Meet New Yankee Chapter Member Paul Raymond, Jr.
Name, Title and Organization: Paul Raymond, Jr., Founder | Principal, PDR Strategies
Originally From: Concord, New Hampshire
Currently Lives In: Concord, New Hampshire
Work History/Background: I spent more than 23 years working in public safety. Most recently, I served as the Assistant Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Corrections. Before that, I spent more than a decade with the Department of Safety, including serving as the Strategic Communications Administrator in the Office of the Commissioner and as the Community Outreach Coordinator with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. In addition to my state roles, I serve as one of FEMA’s Executive Public Information Officer instructors and teach in the Basic and Advanced PIO programs. In July, I launched PDR Strategies to help mission-driven organizations craft clear, effective messages that support crisis readiness, strategic clarity and confident leadership.
Why I Joined PRSA: I joined at the encouragement of my mentor, Dr. Joe Trahan, APR, Fellow PRSA, who has been a tremendous influence on my communication career.
Most Challenging PR Situation I Have Faced: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Sununu tasked me with leading the state’s Joint Information Center. I directed a team of 45 communicators representing 19 state agencies and led the coordination of all media response efforts with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Health & Human Services. From March 2020 through June 2021, we addressed more than 4,500 media inquiries, supported more than 100 live news conferences and issued hundreds of news releases. It was the most demanding communications environment I have ever worked in and yet one of the most meaningful.
Bucket List Trip: It is technically not a bucket list trip since I have already been there, but I cannot wait to go back to Uganda. My wife is originally from Uganda and we were married there. It is a beautiful country and one I am eager to visit again.
Hobbies/Interests: I love spending time with my wife and our four-year-old daughter. I also referee high school basketball, which has become one of my favorite ways to stay active and involved in the community. I am looking forward to growing my involvement in PRSA and continuing to connect with fellow communications professionals. I am active in the National Information Officers Association and recently joined the Emergency Management External Affairs Association, and I am excited to keep learning from the many talented communicators across these networks.
Contact Information: paul@pdrstrategies.com (603) 825-2230