The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations

As we gear up for our Milestones in Mentoring Gala this November, we’re celebrating our past award winners who have set the bar high in mentorship. Today, we recognize Mike Doyle, the 2023 recipient of the Agency Award. Mike’s dedication to mentorship shines through his honest questions and consistent guidance, especially for those at the start of their careers. This impactful approach shows the importance of mentorship and nurturing talent in the workplace! #PlankCenterPR #PlankCenter #MilestonesinMentoringGala #AgencyAward

We are almost three months away from the 2024 Milestones in Mentoring Gala. ⭐ Meet our 2024 Agency Award recipient, Teneshia J. Warner! Teneshia is the founder & CEO of EGAMI Group, an award-winning, multicultural integrated communications agency founded "On Purpose." Her unwavering commitment to mentoring and fostering growth in others has set a remarkable precedent in our profession. Teneshia's dedication to leadership and nurturing the next generation of talent embodies this award. This November, The Plank Center will honor Teneshia for her leadership, mentorship and uplifting the next generation of professionals with the Agency Award. To learn more, visit loom.ly/cvHRDuo! 🏆 #PlankCenterPR #PlankCenter #MilestonesinMentoringGala #AgencyAward #PublicRelations #PR #Honoree #EmergingLeaders

The John "Jack" Koten Corporate Award honors an influential public relations leader and recognizes individuals who demonstrate a commitment to mentoring others. Honoree's professional public relations roles have been internal to the organizations they support and could include positions in corporate, military or non-profit entities. The award is named in honor of Jack Koten, an influential public relations leader. Jack served as senior vice president of Ameritech (now known as AT&T Teleholdings, Inc.) and was the co-founder and first president of the Page Society. The Plank Center will honor Tony Waller, vice president, constituent relations and racial equity of Walmart, with the John "Jack" Koten Corporate Award this November at the Milestones in Mentoring Gala! For more information and registration, visit loom.ly/5yz5tBo. #PlankCenterPR #PlankCenter #MilestonesinMentoringGala

It's not every day our Board Members and Emerging Leaders Committee get together. What's a better way to get together than a birthday bash?! 🎂 The Museum of Public Relations held a birthday bash and fundraiser for our Board Members Patrick Ford and Bill Imada, as well as our recent Legacy Award recipient, Patrice Tanaka, on Burson's rooftop in New York City. It’s moments like these, where experience meets new perspectives, that truly shape the path ahead. It is important to pause to celebrate the great leaders of our profession and the future ones, which makes the future of our profession a bright one. Here’s to many more moments of collaboration, mentorship and celebration. Happy birthday to these three outstanding leaders and mentors! 🥂 #PlankCenter #PlankCenterPR #PublicRelations #HappyBirthday Andrew Cook, Emma Gresser, M.A., Patrick Ford, Bill Imada, Tamarra Thal, Alana Doyle

In continuing our countdown to the 2024 Milestones in Mentoring Gala, today, we recognize our 2023 John "Jack" Koten Corporate Award recipient, Jennifer Temple, executive vice president, chief communications officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Jennifer has devoted her career to advising CEOs and building high-performing teams to create customer loyalty, enact cultural change and manage large-scale transformations. She believes in the power of mentorship and shares these insights from our interview with her that you can read up on here loom.ly/w7Broik! 1. Successful Mentor/Mentee Relationship 2. Mosaic of Experiences 3. Internal Communication Matters #PlankCenterPR #PlankCenter #MilestonesinMentoringGala

Meet our 2024 John “Jack” Koten Corporate Award recipient, Tony Waller! With over 17 years of executive-level experience at Walmart, Tony has proven to be a passionate and strategic leader who fosters corporate and community relations, social responsibility and equity. As the vice president of constituent relations and racial equity, he directs the creation and implementation of business and philanthropic initiatives that align with Walmart’s reputation and mission. Some of his achievements include conceptualizing and instituting a diverse platform for model legislation development, engagement with key political leaders and forums, and optimizing corporate positioning as a corporate and community leader. Tony is motivated by the opportunity to leverage his skills and expertise to make a positive difference in the world and to empower others to do the same. His dedication to mentorship further amplifies his impact, inspiring and guiding others to reach their full potential. This November, The Plank Center will honor Tony for his leadership, mentorship and uplifting the next generation with the John "Jack" Koten Corporate Award. To learn more, visit bit.ly/3y77Di5! #PlankCenterPR #PlankCenter #MilestonesinMentoringGala 

We are thrilled to announce that Geoff Curtis, David Grossman and Milagros Orcoyen have joined our Board of Advisors! Their diverse experiences and unique perspectives will undoubtedly contribute to our mission. 👏 Geoff Curtis is the Founder of Marshall Curtis Communications and has more than two decades of global healthcare communications experience. His commitment to equipping emerging leaders with the skills and knowledge to lead with integrity solidifies our ongoing initiatives. David Grossman is the Founder and CEO of The Grossman Group, a leadership and communications firm focusing on organizational consulting, strategic leadership development, and internal and change communications. His expertise in heart first leadership helps empower the next generation of emerging leaders to lead confidently for years to come. Milagros Orcoyen, the 2024-2025 Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)'s National President, is a senior at UADE in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her commitment to advancing the field of public relations and her passion for making a difference in her community make her a valuable addition to our board. Please join us in welcoming Geoff, David and Milagros to our board! #PlankCenterPR #PlankCenter #BetsyPlank #BoardOfAdvisors

Today, we recognize four pillars of The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations - Bridget Coffing, Sankalp Sharma, Alicia Thompson, APR and Rick White. As they complete their terms, we want to express our deepest gratitude for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions. Their vision, leadership, and commitment have been instrumental in advancing the Center to where it is today. They have left an indelible mark on our journey, and their impact will continue to inspire us for years to come. Each of them, in their unique way, has embodied the spirit of Betsy Plank - a woman of leadership, integrity and passion for public relations. They have carried forward her legacy, and, in doing so, have become a part of it. Thank you, Bridget, Sankalp, Alicia, and Rick, for your tireless efforts and for embodying the spirit of Betsy Plank in all that you do. Your legacy will forever be a part of The Plank Center’s story. #PlankCenterPR #PlankCenter #PublicRelations #BetsyPlank #ThankYou

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a day of freedom and liberation, echoing the tireless efforts of Opal Lee, the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth.' Her powerful narrative, a testament to resilience and hope, has propelled Juneteenth to national prominence.  As we reflect on this day, let us remember the power of storytelling in public relations, shaping perceptions and driving engagement. Just as Opal Lee used her story to humanize and connect with us all, we, too, can use our narratives to foster meaningful connections and preserve our shared history. #PlankCenterPR #PlankCenter #OpalLee #Juneteenth #HonoringJuneteenth

The Legacy Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to mentoring others and who, through their mentoring, have touched the lives of countless public relations professionals throughout their distinguished and exceptional careers. The Plank Center will honor Jon Harris, executive vice president and chief communications & networking officer of Conagra Brands, with the Legacy Award this November at the Milestones in Mentoring Gala! For more information, visit loom.ly/5yz5tBo. #PlankCenterPR #PlankCenter #MilestonesinMentoringGala #LegacyAward