PR Masters Series

In the latest episode of the PR Masters Series Podcast, host Art Stevens welcomed a distinguished guest—and mentee—Troy Blackwell, an award-winning communicator and federally appointed official with an impressive record of public service. The conversation was a rich exploration of Troy's career trajectory, his philosophy on public communication, and the leadership lessons he's learned along the way.

In this episode of the PR Masters Podcast, Diana Littman, CEO of MSL U.S., shares her leadership philosophy and insights on the future of public relations. From emerging tech to mentoring the next generation, Diana offers valuable takeaways for communicators navigating today's evolving landscape.

In this episode of the PR Masters Podcast, host Art Stevens interviews Helio Fred Garcia, a renowned public relations expert with over 40 years of experience in crisis management, reputation building, and ethical communications.

In this episode of the PR Masters Podcast, host Art Stevens interviews Seth Linden, president of Dukas Linden Public Relations (DLPR), to discuss his journey from journalism to leading one of New York's top financial services PR firms, crafting communications strategies that deliver measurable business success.

In this episode of the PR Masters Podcast, host Art Stevens welcomes Dave Armon, executive vice chair at 3BL, a content distribution software platform and community that amplifies sustainability and social impact performance for hundreds of companies and NGOs

In this episode of the PR Masters Podcast, host Art Stevens interviews Amy Binder, Founder and CEO of RF|Binder Partners, a New York-based integrated communications firm with a national presence. Amy launched her career in Boston in 1980 and joined Ruder Finn in 1983, where she rose to President of Ruder Finn Americas. In 2001, she founded RF|Binder, initially part of the Ruder Finn Group, before establishing it as an independent, women-owned agency in 2014.

In this episode of the PR Masters Podcast, host Art Stevens interviews Maurice Lévy, a global marketing communications leader and honorary chairman of  Publicis Groupe.  They discuss Levy's journey in transforming Publicis into a global powerhouse, the importance of globalization in marketing, the future of global communications, and the role of AI in enhancing marketing strategies. Levy shares insights on the future of public relations, the impact of size in attracting global clients, and his reflections on mentorship and future aspirations.

Welcome to the PR Masters Podcast, where host Art Stevens engages with some of the most influential leaders in the communications and public relations industry. In episode #91, Art welcomes Susan Del Percio, a highly regarded crisis communications expert, political strategist, and media commentator. You may have seen Susan on NBC and MSNBC, where she provides political analysis and crisis management insights, but her behind-the-scenes work is just as impactful.

Welcome to the PR Masters Podcast, your premier destination for stories and insights from the trailblazers of the public relations industry. We're thrilled to kick off a brand-new season with a truly special episode, featuring the global leadership of one of the most iconic names in PR – Burson. Joining our host, Art Stevens, are Corey duBrowa, Global CEO, and AnnaMaria DeSalva, Global Chairman of Burson.

Welcome to the PR Masters Podcast, your go-to source for insights and stories from the forefront of the public relations industry. In today's episode our host, Art Stevens, managing partner of The Stevens Group talks with Tiffany Guarnaccia, Founder and CEO of Kite Hill PR and the Founder of Communications Week.

In this episode of the PR Masters Series podcast Art Stevens talks with James E. Lukaszewski (lew-ca-chev-ski), a well-known writer, author, teacher, scholar, ethicist, and lecturer in American Public Relations.

In this episode of the PR Masters Series podcast, Art Stevens talks with Jonathan Heit, a co-founder and the global CEO at Allison.

Welcome to the PR Masters Podcast, your go-to source for insights and stories from the forefront of the public relations industry. I'm your host, Art Stevens, managing partner of The Stevens Group, and in today's episode, we're honored to host Fraser P. Seitel, public relations counselor, author, teacher, and commentator.

Welcome to the PR Masters Podcast, your go-to source for insights and stories from the forefront of the public relations industry. I'm your host, Art Stevens, managing partner of The Stevens Group, and in today's episode, we're honored to host Peter Rush, Chairman of Kellen, one of the world's largest providers of management and services to professional and trade organizations.

In this episode, we have the immense privilege of welcoming Muriel Fox, a trailblazing feminist activist and accomplished PR executive. With her unparalleled intellect and unwavering passion, Fox illuminates the pivotal role of PR in propelling the women's movement forward. From challenging societal norms to advocating fervently for gender equality, Fox's journey serves as an inspirational beacon for PR professionals and activists alike. Muriel shares highlights from her upcoming book, The Women's Revolution: How We Changed Your Life.

Welcome to the PR Masters Podcast, your go-to source for insights and stories from the forefront of the public relations industry. I'm your host, Art Stevens, managing partner of The Stevens Group, and in today's episode, we're honored to host Phil Nardone, the driving force behind PAN Communications.Nardone shares his journey into public relations and how he built a successful agency with a focus on shared values, exceptional work ethic, and work-life balance. He discusses the importance of entrepreneurship, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry. Nardone also talks about the evolving role of the CEO, the future of PR agencies, and the significance of leading by example.

Welcome to the PR Masters Podcast, your go-to source for insights and stories from the forefront of the public relations industry. I'm your host, Art Stevens, managing partner of The Stevens Group, and in today's episode, we're honored to host Rick French, the driving force behind French/West/Vaughn, an agency that's become a beacon of success and innovation in the PR world. Rick's journey from launching a dynamic agency to shaping it into a home for blue-chip clients and a nurturing environment for its team members is nothing less than inspiring.

We welcome a distinguished guest on episode #81 - Sir Martin Sorrell, Founder and Executive Chairman of S4 Capital plc. In this exclusive interview, Art Stevens delves into the mind of a marketing and advertising visionary, exploring Sir Martin's insights on the current state and future of public relations (PR). As a pioneer in the industry, Sir Martin's vast experience results in a captivating discussion that spans his journey from WPP to his current venture, S4 Capital.

Jon Iwata, a distinguished figure with a 35-year career at IBM, including roles as the global marketing and communications leader and chief brand officer, is the special guest on the PR Masters Series Podcast. Recognized for leading IBM's digital transformation and elevating its brand value to the second most valuable globally, Jon now serves as an Executive Fellow at the Yale Center for Customer Insights, directing the Data & Trust Alliance and contributing to various organizations in areas like responsible data and AI practices, governance, and innovation.The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive, and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.

As a pioneer in the public relations field, Tom Coyne has established Coyne Public Relations as a powerhouse in the industry. Join us as we delve into his remarkable journey and gain valuable insights into the strategies that have propelled him to the summit of the PR profession.The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive, and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Tom Coyne, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Coyne Public Relations.

Paul Dyer is a visionary business-builder, a trusted advisor to the C-suite, and a champion of social media marketing. The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive, and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Paul Dyer, CEO of Lippe Taylor.

