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RECAP: A Crisis-Free Life vs. a Crisis-Charged Workload — March Brown Bag Panel Discussion

On Tuesday, March 10th, the Case Foundation, LEVICK (@LEVICK) and the Professional Development Committee  welcomed about 50 guests who engaged in a riveting discussion on how to handle crises in the office as well as at home, achieving work-life balance and what “having it all” really means for women in PR.  The panelists spoke candidly about their personal experiences and gave guidance to attendees who were curious about how to handle work-place issues that affect many of us on a daily basis.  The knowledgeable panelists  included:

  • Moderator: Kara Flynn, Vice President, LEVICK
  • Tara Galvin, Director, North America Communications, SAP
  • Diane Lebson, Director, Women in Philanthropy, American Red Cross
  • Shannon Campagna, Director of Legislative Affairs, Mars, Incorporated

Each of these women enjoy incredible careers and have achieved success and happiness as they define it personally.  Their varied experiences made for a well balanced panel with common values and concerns, but different opinions and approaches.  For example, when asked how to handle a crisis (at work or at home), the panelists had different advice.  In Shannon’s opinion, defining what is a crisis is key — she cautioned attendees that not every problem that arises is truly a crisis.  Tara’s stance was that she’s the same person at home as she is at work.  This helps her to think clearly and be direct in any crisis situation.  Diane takes a more ‘zen’ approach and turns to her training as a yoga instructor.  She encouraged guests to take a deep breath and create space for themselves when confronted with a crisis.

 

Key takeaways from the discussion are as follows:

  • Stress is contagious, don’t let it impact your relationships.
  • Setting boundaries is important at work and at home.
  • The concept of “leaning in” is important.  Be sure to interpret what it means for you as it will change through out your career.
  • Mentors can be any age!  Have several different mentors to utilize various vantage points. For example, consider a male mentor or a younger mentor.  A mentorship doesn’t have to be formal, consider it a relationship in which you learn.
  • When joining a networking organization, be involved for genuine reasons.

All of the panelists are looking forward to a future in which women are seen and treated as equals, where women can work hand in hand and respect each other’s decisions.

 

To register for upcoming WWPR professional development events, including the highly anticipated Speed Mentoring event (presented in partnership with Hager Sharp), visit www.wwpr.org/events.

 

March Member Spotlight

This month’s member spotlight features WWPR member Sarah Woessner, Communications and Administrative Assistant, Membership & Marketing, for Financial Services Institute.

Q: How did you get started in communications?

 

A: I enrolled as a student at Miami University of Ohio with an interest in communications, but didn’t know specifically what I wanted to focus on.  As I took classes, spoke with professors, interviewed communications professionals, and most importantly, took advantage of internships, I grew to love public relations.

 

When I was a junior, I took advantage of the “Miami University Inside Washington Program.”  The 10-week program is designed to engage students in small group meetings with prominent politicians, newsmakers, journalists and other Washington-based figures.  It was during this program that I realized my interests in politics and government.  I loved my communications major as well, and ultimately came to this conclusion: I knew I wanted to combine both worlds and work in public relations/public affairs in Washington, D.C.

 

Knowing this, I worked hard to network with those in the city.  As a senior in college, I flew to Washington, D.C. on numerous occasions to have informational interviews and made one of the best decisions: I joined WWPR.  I worked remotely from Ohio during my senior year on the Emerging Leaders Awards Committee, where I “met” via email another committee member: Erin Smith Flior.  Erin mentioned that the Adfero Group was looking for an Account Coordinator/Intern.  I applied for the position, interviewed, and within a month received an offer to work at the agency.  I can honestly say that it was my involvement with WWPR that allowed me to build relationships with professionals in the area, gain an understanding of the industry, and ultimately, get a job and move to the city.  I just graduated last May with a B.A. in Strategic Communication and kick-started my career in Washington, D.C. shortly after.


Q: What inspired you to get involved with WWPR?

