Committees

Committees are the backbone of our chapter. Through each committee, our members improve their skills and practice of communications while developing new and exciting chapter programs, exchanging ideas, and discussing topical issues with colleagues.

No experience? No problem! Committees are a great opportunity to try something new. Many of our committees offer virtual volunteer opportunities, so even if you live far from downtown D.C. or have a hectic work schedule, you can participate on your own schedule.

PRSA NCC Committee Structure

Accreditation & Continuing Education / APR

The Accreditation & Continuing Education Committee guides Washington, D.C., area communications professionals through the process of attaining the prestigious Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential. The profession’s only post-graduate certification, earning the APR demonstrates competency and a strong commitment to the profession. The committee organizes APR boot camps, overview courses, prepares materials, and matches mentors throughout the year to help prepare candidates. Learn more about the APR and APR+M.

Contacts: Susan Whyte Simon, APR, Fellow PRSA or Barbara Burfeind, APR+M, Fellow PRSA

Awards and Recognition

National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame

The National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame inductees include a diverse group of communicators from the national capital area, from agency heads, White House and Capitol Hill press secretaries, Pentagon spokespeople, business leaders, government officials, international experts, social activists, labor leaders, professors and educators.

The Hall of Fame Committee is responsible for securing nominations, managing the nominee review and selection process, and coordinating the celebration and presentation of the award each year. This is an opportunity to work directly with the most accomplished communications professionals in the D.C. area, and the profession at-large.

Contact: Lauren Lawson-Zilai

National Capital Excellence in Communication Awards

The National Capital Excellence in Communication Awards Committee is responsible for organizing one of PRSA NCC’s signature events, the annual Thoth Awards Gala. This event recognizes outstanding communications programs and components developed and produced in the Greater Washington area.

Committee members support all planning for the event including: the awards submission and judging process, identifying potential speakers, selecting the theme, photography, budget, and logistics. This is a great opportunity to plan one of the chapter’s largest events and be part of recognizing excellence and best practices in the communications profession.

Contact: Aprill O. Turner, APR

Career Support

Mentoring

The Mentorship Committee is a resource to encourage and create successful mentor-mentee relationships within PRSA NCC membership. Through these mentor matches, participants can gain insights, guidance, and empower their careers, allowing them to better navigate the waters of work life.

Contact: Sultana F. Ali, APR

University Relations

The University Relations Committee connects PRSA NCC’s network of professionals to communications and marketing students interested in furthering their applied knowledge of the field. Primarily supporting the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapters in the Washington, D.C. area, committee members serve as mentors and help students reach their professional aspirations through tailored programming.

Contact: Laura Ambrosio

Diversity and Inclusion

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee supports and identifies the D&I needs of PRSA NCC. Committee members serve as ambassadors within the chapter, ensuring that D&I is woven into the chapter’s fabric, its events, communications and operations. Committee members also seek collaborative partnerships with organizations throughout the D.C. area and work with the NCC board to recommend strategies to foster a more inclusive culture.

Contacts: Diti Bhasin and Joseph Dawson

Independent Public Relations Alliance

The Independent Public Relations Alliance is a network of experienced public relations consultants, solo practitioners, and small agency owners of up to 15 people who offer quality, value-driven communications, and marketing services.

Committee members have access to:

• Guest speaker luncheons to discuss topics trends and issues of importance to communications professionals;
• Participating in free professional Meet Ups around the Metro D.C. area to gather, collaborate, and share best practices, resources, tips and insights; and
• Annual group subscriptions to public relations tools.

Contact: info@prsancc.org

Marketing and Communications

The Marketing and Communications committee is the strategic communications and information dissemination arm of PRSA NCC. By using traditional and digital media and communications tools, committee members keep members apprised of chapter events, news and opportunities. Committee members also help ensure that members are maximizing their investment and encourage them to meet and network with fellow colleagues to build relationships within the chapter’s diverse membership base.

This committee is an opportunity to counsel NCC on best practices, connect with members, and / or build or enhance skills that you might not otherwise have the time or opportunity to learn on the job.

Committee Members can lead or support in any of the following areas:

• Blog or Website Content Writing or Editing
• Communications Data and Engagement
• Digital Communications
• Membership Marketing
• Social Media

Contacts: Eric Young or Mischa Sindyukov

Pro Bono and Community Support

The Pro Bono and Community Support Committee supports a select nonprofit organization that is chosen by the chapter through a rigorous and competitive application process. Committee members support the organization with its strategic communications, either as an adjunct to an existing team or infrastructure, for a three-year engagement (note: committee members can engage in however many years of the engagement they wish).

The chapter’s current client, Mary’s Center, is a community center that provides health care and social services. To date, the Committee has provided Mary’s Center with services including media training, crisis management, coaching, social media analysis, and access to media monitoring and analytic tools.

Contact: Carol Wilkerson

Programming and Events

Association/Non-profit

The Association/Non-Profit committee supports communications professionals at non-profits, associations, and other tax-exempt organizations as they work to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and promote organizational activities. Committee members plan and execute events throughout the year that examine communications issues affecting the association or non-profit sectors, as well as connecting communications practitioners in these organizations and sharing best practices.

Contacts: Alysa Reich, Scott Ward or Christie Phillips, APR

International

The International Committee connects practitioners and scholars who specialize in global strategic communications, international affairs, and media relations, and serves members interested in expanding their network of global public relations professionals and meeting new contacts – ranging from journalists to business professionals to diplomats – in the U.S. and abroad. Committee members help organize and host events designed to educate members about important global trends and developments.

Contacts: Mischa Sindyukov or Sergei Samoilenko

Professional Development

The Professional Development Committee develops and hosts NCC’s educational events, workshops, and seminars designed for Washington, D.C., communicators with all levels of experience. Topics range from dealing with changes in traditional media to how to use emerging media tools from marketing and communications strategies to managerial training and more. Committee members help organize at least one event per year, plan the programming, secure speakers and support promotion of the events.

Contacts: Robert Krueger or Patricia Nicastri

Public Affairs & Government

The Public Affairs and Government Committee connects communications professionals who serve at all levels of government and branches of the military, as well as government contractors, consultants, and others who implement communications programs surrounding public policy or public safety issues. Committee members plan programs and events to grow their networks and foster the professional development of government and public affairs communicators in the Washington, D.C., region.

Contact: info@prsancc.org

Sponsorship

The Sponsorship Committee builds relationships with partners that invest financial and other resources to reach and support the communications profession in the D.C. area. Committee members work with industry influencers to build relationships with potential sponsors and ensure that the organizations and individuals supporting NCC get as much benefit as possible from their support.

This committee is a great opportunity to meet decision-makers at top companies, as well as advance your skillset in partnership development and relationship management.

Contacts: Brendon Miller, APR or Myles Goldman