From our host, Art Stevens...“I've had the distinct pleasure of working with Fay Shapiro and CommPRO these past four years and hosting the PR Masters Podcast Series.  We've had the unique opportunity to interview close to eighty leaders and legends in the PR industry and share their views on the state of the PR profession. Not to be outdone, the new season is starting off with a bang.  We're privileged to start it off with Jen Prosek whose firm Prosek Partners has grown dramatically over the past ten years. --Art Stevens Managing Partner The Stevens Group

Liz Kaplow is a visionary entrepreneur, a trusted advisor to the C-suite, and a champion for communications practitioners across every industry.  The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Liz Kaplow, Founder and CEO of Kaplow Communications.

Patrick Ford has earned recognition as a public relations leader, innovator and passionate advocate of diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2016, IPR chose Pat as the 19th recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Medal, its highest award, which “honors PR professionals who have made major contributions to the practice of public relations…. while living the values of integrity, humility, commitment and stewardship.” In 2014, he received the Plank Center's Milestones in Mentoring Legacy Award, which “recognizes those who have touched the lives of countless public relations professionals over the course of their exceptional careers.”The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Patrick Ford, Professional in Residence at University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications

Valerie Di Maria has earned recognition as a communications and marketing leader and executive coach in both the corporate and agency worlds. As an advocate for the public relations profession, she was influential in starting the PR Council, the industry's trade association, and was a member of its Client Advisory Board.  She is a member and former Trustee of the Page Society, the preeminent organization for CCOs, and co-led the task force that produced Page's “The Authentic Enterprise,” a definitive report on the evolving role of communications and its strategic importance to CEOs and reputation. The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Valerie Di Maria, Principal, the10company.

Larry Parnell has played as much of a role as to how public relations is being taught on both the undergraduate and graduate levels in colleges and universities as anyone in the world of academia. The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Larry Parnell, Associate Professor & Program Director, Masters in Strategic Public Relations, The George Washington University.

The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Rosanna Fiske.

Michael Steele is a game changer.  His views on where our country is headed can be heard on various TV talk shows, including Meet the Press, Face the Nation  and others.  His candid observations on the state of our nation can now be heard on interview number 71 of the PR Masters Podcast series.   Michael Steele is a former Lt. Governor of Maryland and chairman of the Republican national Committee.  He has been a visible force in helping to persuade the nation that some of our better days are behind us and that there's work to be done in restoring traditional American values.  Art Stevens, managing partner of The Stevens Group conducted the interview, as usual, and helped bring out Michael's candor, transparency and honesty. You must see this Zoom presentation.  You'll learn things about our country – and about Michael Steele – that you never knew.

About the PodcastThe Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for more than two years now. This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession. Today's special guest is Stewart Hall, CEO & Managing Partner of Public Policy Holding Company Inc.  About Our GuestStewart Hall is CEO & Managing Partner of Public Policy Holding Company Inc., which he co-founded in 2014, and co-founder and Chairman of Crossroads Strategies, LLC (CRS).Stewart began his career as Legislative Director to Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) from 1992-1996. During this time, Stewart acquired a substantial background in defense policy, appropriations, financial services, and Senate procedure. In 1999, he co-founded Federalist Group, LLC as his first private sector venture.Under his guidance as CEO, Federalist Group was ultimately acquired by Ogilvy Public Relations, a WPP company, in 2005 and proceeded to double in size during the four years after the transaction under his continued leadership.In 2010, Stewart co-founded CRS and in 2014, CRS was merged to form PPHC – the first full-service organization dedicated to synthesizing all disciplines of the public policy economy in a multi-brand, horizontally integrated company.As Managing Partner of PPHC, Stewart has overseen an organization that has achieved a 30% plus compound annual growth rate each year through merger, acquisition, and organic growth and has grown to over 200 employees nationwide.Stewart is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned an MA and Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Eric Mower, Chairman, & Chief Executive Officer, Mower.     About Our Guest Eric Mower has guided the privately-held Mower (formerly Eric Mower + Associates) over the past 54 years, growing it from a single location with a staff of four to one of the largest independent, digitally integrated, full-service marketing, advertising and public relations firms in the United States. Mower functions from ten US cities: Albany (New York), Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, New York City, Rochester (New York) and Syracuse. Earlier this year Mower was named Midsize Agency of the Year for B2B by the Association of National Advertisers. In the last decade, Ad Age magazine twice-named the agency one of the Top-10 “Best Places to Work.” In addition to serving as Mower's chairman and CEO, Eric served the Business Council of New York State as co-chair of the board for two years followed by two years as chair of the board. He and his firm joined the Business Council in 1986. Eric is chair emeritus of the Advertising Self-Regulatory Council (ASRC) and a past director and secretary/treasurer of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's), and he continues to serve in his 30th year as chair of the 4A's Government Relations Committee. 0ther board leadership positions include seven-years as president of the International Network of Advertising Agencies (IN); director of the International Council of Better Business Bureaus; director of the American Advertising Federation; eight years as the Founding Chair of the federal Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. In addition to being inducted into the Association of National Advertisers' B2B Hall of Fame in 2019, Eric has been recognized by Ernst & Young as a Master Entrepreneur of the Year, and by City & State Reports, which bestowed on him the Lifetime Achievement Award and later named him to its “Responsible 100” list. In 2022 City & State Reports designated Mower as number 14 on “The 2022 Political PR Power 50 in New York.” Also in 2022, 100 Black Men of New York honored him with its J. Bruce Llewellyn Excellence in Philanthropy Award. Over many years Eric provided leadership to, and was recognized by, numerous community philanthropic and civic organizations in Upstate New York, including the SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse, United Way, Community Foundation of CNY, Centerstate CEO, Syracuse Stage, Everson Museum, Boy Scouts, Junior Achievement, the Syracuse and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and others. Eric earned a bachelor's degree in English from Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences in 1966 and a master's degree in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1968. And he serves as a Life Trustee of Syracuse University and sits on several of its committees (Academic Affairs, Advancement and External Affairs, Athletics, and Facilities). He is also a member of the university's Subcommittee for Marketing and Communications. Mower joined SU's board in 1990 and served as Vice Chair from 1997-2001. In 2018 he received the Dritz Life Trustee of the Year Award for outstanding Board service.  His Syracuse University service includes ongoing membership on the Newhouse Advisory Council and he is a former member of the Whitman School of Business Advisory Council. Mower is a 2015 recipient of the George Arents Award, the University's highest alumni honor, and a 2012 co-recipient with his wife, S.U. trustee Judith C. Mower, of the University's Orange Circle Award.  He also received the University's Outstanding Alumni Award in 1995.  