 

A: This question isn’t about “what” inspired me, but rather “who.”  That individual is past WWPR President Tina McCormack Beaty.  Knowing that I wanted to work in Washington, D.C. post-graduation, my senior year a professor of mine encouraged me to reach out to Tina, who is a Miami University of Ohio alum.  Tina and I touched base via phone a few times and it was during one of the calls that she encouraged me to join WWPR as a student member.  Knowing this would be a great opportunity to network, I joined in December 2012, flew to the city for the annual kickoff meeting in January 2013, and have been an active member since.  Tina has been such an incredible mentor in my life and I am so thankful to have met her.

 

Q: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment professionally?

 

A: Making this dream of mine a reality. I knew I wanted to move to Washington, D.C. from Ohio and start my career.  In less than a year, I have graduated college, moved to the city, had a wonderful internship experience at the Adfero Group, and have accepted my first, full-time job at the Financial Services Institute.  It’s been a whirlwind of an experience, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  WWPR has made these things possible and I am blessed for the people I have met, the relationships I have built, and the things I have learned through this organization.

 

 

PR in Politics: A Different Public Relations Lens

The Role of Public Relations in Politics is a monthly column written by WWPR member Margaret Mulvihill, examining the role of PR in politics.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Washington Women in Public Relations

 

Margaret Mulvihill

A DIFFERENT PUBLIC RELATIONS LENS

 

Until today, I have looked at the role of public relations in politics from the standpoint of a PR media specialist.  I shared with you the traditional insider agency perspective, or shop view, if you will.  This month, I encourage you to look through a different lens at the role of public relations in politics.

 

We have many great politicians in this country.  Many great women.  Arguably, we have great lawyers in this country.  Once in a millennium, the three come together in one person.  Then we see a potential elected representative that we can believe in, place our trust in, and be proud of.  In this instance, I’m looking at Marisa DeFranco (D), a well-known and highly regarded immigration attorney who is running for Congress in the 6thDistrict, Massachusetts.

 

SENATE, CONGRESS, AND BEYOND

 

DeFranco is no stranger to the election cycle.  2012 saw her running for the Senate, when she fought a spirited battle against Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), but was ultimately denied ballot access even though she had been in the race long before Warren finally announced her candidacy.  A great competitor who does not give up, who comes back again and again, with grit and perseverance — here is a candidate who will cross the aisle to get things done.  How do I know this?  I am looking at the candidate through the lens of a media specialist.

 

This lens shows me a strong, confident woman.  A well-educated, thoughtful candidate. A woman who understands our issues and has the solutions.  Above all, a woman who is fearless when standing up for her constituents.  A woman who has practiced what others merely preach, persevering when right is on her side.  DeFranco can surely now count on Warren’s strong support, given her hard push for gender equality, and her public and vocal championing of women.  Who better to step up for another woman candidate than Warren?  It will serve to strengthen and validate Warren’s message, and ensure her political legacy.

 

NAVIGATING STORMY WATERS

 

As DeFranco continues to confidently navigate the often-stormy waters of public relations in politics, she faces minor competition in a party primary from two fellow Democrats, Seth Moulton and John Devine.  The incumbent, Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass), a nine-term Congressman, held his seat by the narrowest of margins at the last election.  No amount of public relations expertise will diminish the ongoing scandal which has led to the incarceration of his wife and other family members.  Tierney at the time claimed ignorance of the international gambling scandal that his wife and two brothers-in-law were involved in.  I doubt that Tierney’s PR people had anything to do with his recent public statement in which he revealed that he was, in fact, aware of the gambling ring, but did not understand the extent of it.

 

A NATURAL LEADER BRINGS TRUE LEADERSHIP

 

The granddaughter of Italian immigrants, DeFranco is an award-winning immigration attorney.  Her work on behalf of immigrants, business, children in state custody, and survivors of violence have finely-tuned her natural compassion.  In common with Warren, she is passionate about equal rights for women, pointing out that we make up 51% of the population.

 

A true leader, she has served as Chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Immigration Section Council, Chair of the New England Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), liaison to a Federal Government agency, and Director on the AILA National Board of Governors. A past Commissioner on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, DeFranco is an exceptional woman. An exceptional attorney.

