PRSA

PRSA

National Capital Chapter

October President’s Letter

Checking in. How are you? October hasn’t been easy. Most of 2025 hasn’t been easy. 

The ongoing government shutdown is creating stress, disruption, and uncertainty for so many in our region—especially those in public service, federal contracts, and mission-driven organizations. If you’re navigating hardship right now, please know our PRSA NCC community sees you, supports you, and is here to walk alongside you. Your resilience, leadership, and presence in this community matter.

October also brings ICON and PRSA community members from across the country to Washington, D.C. We’re less than two weeks away from PRSA ICON 2025, happening October 28–30 at the Washington Hilton in D.C.—and if you haven’t registered yet, there are a few new reasons to jump in:

  • Use promo code NCC2025 for 15% off new registrations.
  • Day passes are now available for maximum flexibility
  • Career Development Exposition access is free for members on Wednesday, October 29 with advance registration—perfect if you’re exploring new opportunities or navigating career shifts during the shutdown.
  • Drop into my Checking In Virtual Office Hours on Thursday, October 23 from 12-1:30 p.m. EDT to gain tips and tricks for maximizing your time at ICON.

Registration is still open. Register today!

Thank you, ICON 2025 planning committee and volunteers. We’re hosting ICON in our own backyard—and that wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and energy of our local NCC volunteers. From event logistics to programming to pre-conference meetups, your time and heart are helping to create a one-of-a-kind experience for our members and guests from across the country. Thank you for making this possible—and making our NCC community proud.

What Else You Need to Know:

  • VOTE!!!: Our future NCC leaders are stepping up, and members’ voices matters. Chapter elections close Tuesday, October 21. If you haven’t voted yet, check your inbox for your ballot and take a moment to help shape PRSA NCC’s leadership for 2026.
  • Hall of Fame Nominations Due Friday, October 24: Help us honor those who’ve shaped our profession and our region. If there’s a communicator you believe deserves to be recognized for their career-long impact, submit a nomination for the PRSA NCC Hall of Fame.
  • Crystal’s Non-PRSA Resource of the Month: This month, I’m spotlighting a timely resource you’ll want in your toolkit: the IPR report “Generative AI in Organizations: Insights and Strategies from Communication Leaders.” It dives into how communicators are integrating AI into workflows, the strategies they use to manage risks, and lessons learned across industries. Thoughtful, practical, and forward-looking—this report is an excellent guide for teams that want to use AI responsibly while staying ahead of the curve.

We’re all doing our best to lead through complexity—personally, professionally, and across our communities. If this season has felt especially heavy for you, I hope you’ll give yourself grace and space to reset. Lean on your network. Join an event. Volunteer when you’re ready. And most of all, know that you are not alone.

Onward! And see you at ICON!

Crystal Borde

2025 NCC President