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Eric Mower, Chairman, & Chief Executive Officer, Mower.     About Our Guest Eric Mower has guided the privately-held Mower (formerly Eric Mower + Associates) over the past 54 years, growing it from a single location with a staff of four to one of the largest independent, digitally integrated, full-service marketing, advertising and public relations firms in the United States. Mower functions from ten US cities: Albany (New York), Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, New York City, Rochester (New York) and Syracuse. Earlier this year Mower was named Midsize Agency of the Year for B2B by the Association of National Advertisers. In the last decade, Ad Age magazine twice-named the agency one of the Top-10 "Best Places to Work." In addition to serving as Mower's chairman and CEO, Eric served the Business Council of New York State as co-chair of the board for two years followed by two years as chair of the board. He and his firm joined the Business Council in 1986. Eric is chair emeritus of the Advertising Self-Regulatory Council (ASRC) and a past director and secretary/treasurer of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's), and he continues to serve in his 30th year as chair of the 4A's Government Relations Committee. 0ther board leadership positions include seven-years as president of the International Network of Advertising Agencies (IN); director of the International Council of Better Business Bureaus; director of the American Advertising Federation; eight years as the Founding Chair of the federal Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. In addition to being inducted into the Association of National Advertisers' B2B Hall of Fame in 2019, Eric has been recognized by Ernst & Young as a Master Entrepreneur of the Year, and by City & State Reports, which bestowed on him the Lifetime Achievement Award and later named him to its "Responsible 100" list. In 2022 City & State Reports designated Mower as number 14 on “The 2022 Political PR Power 50 in New York.” Also in 2022, 100 Black Men of New York honored him with its J. Bruce Llewellyn Excellence in Philanthropy Award. Over many years Eric provided leadership to, and was recognized by, numerous community philanthropic and civic organizations in Upstate New York, including the SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse, United Way, Community Foundation of CNY, Centerstate CEO, Syracuse Stage, Everson Museum, Boy Scouts, Junior Achievement, the Syracuse and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and others. Eric earned a bachelor's degree in English from Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences in 1966 and a master's degree in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1968. And he serves as a Life Trustee of Syracuse University and sits on several of its committees (Academic Affairs, Advancement and External Affairs, Athletics, and Facilities). He is also a member of the university's Subcommittee for Marketing and Communications. Mower joined SU's board in 1990 and served as Vice Chair from 1997-2001. In 2018 he received the Dritz Life Trustee of the Year Award for outstanding Board service.  His Syracuse University service includes ongoing membership on the Newhouse Advisory Council and he is a former member of the Whitman School of Business Advisory Council. Mower is a 2015 recipient of the George Arents Award, the University's highest alumni honor, and a 2012 co-recipient with his wife, S.U. trustee Judith C. Mower, of the University's Orange Circle Award.  He also received the University's Outstanding Alumn...

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Helen C.  Shelton, Global Chief Diversity Officer at Finn Partners.     About Our Guest Helen C. Shelton is the Global Chief Diversity Officer at Finn Partners. She created the firm's award-winning Actions Speak Louder program in service to its 1,300 employees and strategic partners around the world to advance DEI at Finn Partners and for its clients across multiple business sectors. At FINN, Helen leads a 100-person DEI Committee, managing four strategic pillars: Inclusion and Employee Engagement; Volunteerism and Civic Engagement; Recruitment and Higher Education; and Thought Leadership. In addition, Helen is head of multicultural marketing and is responsible for consumer engaging programs for a variety of sectors, with a particular expertise in health, technology and consumer goods.  Helen is a passionate and dedicated DEI strategist, serving as a trusted point of counsel for corporations and brands facing DEI challenges and crises both internally and externally. She works tirelessly in the industry not only to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in both the corporate and non-profit sectors, but also to advance important causes, ranging from health and education disparities, domestic violence, voter education and access to the arts and culture for underserved communities. , disparate unemployment, health disparities and disease awareness initiatives.  Named one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal magazine, Helen is a 2021 inductee into the PR Week Hall of Femme, Trustee of the PRSA Foundation and a Director of the New York Urban League.  She is a member of the social service women's organization, The Links, and a Charter Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Helen is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds an M.S. degree from Boston University. She is featured in the seminal book, Diverse Voices and regularly writes about DEI in industry trades, most recently PR News and Triple Pundit. Helen is a native New Yorker, and in her spare time enjoys Italian cinema, museums, reading and cooking.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Helen C.  Shelton, Global Chief Diversity Officer at Finn Partners.     About Our Guest Helen C. Shelton is the Global Chief Diversity Officer at Finn Partners. She created the firm's award-winning Actions Speak Louder program in service to its 1,300 employees and strategic partners around the world to advance DEI at Finn Partners and for its clients across multiple business sectors. At FINN, Helen leads a 100-person DEI Committee, managing four strategic pillars: Inclusion and Employee Engagement; Volunteerism and Civic Engagement; Recruitment and Higher Education; and Thought Leadership. In addition, Helen is head of multicultural marketing and is responsible for consumer engaging programs for a variety of sectors, with a particular expertise in health, technology and consumer goods.  Helen is a passionate and dedicated DEI strategist, serving as a trusted point of counsel for corporations and brands facing DEI challenges and crises both internally and externally. She works tirelessly in the industry not only to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in both the corporate and non-profit sectors, but also to advance important causes, ranging from health and education disparities, domestic violence, voter education and access to the arts and culture for underserved communities. , disparate unemployment, health disparities and disease awareness initiatives.  Named one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal magazine, Helen is a 2021 inductee into the PR Week Hall of Femme, Trustee of the PRSA Foundation and a Director of the New York Urban League.  She is a member of the social service women's organization, The Links, and a Charter Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Helen is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds an M.S. degree from Boston University. She is featured in the seminal book, Diverse Voices and regularly writes about DEI in industry trades, most recently PR News and Triple Pundit. Helen is a native New Yorker, and in her spare time enjoys Italian cinema, museums, reading and cooking.

  About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for  more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Jeffrey Sharlach, Founder and Chairman of JeffreyGroup   About Our Guest Jeffrey Sharlach is Chairman of JeffreyGroup, the Latin America public relations, marketing communications and public affairs agency he founded in 1993. Prior to moving to Miami to launch JeffreyGroup in 1993, Jeffrey held senior management positions during a 15-year career in New York at top international agencies. He was Executive Vice President for International Operations at the Rowland Worldwide division of Saatchi & Saatchi, Vice President and Client Service Manager for Burson-Marsteller, and Vice President and Worldwide Creative Director for Carl Byoir & Associates. Trained as both a journalist (B.S.J., Northwestern) and an attorney (J.D., New York University) Jeffrey has developed and managed marketing and communications programs for global clients throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.   Since 2007 he has also been an Adjunct Associate Professor of Management Communication teaching in the MBA program at the New York University Stern School of Business specializing in corporate communication.   About JeffreyGroup JeffreyGroup is the leading marketing, corporate communications, and public affairs consulting firm in Latin America, with a successful 30-yeartrack record advising multinational companies across a broad range of industry sectors.  With more than 330 employees, JeffreyGroup has offices in Mexico City, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires, supported by a network of local agency partners across the region. JeffreyGroup is proud to serve some of the world's largest companies and best-known brands, including Airbus, Amazon, American Airlines, BlackRock, BMW, Citi, Marriott International, Mastercard, PepsiCo, Salesforce, and Walt Disney World Resorts, among others.  In 2022, the firm was acquired by WPP.  For further information visit www.jeffreygroup.com.  