 

She is an exceptional Candidate.

 

 

Margaret Mulvihill is Director of Communications at Lawson Mulvihill in Washington, DC.  Follow her on Twitter: @LawsonMulvihill

 

 

NEWSLETTER: February 2014

In This Issue
 

From the President

Emerging Leaders Awards: Get Involved!

Recap: Nonprofit and Philanthropy Communications Panel

Work-Life Balance in a Demanding Workplace; Speed Mentoring

PR in Politics

Member Spotlight

Articles of Interest

Upcoming Events

Jobs

Membership

Sponsor Spotlight: Adfero Group

 

From the President
Dear WWPR friends,

 

I’m so pleased to be serving as WWPR President this year.

Over the years, I’ve come to rely on the professional development and networking opportunities provided by WWPR and it’s an honor to be at the head of the table as we launch another year.

 

We’re already off to a great start!  We had an exceptional keynote speaker at our Annual Meeting in January, Martha Boudreau, who shared valuable insights for being successful in the communications field.  A key takeaway was that the skills needed to be successful in our career will change constantly.  Thankfully, WWPR’s wide range of monthly events offer communicators the opportunities to arm themselves with a growing list of skillsets.  [Read more tips from Martha]

 

Our first professional development event of the year, “Nonprofit & Philanthropy Communications,” sold out right away with 150 registrants.  We received incredible feedback from the panelists and attendees, which confirms that WWPR is continuing to address the ever-changing challenges in the communications industry.

 

It was wonderful to see many familiar faces at our Annual Meeting and nonprofit panel discussion. WWPR is an incredible resource for both professional growth and for relationship building.  Our events tend to be small in size so attendees can have the opportunity to meet one another and nurture friendships.  I know many deep and valuable relationships that have been fostered and strengthened by WWPR. As 2014 President, I plan to reinforce and strengthen this sense of community among our members, sponsors and partners, while also working with the Board of Directors to make sure we’re meeting the changing needs of our membership.

 

I invite you to reach out to me directly (lauren@wwpr.org) and share your suggestions and/or thoughts for the upcoming year.  Also, if you’re interested in getting more involved with WWPR, please join one of our committees.  We have an exciting roster of events set up for the year and I look forward to seeing many of you.

 

In closing, I’d like to thank our 2013 Co-Presidents Tina Beaty and Kendra Kojcsich.

Tina and Kendra have shown unfaltering dedication to WWPR.

 

Thank you and I look forward to another successful year!

 

 

Lauren Smith Dyer

2014 WWPR President

 

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Emerging Leaders Awards: Join the Committee!
 

Interested in getting more involved with WWPR?  The Emerging Leaders Awards (ELA) co-chairs are looking for dedicated members to join the ELA committee.  Join us and help make the 2014 ELAs another great success!

 

Committee members will support the ELA co-chairs with a variety of activities, including:

 

  • Venue and sponsorship liaison
  • Event promotion
  • Content development (such as material for WWPR’s monthly e-newsletters, social media accounts and press releases)
  • On-site registration and day-of event coordination

This is a great opportunity to network with DC-area industry leaders and fine-tune your event planning and writing skills.  Email ELA@wwpr.org for more information on how to join the 2014 team.

 

Help decide what day of the week the ELAs should be held by voting here.  Voting closes on February 28.

 

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Recap: WWPR NonProfit and Philanthropy Communications Panel
 

By Shannon Murphy, Burson-Marsteller, WWPR Professional Development Committee Member

 

On Thursday, February 6, the Professional Development Committee and Johns Hopkins University (@JHUComm) welcomed over 100 attendees to participate in a panel discussion on nonprofit and philanthropy communication. Guest panelists from The Case Foundation, United Nations Foundation, AARP and the Melanoma Research Foundation shared insights into the importance of engaging stakeholder groups, utilizing social and digital media and identifying foundational traits and tactics for success.  The panel was moderated by Kelly Mack, Account Supervisor at Environics Communications and WWPR Professional Development Committee Co-Chair.

