ICON 2024 – Report from the PRSA National Conference

/in /by

Lisa Lance, MA, MBA, Yankee Chapter President-Elect

Last month, I had the honor of representing the Yankee Chapter as an Assembly Delegate during the PRSA ICON 2024 National Conference in Anaheim, California. This was my first time attending, and it was wonderful to meet so many members of our chapter and the Northeast District in person.

2025 PRSA National Slate of Officers Approved

We heard reports from PRSA leadership and voted to approve the slate of all 2025 Board of Directors nominees who were running unopposed. We then heard remarks from the candidate for Western District Director, Paula L. Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA, who was nominated by petition for this role.  The delegates voted to elect Paula Pedene as the 2025 Western District Director.

Two well-qualified candidates ran for the role of 2025 Chair-Elect. Heide Harrell, MA, APR, was the candidate slated by the Nominating Committee, and Jessica M. Graham, APR, Fellow PRSA, was running by petition. The assembly delegates had the opportunity to hear from each candidate, as well as two endorsements for each followed by Q&A.  Members of our chapter leadership had voiced strong support for Jessica Graham, and I believed her presentation and statements of support were the most compelling, so I voted for her.  Ultimately, Heidi Harrell was voted in as Chair-Elect.

PRSA Announces 2025 Board of Directors at Annual Leadership Assembly | PRSA

 

Bylaws Amendments 2024

This year, there were two proposed amendments to the PRSA Bylaws. The first amendment, to Article IV, Section 10, focused on the role of the PRSA Board of Directors in officer nominations. The proposed change was that nominations of the candidates for Chair-Elect, Treasurer, and Secretary would be made to the Leadership Assembly by the Nominating Committee or by petition instead of by the Board of Directors.

The second amendment, to Article VIII, Section 1, focused on the composition of the Nominating Committee and proposed adding two voting directors (who would be appointed by the Board of Directors) as well as one member of the Board of Ethics and Professional Standards (BEPS), who would be selected by BEPS.

There was a lively discussion about the amendments. At the October Yankee Chapter Board meeting, the Board voted to oppose the proposed amendments and, as there were no changes to the proposals made on the floor at the Leadership Assembly meeting, I opposed the amendments. Both amendments ultimately passed.

The meeting ended with moderated panel sessions on topics including AI and university program accreditation, followed by chapter awards.

I found the Leadership Assembly to be a great example of the democratic process, as delegates had the opportunity to voice different views, ask questions, request clarification, and then vote. It was an engaging and positive process, and I am looking forward to everything PRSA National has to offer in 2025.