  About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for  more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Jeffrey Sharlach, Founder and Chairman of JeffreyGroup   About Our Guest Jeffrey Sharlach is Chairman of JeffreyGroup, the Latin America public relations, marketing communications and public affairs agency he founded in 1993. Prior to moving to Miami to launch JeffreyGroup in 1993, Jeffrey held senior management positions during a 15-year career in New York at top international agencies. He was Executive Vice President for International Operations at the Rowland Worldwide division of Saatchi & Saatchi, Vice President and Client Service Manager for Burson-Marsteller, and Vice President and Worldwide Creative Director for Carl Byoir & Associates. Trained as both a journalist (B.S.J., Northwestern) and an attorney (J.D., New York University) Jeffrey has developed and managed marketing and communications programs for global clients throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.   Since 2007 he has also been an Adjunct Associate Professor of Management Communication teaching in the MBA program at the New York University Stern School of Business specializing in corporate communication.   About JeffreyGroup JeffreyGroup is the leading marketing, corporate communications, and public affairs consulting firm in Latin America, with a successful 30-yeartrack record advising multinational companies across a broad range of industry sectors.  With more than 330 employees, JeffreyGroup has offices in Mexico City, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires, supported by a network of local agency partners across the region. JeffreyGroup is proud to serve some of the world's largest companies and best-known brands, including Airbus, Amazon, American Airlines, BlackRock, BMW, Citi, Marriott International, Mastercard, PepsiCo, Salesforce, and Walt Disney World Resorts, among others.  In 2022, the firm was acquired by WPP.  For further information visit www.jeffreygroup.com.  