 

Panelists included:

  • Allyson Burns (@AllieB), Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing at The Case Foundation;
  • Rebecca Einhorn (@Rebecca_Einhorn), Senior Communications Director at the United Nations Foundation;
  • Alejandra Owens (@frijolita), Social and Content Strategy Advisor for AARP; and
  • Tim Turnham (@timturnham), Executive Director for the Melanoma Research Foundation.

Each of these leaders spoke to how aligning a foundation or association’s mission and business strategies with communications resonates well with key audiences.  It’s through this alignment that social platforms and stakeholder engagement motivate target groups to raise their voices and build a community of support.

 

Tim Turnham of the Melanoma Research Foundation shared, “It’s important to understand your group’s corporate culture and voice and leverage those resources that are available to you. There is no end to the things we can do, but there is a limit to the things we should do.  It’s the things we should do that make the biggest impact.”

 

The Case Foundation’s Allyson Burns followed up on Tim’s comment sharing that in the nonprofit sector it’s important to be fearless, to jump in and to show success along the way.  The group shared how social media is a tactic that has great impact, allowing groups to open dialogue with target groups and track results every step of the way.

 

To learn more about upcoming WWPR professional development events, visitwww.wwpr.org/events.

 

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Professional Development Update
 

Don’t miss WWPR’s March Brown Bag Panel Discussion, “A Crisis-free Life vs. a Crisis-charged Workload” on Tuesday, March 11, 12:00 noon-1:30 p.m. at the Case Foundation, 1717 Rhode Island Ave., NW, 7th floor, Washington, DC  20036.  Experts from the field will explore work-life balance for women in demanding work environments, such as crisis communications.  Learn how these women in high power positions juggle competing priorities and diffuse crises in all facets of their lives.

Join WWPR, in tandem with LEVICK, for what is sure to be an engaging discussion.

 

Presenters include:

  • Panel moderator: Kara Flynn, Vice President, LEVICK
  • Tara Galvin, Director, North America Communications, SAP
  • Diane Lebson, Director, Women in Philanthropy, American Red Cross
  • Shannon Campagna, Director of Legislative Affairs, Mars, Incorporated

Cost: Free to WWPR members; $20 for non-members. Register today to be a part of this exciting conversation!

 

Back by popular demand, WWPR will host an evening of Speed Mentoring in partnership with Hager Sharp, Thursday, April 10, 6:30-8:30 PM at Hager Sharp’s offices, 1050 15th St., NW, Suite 600E, Washington, DC 20005.  This event will bring together seasoned professional women with women still carving their career paths, enabling the sharing of knowledge and experience.

 

Cost: $20 for WWPR members; $35 for non-members. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is open.

 

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PR in Politics
The Role of Public Relations in Politics is a monthly column written by WWPR member Margaret Mulvihill, examining the role of PR in politics.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Washington Women in Public Relations

 

 

SCANDAL AND PANIC

 

Watching politicians panic when their careers begin to unravel has become a keenly observed global sport.  We watch scandals unfold in real time on prime time television. We read the online ‘insider’ scoops and the newsprint.  In their panic, the damaged ones turn to their agency of record to begin the daunting task of damage limitation and mitigation.  Few politicos think ahead to a crisis situation.  The evidence shows that they wait until something happens!  Crisis management should be in the PR portfolio of any individual politician or organization.  In reality, it rarely is. Also rare is the PR shop that provides a dedicated crisis management team as part of its regular portfolio.

 

CRISIS MANAGEMENT

 

We have all seen organizations brought to their knees.  Sometimes it is a mistake made by one individual, but more often than not it is a flawed, top-down management strategy.  It would be very interesting to know how many politicians and organizations have a budgeted line-item for crisis management.  Today, something that happened 20, 30, even 40 years ago, is likely to be dredged up to become fodder for the networks. Indeed, the changing face of the news reporting community increases the need for all to have access to a crisis management specialist in a hurry.

 

READ MORE

 

 

Margaret Mulvihill is Director of Communications at Lawson Mulvihill in Washington, DC.  Follow her on Twitter: @LawsonMulvihill

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Member Spotlight
This month’s member spotlight features WWPR Professional Development Committee member Neveah Bradshaw, Marketing and PR Specialist for BLR Holdings, Inc.  She is also enrolled in the M.A. of Strategic Communication program at American University.

