.  He is a Lecturer in Corporate Communication at Penn State Abington and a former President of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association. This piece was first published on his blog at www.dancirucci.com. 

PPRA Mourns Nessa Forman

This weekend, sadly, PPRA lost a long-time and beloved member of its family, Nessa Forman. Nessa was a PPRA Hall of Famer, but, more important, a mentor, colleague and good friend to so many of us.

After serving as arts and leisure editor of The Bulletin, Nessa began a quarter-century stint as a marketing executive at WHYY Inc. Upon her 2007 retirement from WHYY as vice president of corporate communications and public affairs, Nessa co-founded the multimedia company Worktheshow.com.

Nessa shaped and inspired many practitioners in Philadelphia through her commitment to professional development, her kind disposition, her trademark humor and her true graciousness. She will be missed.

The Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News both included Nessa Forman's obituary.

Matt Cabrey Welcomed Into PPRA's Hall of Fame

On Tuesday, May 10th Matt Cabrey was inducted into PPRA's Hall of Fame. Each year PPRA hosts a luncheon to honor the new inductee making it an annual signature event. Matt is a part of Shire Pharmaceuticals’ international corporate communications team but his public relations talents and passionate demeanor goes well beyond his role at Shire. 

The Rittenhouse Hotel's grand ballroom was filled with Matt's friends, families, colleagues and fellow PPRA members.  Some guests knew Matt better than others but everyone left feeling a deeper connection with him because of the intimate setting.  Before lunch was served he even made his way around the room greeting each table to welcome them and thank them for being a part of this monumental day.

Fittingly, Karin Phillips, Community Affairs Director of KYW Newsradio1060, was the emcee for the program.  She and Matt both are consistently making an impact on the community helping locally based charities find a voice and putting visions into actions.

Guests at the luncheon were invited to donate can goods for Philabundance and children’s socks and underwear for Cradles to Crayons, two local charities that Matt is extremely involved in.  This also goes along with PPRA’s philosophy of making connections and bettering our community. 

The honorable Michael A. Nutter, mayor of the city of Philadelphia, was among the many who paid tribute to Matt’s dedicated work in the city of Brotherly Love.  Mayor Nutter presented Matt with a citation of the city thanking him for all of the charity work making the city a better place.  Ironically, just before mayor Nutter arrived to the luncheon he received 30 donated laptops at City Hall from Shire’s team that Matt leads.  The laptops are for student programs that are in need of them to meet their goals. Mayor Nutter shared his gratitude with everyone.

Angus Russell, CEO of Shire Pharmaceuticals, was the keynote speaker who praised Matt for his humble efforts in bettering Shire Pharmaceuticals and the global community.  Shire Pharmaceuticals has grown so much since Matt began working there in 2004.  When he joined the team he was one of 43 employees working at the Shire Chesterbrook campus and today it is home to more than 1,000 employees.

Making connections was the topic of many of the remarks made by the guest speakers including Allison Grove, Principal of g2 Communications, Mike Troupe, Vice President, Facilities of YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity and Lisa Cetroni, Matt’s former elementary school teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes.  Several weeks ago Matt invited each of them to make remarks because the connections he made with them at different stages of his life and career made a lasting impression.

Long before his career began he was already making positive impacts in his community in the Overbrook neighborhood of Philadelphia. Lisa Cetroni’s remarks stood out from the others on Tuesday because of her unique connection with the young Matt Cabrey.  She had the honor to be his elementary school teacher in both 4^th and 7^th grade at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. Lisa currently is a teacher at St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Virginia and traveled back to Philadelphia just for this occasion proving how highly she thinks of Matt.  She shared fond memories of Matt being a role model in his class.  Lisa even recalled his “endearing uni-brow” and pastel leisure suite he sported for his class portrait. Matt ended up being the valedictorian of his elementary school in 8^th grade making Lisa very proud. 

A very exciting moment took place near the end of the program when Eddie Bruce performed a surprise rendition of the song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”.  The lyrics were altered by to fit Matt’s personal experiences and his warm personality.  It was a big hit and Matt was so pleased to have his close friend Eddie there for him.

The program concluded with Beth Archer, PPRA president along with Hall of Fame Luncheon Co-chairs Sharla Feldcher and Larry Rubin presenting the official Hall of Fame plaque to Matt.  He is now a member of the legendary group of Philadelphia’s finest professional communicators, the PPRA Hall of Fame.

PPRA Hall of Fame Members

2011 Matt Cabrey

2010 Lisa Simon

2009 Ellen Toplin

2008 Nina Zucker

2007 David Brown

2006 Bonnie Squires

2005 Ike Richman

2004 Anne Klein

2003 Dan Circucci

2002 Nessa Forman

2001 Joanne Calabria

2000 Brian Tierney

1999 Shelley Picker

1998 Dr. Jean Bradey

1997 Larry Rubin

1996 Judith Garfinkel

1995 Sharla Feldscher

1993 Richard A. Doran

1992 Harry R. Belinger

1991 J. William Jones

1990 Anthony P. Zecca

1989 C. Allan Laferty

1988 Abe Rosen & Allen Sommers

1987 Charles F. Schalch

1986 Sally Berlin

1985 Stephen R. Lawrence

1984 Shirley Bonnem

1983 Thelma Gray

1982 Gloria Hochman

1981 R. Mitchell Thomas

1979 Martha A. Gable

1977 Clifford Brenner

1976 Sylvia Kauders

1975 Christian T. Mattie, Jr.

1973 Milton A. Eisenberg

1972 Reginald E. Beauchamp

Thank you to the committee who helped plan this wonderful event!

PPRA Hall of Fame Committee

Sharla Feldscher, co-chair

Larry Rubin, co-chair

Kera Armstrong

Emily Berish

Shirley Bonnem

Lisette Bralow

Michael Cavacini

Christina Crews

Ellen Feist

Ricki Greenwood

Sylvia Kauders

Nina Scimenes

Lisa Simon

Bonnie Squires

Mark Tarasiewicz

Below are a few photos from the day's event:

Beth Archer, PPRA President, along with Hall of Fame Co-chairs Sharla Fleldscher and Larry Rubin present the Hall of Fame plaque to Matt Cabrey

Mayor Nutter presents Matt citation from the city of Philadelphia photographed with Beth Archer, PPRA President, Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio 1060 along  and Angus Russel, CEO of Shire Pharmaceuticals

PPRA Hall of Fame members at the luncheon along with inductee, Matt Cabrey

This blog post was written by Nina Scimenes. She has been an active PPRA member since 2005 and is currently a part of the Hall of Fame Luncheon committee. After graduating from Cabrini College with a Communications degree in 2006 Nina went on to do PR at various organizations and now she is the temporary Marketing Manager of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. This year Nina has also been a PR Consultant for Rock to the Future, a local non-profit that is benefiting from pro-bono PR from PPRA members. When she is not immersed in PR work she is blogging on her new blog, Always a Brunette, and training for her next triathlon. Last year she completed her first triathlon in Philadelphia and is brave enough to go back from more including a swim in the Schuylkill River.