Why I Joined PRSA-NCC’s Board of Directors

By: Leah McConnell, PRSA-NCC Board Member, Diversity Chair, Thoth Gala Co-Chair
Do you ever just stumble upon an opportunity, and a few years later you’re looking back and thinking “Wow, I’m so glad that happened to me.”? About three years ago, I was asked if I ever thought about serving on the PRSA-NCC board. My involvement in the chapter had only been as a committee member and committee chair, but I was ready to take on a new challenge. In 2015 my name was added to the list of candidates running for the 2016 Board of Directors. By the end of that year, I was appointed a member of the new board. I was eager to take on this role to help the chapter and D.C.’s PR community continue to thrive.

I guess you could say that I joined because I was looking for an opportunity to strengthen my career path, but I also wanted to be part of an organization that I truly felt has given me so many opportunities to help shape my career. My involvement in the chapter, and more specifically as a board member, has provided me with invaluable professional development opportunities that have been instrumental in advancing my career. As a board member, I’ve been able to contribute to the strategic direction of the chapter, provide thoughts and insights on ways to engage new members, develop new opportunities for networking—all of which I have been able to apply to the positions I’ve held over the years. It’s not all about the career building though, it’s also about the people you get to meet along the way, and the best part of it all is that I can truly say that I’ve also made some great friends here.
Many of us in the D.C. area are involved in more than just our jobs whether we planned on it or not, but we’re in D.C.— there are literally so many things to do and be a part of here! For those of you who are already part of PRSA-NCC, I want to ask you what I was asked five years ago: “Have you ever thought about serving on the board?” Being a member of the board is an investment not only in an organization that you care about, but it’s also an investment in yourself. Whether you’re looking to develop new skills like strategic planning, graphic design, or even financial management, the chapter has endless opportunities for you. Build your resume, make some friends, and take a seat at the table among the nation’s largest group of fun and motivating PR pros—it’s the best decision you’ll ever make.