 

Q: How did you get started in communications?

 

A: My affinity for communications developed at a young age.  My parents often tell stories of a young me who was inquisitive, talkative and very interested in people and their stories.  I even analyzed commercials beyond the Super Bowl and magazine ads.  Formally I got started in communications while perusing my undergraduate degree at Virginia State University. A professor of mine took me under her wing and showed me the ropes.  She even helped me secure my first internship.  During my internship, because of the incredible mentorship from my supervisor, I secured a front page story for the non-profit.

 

This experience solidified my choice of pursuing a career in public relations.

 

Q: What inspired you to get involved with WWPR?
A: In my current role, my boss is adamant about the importance of mentorship, networking and continued learning.  I was encouraged to join WWPR by a colleague and have thanked her for this advice ever since!  I joined last summer after a mentorship themed event and dove right in! I have been thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and courtesies that the board and membership posses.  The spirit of camaraderie and fellowship is priceless and will continue to play a major role in my career.

Q: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment professionally?

 

A: My biggest professional accomplishment will be graduating from American University with a Masters in Strategic Communication this May!  Deciding to pursue a graduate degree is a huge career step, especially in a program like mine that was designed for the working professional.  It has been challenging to say the least, but I am confident that this will strengthen and define the future of my professional career.

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Articles of Interest
 

 

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Upcoming Events

If you have a suggestion for a future program topic, please contact the Professional Development Committee at professionaldevelopment@wwpr.org.

 

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Jobs
 

– Manager, Social Communications and Strategy, ASAE

– Press and Media Relations Manager, Americans for the Arts

– Media Relations, Healthcare, Advocom Group

– Account Supervisor, Edelman

– Account Supervisor, Employee Engagement, Edelman

– Senior Account Supervisor, Health Alliances, Edelman

– Vice President, Digital Energy, Edelman

– Market Strategist, Sage Communications

 

 

Post a Job

 

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Membership

 

January New Members

 

– Caren Auchman, FleishmanHillard

– Lauren Rosenthal, Chorus America

– Jamie Elise Zuieback, Latham & Watkins

– Melissa DePaulis, Busboys and Poets & Eatonville Restaurant

– Kimberly West, FleishmanHillard

– Candice Coleman, The ELOCEN Group

– Norah Heintz, Adfero Group

– Julie Johnson

– Leah Weatherspoon, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

– Marcia Newbert, Edelman

– Meredith Balenske, FleishmanHillard

– Caitlin Grady, Edelman

 

January Renewals

 

– Sarah Woessner, Financial Services Institute

– Andrea Summers Huggins

– Stephanie DuBois, National Community Pharmacists Association

– Hillarie Turner, Spectrum

– Amy Malerba Hemingway, Edelman

– Anne Redmiles, Westland Enterprises, Inc.

– Kate Perrin, PRofessional Solutions, LLC

– Melanie Jordan, PRofessional Solutions, LLC

– Melissa Zuckerman, Hager Sharp

– Rachel Henderson, United Nations Foundation

– Kimberly Brown, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

– Melanie Pipkin Kozel, American Red Cross

– Anne Marie Borrego, American Red Cross

– Veronica LaFemina, Food Allergy Research & Education

– Rachel Griffith, National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition

 

 

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Sponsor Spotlight
 

 

Who We Are

Adfero Group is a pioneering public relations firm that integrates sophisticated digital strategies with traditional communications tactics to advance our clients’ public affairs or business agendas. Our novel mix of offline and online tactics helps corporations, associations and government entities communicate effectively in today’s constantly evolving media environment. As new communications methods emerge, we’ll be among the first to master them to ensure your organization is fully engaged in the conversations that matter.

 

About Our Name

In Latin, Adfero means “to carry or bring news.” In today’s “word of mouth” environment, our name also means we empower others to carry your news.  We not only help our clients communicate important information and ideas, but we also reach their target audiences by employing some of the most advanced and creative techniques available today. We don’t just talk about cutting edge. We live it. Every day.