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for  more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Robert L. Dilenschneider, Founder and Principal of The Dilenschneider Group.     About Our Guest Robert L. Dilenschneider formed The Dilenschneider Group in October, 1991. Headquartered in New York and Chicago, the Firm provides strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies and leading families and individuals around the world, with experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs and international media. Prior to forming his own firm, Mr. Dilenschneider served as president and chief executive officer of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. from 1986 to 1991, tripling that Firm's revenues to nearly $200 million and delivering more than $30 million in profit. Mr. Dilenschneider was with that organization for nearly 25 years. Mr. Dilenschneider started in public relations in 1967 in New York, shortly after receiving an M.A. in journalism from Ohio State University, and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. Experienced in a number of communications disciplines, Mr. Dilenschneider is frequently called upon by the media to provide commentary and strategic public relations insights on major news stories. He has counseled major corporations, professional groups, trade associations and educational institutions, and has assisted clients in dealings with regulatory agencies, labor unions, and consumer groups, among others. In 2001 he established The Borromean Lecture at St. Charles Preparatory School of Columbus, Ohio. The annual event attracts a nationally renowned speaker to talk on the topic of morals and ethics in business and government. In 2012 The Dilenschneider Group established the Civility in America Lecture Series, which features many of the nation's leading thinkers from a wide variety of professions and provides a perspective on what must be done to restore civility in our Country. Mr. Dilenschneider serves as a Trustee of the Institute of International Education and is a member of the North American Advisory Board of The Michael Smurfit School of University College Dublin. He serves as a judge for The Olin Award, a program of the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Economic Clubs of New York and Chicago, Mr. Dilenschneider has also served on numerous corporate boards. A former member of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross, Mr. Dilenschneider also served on the advisory board of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Board of Governors of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and The Bretton Woods Committee. He is a former member of the U.S. Japan Business Council and the Florida Council of 100. In 2001, he received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree from Muskingum College, and in 2012 he received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of New Haven. Mr. Dilenschneider is a Knight of Malta. Mr. Dilenschneider has been called the “Dean of American Public Relations Executives” and is widely published, having authored 18 books, including Power & Influence, A Briefing for Leaders, On Power, The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life, Moses: C.E.O, The Critical 2nd Phase of your Professional Life, 50 Plus!—Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life, A Time for Heroes, Power and Influence: The Rules Have Changed, The AMA Handbook of Public Relations, Decisions, Nailing It:  How History's Awesome Twentysomethings Got It Together, and the Fifth Edition of The Public Relations Handbook.     He has lectured before scores of professional organizations and colleges, including the University of Notre Dame, Ohio State University, New York University and The Harvard Business School.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for  more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Robert L. Dilenschneider, Founder and Principal of The Dilenschneider Group.     About Our Guest Robert L. Dilenschneider formed The Dilenschneider Group in October, 1991. Headquartered in New York and Chicago, the Firm provides strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies and leading families and individuals around the world, with experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs and international media. Prior to forming his own firm, Mr. Dilenschneider served as president and chief executive officer of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. from 1986 to 1991, tripling that Firm's revenues to nearly $200 million and delivering more than $30 million in profit. Mr. Dilenschneider was with that organization for nearly 25 years. Mr. Dilenschneider started in public relations in 1967 in New York, shortly after receiving an M.A. in journalism from Ohio State University, and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. Experienced in a number of communications disciplines, Mr. Dilenschneider is frequently called upon by the media to provide commentary and strategic public relations insights on major news stories. He has counseled major corporations, professional groups, trade associations and educational institutions, and has assisted clients in dealings with regulatory agencies, labor unions, and consumer groups, among others. In 2001 he established The Borromean Lecture at St. Charles Preparatory School of Columbus, Ohio. The annual event attracts a nationally renowned speaker to talk on the topic of morals and ethics in business and government. In 2012 The Dilenschneider Group established the Civility in America Lecture Series, which features many of the nation's leading thinkers from a wide variety of professions and provides a perspective on what must be done to restore civility in our Country. Mr. Dilenschneider serves as a Trustee of the Institute of International Education and is a member of the North American Advisory Board of The Michael Smurfit School of University College Dublin. He serves as a judge for The Olin Award, a program of the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Economic Clubs of New York and Chicago, Mr. Dilenschneider has also served on numerous corporate boards. A former member of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross, Mr. Dilenschneider also served on the advisory board of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Board of Governors of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and The Bretton Woods Committee. He is a former member of the U.S. Japan Business Council and the Florida Council of 100. In 2001, he received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree from Muskingum College, and in 2012 he received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of New Haven. Mr. Dilenschneider is a Knight of Malta. Mr. Dilenschneider has been called the “Dean of American Public Relations Executives” and is widely published, having authored 18 books, including Power & Influence, A Briefing for Leaders, On Power, The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life, Moses: C.E.O, The Critical 2nd Phase of your Professional Life, 50 Plus!—Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life, A Time for Heroes, Power and Influence: The Rules Have Changed, The AMA Handbook of Public Relations, Decisions, Nailing It:  How History's Awesome Twentysomethings Got It Together, and the Fifth Edition of The Public Relations Handbook.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for  more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Ben Chodor, pioneer of online communications resources.   About Our Guest Entrepreneur, Author, Founder of Stream57 acquired by West Corp, Happtique acquired by SocialWealth, Fmr President of Notified and current Advisory Board Member, Selected to PR Weeks 25 Leaders of PR Tech 2022. Always one to think outside of the box, Ben Chodor has established himself as a pioneer of online communications Through PR, IR, interactive & streaming content. He is a leader with 20+ years of experience in enterprise communications, social video, and digital health. As President of Notified, he ran the world's only communications cloud for events, public relations, and investor relations, Ben continues to transform the way people connect and share information. Ben has always worked to consistently raise the bar when it comes to virtual, hybrid or in-person events as well as public relations, investor relations and digital health. Previously, Ben served as Co-Founder & CEO of Happtique, the first digital health mobile application marketplace. He was also Founder & CEO for digital media and webcasting company Stream57, and the former Global Head of Streaming & Virtual Events at InterCall. Ben acts as a mentor for startup accelerator Blueprint Health, is an active investor and board member for digital startups, hosts the podcast Insights with Ben Chodor, and is a member of the Forbes Communications Council he is also a frequent speaker on digital media and technology. Ben is the author of Transitioning to Virtual and Hybrid Events: How to Create, Adapt, and Market an Engaging Online Experience, a new book that provides expert advice and real-world instructions for delivering engaging hybrid, virtual, and streaming events and webinars for companies of all sizes. When not working in one of his many business roles, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, boxing, yoga, traveling and training for his first triathlon.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for  more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Ben Chodor, pioneer of online communications resources.   About Our Guest Entrepreneur, Author, Founder of Stream57 acquired by West Corp, Happtique acquired by SocialWealth, Fmr President of Notified and current Advisory Board Member, Selected to PR Weeks 25 Leaders of PR Tech 2022. Always one to think outside of the box, Ben Chodor has established himself as a pioneer of online communications Through PR, IR, interactive & streaming content. He is a leader with 20+ years of experience in enterprise communications, social video, and digital health. As President of Notified, he ran the world's only communications cloud for events, public relations, and investor relations, Ben continues to transform the way people connect and share information. Ben has always worked to consistently raise the bar when it comes to virtual, hybrid or in-person events as well as public relations, investor relations and digital health. Previously, Ben served as Co-Founder & CEO of Happtique, the first digital health mobile application marketplace. He was also Founder & CEO for digital media and webcasting company Stream57, and the former Global Head of Streaming & Virtual Events at InterCall. Ben acts as a mentor for startup accelerator Blueprint Health, is an active investor and board member for digital startups, hosts the podcast Insights with Ben Chodor, and is a member of the Forbes Communications Council he is also a frequent speaker on digital media and technology. Ben is the author of Transitioning to Virtual and Hybrid Events: How to Create, Adapt, and Market an Engaging Online Experience, a new book that provides expert advice and real-world instructions for delivering engaging hybrid, virtual, and streaming events and webinars for companies of all sizes. When not working in one of his many business roles, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, boxing, yoga, traveling and training for his first triathlon.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman. If the word “legend” applies to anyone at all in the world of public relations, it truly applies to Richard Edelman.  His agency has taken the world of public relations by storm during the past thirty or so years, and has led the way in growth, innovation, a vision for the future and extraordinary results for its long list of global clients.  Under Richard's leadership the agency now does more than one billion dollars a year in revenues, the first ever PR agency to do so. It has set the standard for the PR agency business and the bar is exceedingly high.  Richard is the son of Daniel J. Edelman who founded the firm in 1952.  Richard was named CEO in 1996 taking over for his father, who remained Chairman until he passed away in 2013.  Now in his 26th year as CEO, Richard is one of the longest tenured agency leaders in the marketing services industry.   About Our Guest Richard Edelman is the CEO of Edelman, a global communications firm, and Chairman of Daniel J. Edelman Holdings, the firm's holding company. Founded in 1952 by his father Dan, Edelman remains independent and family owned with more than 6,000 employees in 66 offices across 28 countries. The firm was named to Advertising Age's A-List in 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2019 and was honored as “PR Agency of the Decade” by both Advertising Age and PRovoke. At the 2021 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Edelman became the first PR Agency to win a Grand Prix as lead agency in the Entertainment Lions for Sport and was named Independent Agency of the Year in the Entertainment Track. Richard was named CEO in 1996 taking over for his father, who remained Chairman until he passed away in 2013. Now in his 26th year as CEO, Richard is one of the longest tenured agency leaders in the marketing services industry. During that time, he's guided the firm's entry into Digital, Creative, Performance Marketing and Advisory. Under Richard's leadership, Edelman's revenue increased 11.5 times enabling it to become the largest communications firm in the world surpassing $1 billion in revenue. DJE Holdings' revenue increased 14 times during that same period making it the largest independent communications holding company. He also serves as Chair of Edelman's sister agency Zeno, which was named large agency of the year in 2021 and 2022 by PRWeek. Zeno employs 730+ people across 18 offices. Richard has extensive experience in marketing and reputation management, having led assignments with major corporations, NGOs and family businesses. He has advised senior executives through significant disruptions within their organizations, including Samsung, Starbucks and United Airlines, and worked on the largest professional services merger in history of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. Richard works with numerous clients including Unilever, Dairy Management Inc. and Chobani. He has counseled countries in every region of the world on economic development programs. As the creator of the annual Edelman Trust Barometer, Richard has become one of the foremost authorities on trust in business, government, media and NGOs. Now in its 22nd year, the Edelman Trust Barometer is widely recognized as the leading piece of research on trust with its cross-cultural insights regularly cited in the Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Economist, Fortune, Forbes and other media. The survey also informs academic studies on trust and provides insights to thought-leaders and opinion-shapers around the world. In 2022, Richard was inducted into the American Advertising Hall of Fame, the first PR executive to ever earn this honor. In 2019, Richard was named the PR Agency Professional of the Past 20 Years by PRWeek and was inducted into the publication's Hall of Fame; in 2014, Richard was inducted into the Arthur W. Page Society's Hall of Fame; Advertising Age named him Agency Executive of the Year in 2008. Richard is regarded as an industry thought leader and has posted weekly to his blog since 2004. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Ad Council, the Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP), the Atlantic Council, Project HOOD, P33, the Gettysburg Foundation, the 9/11 Museum and the National Committee on U.S. China Relations. He is a member of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, World Economic Forum and PR Seminar. Richard earned his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1978 and a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College in 1976. He and his wife Claudia live in New York City, and he has three daughters, Margot, Tory and Amanda.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman. If the word “legend” applies to anyone at all in the world of public relations, it truly applies to Richard Edelman.  His agency has taken the world of public relations by storm during the past thirty or so years, and has led the way in growth, innovation, a vision for the future and extraordinary results for its long list of global clients.  Under Richard's leadership the agency now does more than one billion dollars a year in revenues, the first ever PR agency to do so. It has set the standard for the PR agency business and the bar is exceedingly high.  Richard is the son of Daniel J. Edelman who founded the firm in 1952.  Richard was named CEO in 1996 taking over for his father, who remained Chairman until he passed away in 2013.  Now in his 26th year as CEO, Richard is one of the longest tenured agency leaders in the marketing services industry.   About Our Guest Richard Edelman is the CEO of Edelman, a global communications firm, and Chairman of Daniel J. Edelman Holdings, the firm's holding company. Founded in 1952 by his father Dan, Edelman remains independent and family owned with more than 6,000 employees in 66 offices across 28 countries. The firm was named to Advertising Age's A-List in 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2019 and was honored as “PR Agency of the Decade” by both Advertising Age and PRovoke. At the 2021 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Edelman became the first PR Agency to win a Grand Prix as lead agency in the Entertainment Lions for Sport and was named Independent Agency of the Year in the Entertainment Track. Richard was named CEO in 1996 taking over for his father, who remained Chairman until he passed away in 2013. Now in his 26th year as CEO, Richard is one of the longest tenured agency leaders in the marketing services industry. During that time, he's guided the firm's entry into Digital, Creative, Performance Marketing and Advisory. Under Richard's leadership, Edelman's revenue increased 11.5 times enabling it to become the largest communications firm in the world surpassing $1 billion in revenue. DJE Holdings' revenue increased 14 times during that same period making it the largest independent communications holding company. He also serves as Chair of Edelman's sister agency Zeno, which was named large agency of the year in 2021 and 2022 by PRWeek. Zeno employs 730+ people across 18 offices. Richard has extensive experience in marketing and reputation management, having led assignments with major corporations, NGOs and family businesses. He has advised senior executives through significant disruptions within their organizations, including Samsung, Starbucks and United Airlines, and worked on the largest professional services merger in history of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. Richard works with numerous clients including Unilever, Dairy Management Inc. and Chobani. He has counseled countries in every region of the world on economic development programs. As the creator of the annual Edelman Trust Barometer, Richard has become one of the foremost authorities on trust in business, government, media and NGOs. Now in its 22nd year, the Edelman Trust Barometer is widely recognized as the leading piece of research on trust with its cross-cultural insights regularly cited in the Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Economist, Fortune, Forbes and other media. The survey also informs academic studies on trust and provides insights to thought-leaders and opinion-shapers around the world. In 2022, Richard was inducted into the American Advertising Hall of Fame...

