LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Black Public Relations Society Inc. (NBPRS), the foremost organization for image-makers and brand strategists, released a bold diversity action plan today that focuses on four commitments designed to disrupt and transform the industry.
Following its first-ever 2015 #PowerPR Summit, held last fall in Washington, D.C., NBPRS members and industry experts agreed to concentrate on creating access to jobs and supporting small business, thought leadership/advocacy, and leadership development for black professionals and entrepreneurs.
The re-energized focus is the outgrowth of NBPRS’ 2015 State of the PR Industry: Defining & Delivering on the Promise of Diversity White Paper, and the transition to its incoming president, Neil Foote, a public relations executive and journalism educator with more than 30 years of experience.
Executives from Coca-Cola, the Atlanta Hawks, Syracuse University, Wells Fargo, Golin, Mitchell Communications Group, MSLGROUP, Edelman and the PR Council participated in the summit.
“The Summit was a unique and exciting opportunity for highly strategic and task-oriented discussions about the future of the industry,” said NBPRS President Richelle Payne. “We convened the best minds in HR, technology, education, and entrepreneurship to help chart a course to address members’ needs and challenge the industry to establish and increase diversity efforts.”
Incoming President Foote added, “We must leverage the tremendous expertise and talent in NBPRS to aggressively transform this industry. What the summit revealed is that there’s great interest in driving change. Now, we must work together as an organization and with the industry to make it happen.”
Effective January 12th, the leadership team includes Foote, president; Craig Muckle, treasurer; Sherri Jones, parliamentarian; and Deisha Barnett and Tamekia Ashford, members-at-large. The Presidents Circle, established in 2014 to provide an historical perspective in the decision making process, includes Payne as immediate past president, and Deborah Hyman joins Wynona Redmond to serve as president emeritus.
NBPRS will announce plans for elections and details for its 2016 national conference in Chicago.
About the National Black Public Relations Society, Inc.
Since its founding in 1997, the National Black Public Relations Society, Inc. has served as an advocate for black professionals in the public relations, media relations, corporate communications, investor relations, government affairs, community relations and related fields. For more information, visit www.nbprs.org. Follow us on Twitter @nbprs.