 

About Our Team

The Adfero team is comprised of seasoned PR professionals whose diverse backgrounds and experiences form a powerful convergence of skills that are well-suited to serve a wide range of organizations. We not only serve clients – many of us were the client. Our talented team is made up of former:

  • charitable organization staff
  • clients
  • journalists
  • lawyers
  • lobbyists
  • political appointees in federal agencies
  • presidential campaign staff
  • senior aides on Capitol Hill
  • trade association officials

Learn more at www.adferogroup.com.

PR in Politics: Scandal and Panic

The Role of Public Relations in Politics is a monthly column written by WWPR member Margaret Mulvihill, examining the role of PR in politics.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Washington Women in Public Relations

Margaret Mulvihill
SCANDAL AND PANIC

Watching politicians panic when their careers begin to unravel has become a keenly observed global sport. We watch scandals unfold in real time on prime time television. We read the online ‘insider’ scoops and the newsprint. In their panic, the damaged ones turn to their agency of record to begin the daunting task of damage limitation and mitigation. Few politicos think ahead to a crisis situation. The evidence shows that they wait until something happens! Crisis management should be in the PR portfolio of any individual politician or organization. In reality, it rarely is. Also rare is the PR shop that provides a dedicated crisis management team as part of its regular portfolio.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT

We have all seen organizations brought to their knees. Sometimes it is a mistake made by one individual, but more often than not it is a flawed, top-down management strategy. It would be very interesting to know how many politicians and organizations have a budgeted line-item for crisis management. Today, something that happened 20, 30, even 40 years ago, is likely to be dredged up to become fodder for the networks. Indeed, the changing face of the news reporting community increases the need for all to have access to a crisis management specialist in a hurry.

Media specialists abound. We have image management and image enhancement specialists. People who write press releases and strategically place favorable news items about their clients. We have folks who dedicate their careers to message crafting and folks who make sure the messaging is constantly, favorably, updated and always ‘on point’.  And that is great. We all need to be groomed for media exposure, not just politicos and their organizations. Every team should have a crisis management specialist assigned to it, someone whose job it is to seek out any potential issues or problems and neutralize them before we are reading about it in the Washington Post and the New York Times.

GOVERNOR CHRISTIE

The biggest PR-fail story so far this year has been the disintegration of the Presidential hopes of New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie. A former prosecutor, he now finds himself at the hub of a large group of unhappy subpoena recipients. The public relations effort to bring closure to the daily leaks and allegations of wrong-doing has been spotty to say the least. If the Governor has an outside PR representation, he has clearly not been making use of their talents during ‘Bridgegate’.

With the wisdom of hindsight, it seems feasible that this whole scandal could have been avoided had the proper crisis management plans been in place.  There is no disagreement that ‘Bridgegate’ happened. There is disagreement and much discussion in print, online, radio and television media as to whether or when Governor Christie was aware of the traffic lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. A good PR crisis manager would have stepped in immediately and advised the Governor to admit that ‘Bridgegate’ did happen. He would have advised that Governor Christie takes full accountability at his press conference, rather than doling out the blame as he did on various staffers.

Had the Governor simply accepted responsibility for ‘Bridgegate’ with a short, on-point message to the press and public, it is entirely possible that the story would have ended there. He did not, and it did not. During his overly lengthy presser, the Governor gave the gathered reporters and columnists much food for thought and leads for stories. Angry staffers gave insider information to favored reporters. Reporters started digging. One lead after another turned up more and more problems for the Christie administration.

Now, six months after the event, we are still talking about the Governor’s deeply flawed administration. Investigations are ongoing, both at state and federal level. It is extremely unlikely that Governor Christie will be a Presidential nominee in 2016, and it is entirely possible that he may not serve out his term as Governor of New Jersey. In this instance, the role of public relations in politics is clear – a good crisis management specialist was desperately needed.

 

Margaret Mulvihill is Director of Communications at Lawson Mulvihill in Washington, DC.  Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lawsonmulvihill

 

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