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Barbara Way Hunter, Founder of Hunter Public Relations.     About Our Guest Barbara Way Hunter was founder of Hunter Public Relations, a New York firm, from March 1989 to December 2000.  She is now retired, but the firm continues as Hunter:, currently with more than 200 staff members. Ms. Hunter was formerly president of Dudley-Anderson-Yutzy, one of the earliest PR firms, founded in 1908.  She joined D-A-Y as an account executive in February 1956 after earlier experience as as a staff member of Food Field Reporter, a trade publication for the food industry, publicist for Sealtest products at  National Dairy Products Corp. and account executive at Sally Dickson Associates. In 1969, after two of D-A-Y's partners died, Ms. Hunter and her sister, Jean Schoonover, bought out the remaining partner and grew the business 500% in the next 12 years. When D-A-Y was acquired by the advertising agency, Ogilvy & Mather, in 1983, she became vice-chairman of its public relations department. She left O&M at the end of 1988 and, joined by two partners, formed Hunter MacKenzie Cooper in March 1989. McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco Sauce, was its first client. When the two partners departed, she continued the firm as Hunter Public Relations until 2000 when she sold it to five of her top staff members Ms Hunter. Graduated from the College of Arts & Sciences at Cornell University in 1949.  While there she was women's editor of the Cornell Daily Sun, president of her sorority (Kappa Kappa Gamma), and was elected to Mortar Board, a senior honorary society. A trustee of the university from 1980 to 1985, she also served on the advisory council of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences :,d is a lifetime member of the Cornell Council.  For five years she was president of her alumni class.  She is a former director of the YMCA of Greater New York.  After retirement and relocation to Walpole, NH, from 2004 to 2008 she served as president of the Point O'Woods Association, a community on Fire Island, NY, and president of the Walpole Historical Society. Ms. Hunter was the 1984 national president of the Public Relations Society of America and prior to that president of the New York Chapter. She is a member of the PRSA College of Fellows and is a former trustee of The Institute for Public Relations Research and Education.  She is the recipient of numerous presidential citations from the Society, the John Hill award from the New York Chapter and the 1993 Gold Anvil from the national society.  She was chairman of the 1989 PRSA national conference in Dallas,  and founded the PRSA Food and Beverage Section in 1992, She served on the boards of The Advertising Women of New York and the Women Executives in Public Relations. Ms. Hunter received the Matrix Award from the New York Women in Communications in 1980, the Entrepreneurial Woman Award from the Women Business Owners of New York in 1981, and the national Headliner Award from Women in Communications in 1984,   She was a charter member of the Committee of 200 and is a member of the YMCA Academy of Women Achievers.  In 1976 Business Week named her as one of the 100 outstanding women in business. Ms. Hunter was born in Westport, New York, on July 14, 1927, the daughter of Dr. Walter and Hilda Way.  She attended The Westport Central School and was valedictorian of her graduating class in 1945. After graduation from Cornell, she moved to Manhattan where she lived for the next 50 years.  In 1953 she married Austin Hunter, and they subsequently had two daughters, Kimberley and Victoria. Their marriage lasted 60 years.  

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Barbara Way Hunter, Founder of Hunter Public Relations.     About Our Guest Barbara Way Hunter was founder of Hunter Public Relations, a New York firm, from March 1989 to December 2000.  She is now retired, but the firm continues as Hunter:, currently with more than 200 staff members. Ms. Hunter was formerly president of Dudley-Anderson-Yutzy, one of the earliest PR firms, founded in 1908.  She joined D-A-Y as an account executive in February 1956 after earlier experience as as a staff member of Food Field Reporter, a trade publication for the food industry, publicist for Sealtest products at  National Dairy Products Corp. and account executive at Sally Dickson Associates. In 1969, after two of D-A-Y's partners died, Ms. Hunter and her sister, Jean Schoonover, bought out the remaining partner and grew the business 500% in the next 12 years. When D-A-Y was acquired by the advertising agency, Ogilvy & Mather, in 1983, she became vice-chairman of its public relations department. She left O&M at the end of 1988 and, joined by two partners, formed Hunter MacKenzie Cooper in March 1989. McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco Sauce, was its first client. When the two partners departed, she continued the firm as Hunter Public Relations until 2000 when she sold it to five of her top staff members Ms Hunter. Graduated from the College of Arts & Sciences at Cornell University in 1949.  While there she was women's editor of the Cornell Daily Sun, president of her sorority (Kappa Kappa Gamma), and was elected to Mortar Board, a senior honorary society. A trustee of the university from 1980 to 1985, she also served on the advisory council of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences :,d is a lifetime member of the Cornell Council.  For five years she was president of her alumni class.  She is a former director of the YMCA of Greater New York.  After retirement and relocation to Walpole, NH, from 2004 to 2008 she served as president of the Point O'Woods Association, a community on Fire Island, NY, and president of the Walpole Historical Society. Ms. Hunter was the 1984 national president of the Public Relations Society of America and prior to that president of the New York Chapter. She is a member of the PRSA College of Fellows and is a former trustee of The Institute for Public Relations Research and Education.  She is the recipient of numerous presidential citations from the Society, the John Hill award from the New York Chapter and the 1993 Gold Anvil from the national society.  She was chairman of the 1989 PRSA national conference in Dallas,  and founded the PRSA Food and Beverage Section in 1992, She served on the boards of The Advertising Women of New York and the Women Executives in Public Relations. Ms. Hunter received the Matrix Award from the New York Women in Communications in 1980, the Entrepreneurial Woman Award from the Women Business Owners of New York in 1981, and the national Headliner Award from Women in Communications in 1984,   She was a charter member of the Committee of 200 and is a member of the YMCA Academy of Women Achievers.  In 1976 Business Week named her as one of the 100 outstanding women in business. Ms. Hunter was born in Westport, New York, on July 14, 1927, the daughter of Dr. Walter and Hilda Way.  She attended The Westport Central School and was valedictorian of her graduating class in 1945. After graduation from Cornell, she moved to Manhattan where she lived for the next 50 years.  In 1953 she married Austin Hunter, and they subsequently had two daughters, Kimberley and Victoria. Their marriage lasted 60 years.  

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Grace Leong, CEO & Partner, HUNTER.   About Our Guest Grace Leong is a passionate advocate for the modern practice of integrated marketing communications.  Recently named a “Champion of PR” by PRWeek magazine, Grace elevates the role of PR in the marketing mix among Hunter's best in class clients in consumer products and services by infusing programs with new technologies, resources and solutions that drive business results. In a career spanning 30 more than years, Grace has conceived and led of dozens award winning communications programs and initiatives for Fortune 100 consumer products companies including 3M, Johnson & Johnson, Church & Dwight and Pompeian. Classically educated and credentialed as both a public relations professional and marketer, Grace embraces her role as the female lead of a diverse communications consultancy which is driven by creativity, exceptional client service and a dedication to achieving measurable business results. Inspired by a foundation in earned media, Grace has driven the evolution of HUNTER into new services, new territories, and new industries through her ability to recognize the sweet spot between her client's evolving communications needs and staff's talents, and funneling investment into their development, while delivering best in class results for the clients that partner with Hunter.   Not a fan of the spotlight herself, Grace believes doing great work every day sets the best leadership example, and is most often found in the “brainstorm room” driving the next big idea or and at the IMC table contributing best-in-class PR strategy.  Her skills as a communications expert come in handy at home as well, as the mother of four young adults who enjoying challenging their parents with their own academic and athletic objectives. An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Arthur W. Page Society, Grace has served the public relations and marketing industry in numerous leadership positions. In 2016, she was awarded the PRSA-NY John W. Hill Award for lifetime achievement in public relations. Grace earned a BA from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Rutgers University. She was named the Delaware's outstanding alumni in 2013 and inducted in to the University's Alumni Hall of Fame in 2016 for lifetime professional achievement and service to the Blue Hen Community.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Grace Leong, CEO & Partner, HUNTER.   About Our Guest Grace Leong is a passionate advocate for the modern practice of integrated marketing communications.  Recently named a “Champion of PR” by PRWeek magazine, Grace elevates the role of PR in the marketing mix among Hunter's best in class clients in consumer products and services by infusing programs with new technologies, resources and solutions that drive business results. In a career spanning 30 more than years, Grace has conceived and led of dozens award winning communications programs and initiatives for Fortune 100 consumer products companies including 3M, Johnson & Johnson, Church & Dwight and Pompeian. Classically educated and credentialed as both a public relations professional and marketer, Grace embraces her role as the female lead of a diverse communications consultancy which is driven by creativity, exceptional client service and a dedication to achieving measurable business results. Inspired by a foundation in earned media, Grace has driven the evolution of HUNTER into new services, new territories, and new industries through her ability to recognize the sweet spot between her client's evolving communications needs and staff's talents, and funneling investment into their development, while delivering best in class results for the clients that partner with Hunter.   Not a fan of the spotlight herself, Grace believes doing great work every day sets the best leadership example, and is most often found in the “brainstorm room” driving the next big idea or and at the IMC table contributing best-in-class PR strategy.  Her skills as a communications expert come in handy at home as well, as the mother of four young adults who enjoying challenging their parents with their own academic and athletic objectives. An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Arthur W. Page Society, Grace has served the public relations and marketing industry in numerous leadership positions. In 2016, she was awarded the PRSA-NY John W. Hill Award for lifetime achievement in public relations. Grace earned a BA from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Rutgers University. She was named the Delaware's outstanding alumni in 2013 and inducted in to the University's Alumni Hall of Fame in 2016 for lifetime professional achievement and service to the Blue Hen Community.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Jim Weiss, Chairman + Founder, Real Chemistry. When Art Stevens headed LobsenzStevens, a top independent New York PR agency in the nineties, his firm selected an up and coming young man as an intern.  That young man was Jim Weiss.  Jim was assigned to work on a healthcare account and that started his career in healthcare.  The rest is history.   About Our Guest Jim Weiss is the Chairman and Founder of Real Chemistry, a global health innovation company that uses real-world data, proprietary technologies and analytical insights to solve the health care industry's most significant challenges. He also serves as an Executive Advisor to New Mountain Capital, Real Chemistry's investment partner.  Jim evolved Real Chemistry from a one-person consultancy to a team of 1,800+ people who partner with clients at the highest levels of organizational decision-making. A pioneer in the application of analytics, data and precision targeting, Jim learned early in his career to follow the data to get to the right outcome.  He is also passionate about improving diversity, inclusion and health equity to make the world a healthier place for all.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Jim Weiss, Chairman + Founder, Real Chemistry. When Art Stevens headed LobsenzStevens, a top independent New York PR agency in the nineties, his firm selected an up and coming young man as an intern.  That young man was Jim Weiss.  Jim was assigned to work on a healthcare account and that started his career in healthcare.  The rest is history.   About Our Guest Jim Weiss is the Chairman and Founder of Real Chemistry, a global health innovation company that uses real-world data, proprietary technologies and analytical insights to solve the health care industry's most significant challenges. He also serves as an Executive Advisor to New Mountain Capital, Real Chemistry's investment partner.  Jim evolved Real Chemistry from a one-person consultancy to a team of 1,800+ people who partner with clients at the highest levels of organizational decision-making. A pioneer in the application of analytics, data and precision targeting, Jim learned early in his career to follow the data to get to the right outcome.  He is also passionate about improving diversity, inclusion and health equity to make the world a healthier place for all.

The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now. This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession. Today's special guest is John D. (Jack) Bergen Managing Partner, The Bergen Partnership. 

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is John D. (Jack) Bergen Managing Partner, The Bergen Partnership.     About Our Guest Jack Bergen is an executive coach to leaders of public relations and public affairs firms.  He also guides the development of managerial talent for firms seeking to enhance strategic growth or prepare for potential sale.  He draws on a combination of corporate, agency and government leadership experiences.  As a corporate executive, Jack served at Alcoa, Siemens, Westinghouse, CBS and GE. He led Alcoa's Communications, Government Affairs and Human Resources operations. At Siemens, he directed US communications and global advertising. At Westinghouse and CBS Corporation, he was responsible for communications, government affairs and investor relations.  In his first communications position, he was responsible for working with GE CEO Jack Welch to handle the communications for the integration of RCA, which was the largest corporate merger of that time.  During Jack's 12 years in the PR agency world, he was President of Hill and Knowlton US, CEO of GCI Group, and founding President of the PR Council. In those roles, and as the Chair of the Institute for PR (IPR) and a member of the Arthur Page Society, he instituted measures to promote collaboration among corporate and agency leaders to enhance the impact and respect of communications by business leaders and by those considering a career.  PRSA honored Jack with the Atlas Award for Lifetime Achievement in International Public Relations. He was also the recipient of the Marsteller Marketer of the Year award from the Business Marketing Association.  Jack graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, was an Army Ranger and paratrooper and is a Vietnam veteran.  After receiving an MA in English from Indiana University, he taught English, Philosophy, and Black Studies at West Point. During the Reagan Administration, he was Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger's speechwriter.  He is the author of Test for Technology, a Vietnam War history. 

The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now. This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession. Today's special guest is Margery Kraus, Founder & Executive Chairman, APCO Worldwide. Ms. Kraus has deep expertise in providing strategic counsel on issue based communication, crisis management, market entry, and corporate  reputation across diverse industry groups. The range of her experience is  reflected in APCO's industry practice groups. In addition, she pioneered  one of the industry's earliest practices in corporate responsibility and the  development of public/private partnerships. Ms. Kraus is a true PR master and business pioneer.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today's special guest is Margery Kraus, Founder & Executive Chairman, APCO Worldwide. Ms. Kraus has deep expertise in providing strategic counsel on issue based communication, crisis management, market entry, and corporate  reputation across diverse industry groups. The range of her experience is  reflected in APCO's industry practice groups. In addition, she pioneered  one of the industry's earliest practices in corporate responsibility and the  development of public/private partnerships.  Ms. Kraus is a true PR master and business pioneer.   About Our Guest Margery Kraus is founder and executive chairman of APCO Worldwide, a  global advisory and advocacy communications consultancy headquartered  in Washington, D.C. She specializes in public affairs, communication, and  business consulting for major multinationals. Ms. Kraus founded APCO in  1984 and transformed it from a company with one small Washington  office to a multinational consulting firm in major cities throughout the  Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.  In September 2004, Ms. Kraus led a management buyout of her firm,  making APCO one of the largest privately owned consulting firms in its  field in the world and the largest that is majority women owned. APCO  was built almost entirely through organic growth. Throughout the years,  Ms. Kraus achieved this by fusing the best local talent and experience with  a global perspective and best practices, resulting in an international firm  with a unique culture based on seamless teamwork and common values.  Ms. Kraus's achievements have been recognized over the years through a  number of prestigious awards, including the 2021 IWEC Foundation  Award, PRWeek U.S. Power List (2021, 2020); Enterprising Women of the  Year Award (2019); PRWeek Top 20 Most Influential Communicator  (2018) award, recognizing leaders who have shaped the PR industry over  the past two decades; PRWeek Hall of Femme (2017); PR News PR  People Hall of Fame (2015); C200 Foundation Entrepreneurial Champion  Award (2015); PRWeek Hall of Fame (2014); U.S. Association of Former  Members of Congress Corporate Statesmanship Award (2013);  Volunteers of America (Greater New York) Spirit of the Founders (2012);  the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Agency Mentorship  (2012); Global Thinkers Forum Excellence in Leadership (2012); Arthur W.  Page Society Hall of Fame (2011); Institute for Public Relations Alexander  Hamilton Medal for lifetime contributions to professional public relations  (2010); Washington Business Hall of Fame (2009); Enterprising Women  Hall of Fame (2009); Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year in the  services category in Greater Washington (2006); Washington PR Woman  of the Year (2006); and PR News Lifetime Achievement (2005).  Ms. Kraus has deep expertise in providing strategic counsel on issue based communication, crisis management, market entry, and corporate  reputation across diverse industry groups. The range of her experience is  reflected in APCO's industry practice groups. In addition, she pioneered  one of the industry's earliest practices in corporate responsibility and the  development of public/private partnerships. Prior to starting APCO, Ms.  Kraus assisted in the creation and development of the Close Up  Foundation, a multimillion-dollar educational foundation sponsored in part  by the United States Congress. Ms. Kraus continues to be involved with  the foundation by serving on its board of directors.  Ms. Kraus is active on other institutional and corporate boards and  committees. She is chairman of the board of the Women Presidents'  Organization;...