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Our Past Presidents Reflect
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DeeDee Legrand-Hart
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Dear Colorado Springs PRSA members,
As a founder of the Pikes Peak charter, it brings me immense satisfaction to commend the chapter for 25 years of staying power. It has outlasted the 18-year average survival rate of S&P 500 companies, yet, it was hardly sheltered from the gale force winds of change that defeat corporations. It had to live by the same jargon-filled mantras--grow stakeholder value, raise capital, delight customers, attract superstars. All that, without reaping a profit. So, yes, twenty-five years is a big deal! I credit the early champions who built the chapter--the first volunteers who gave precious time, and organizations who pledged financial support—before our signatures on the charter documents were dry. They enabled a fast launch. Tidal waves of opportunity for PR professionals would have washed over us if the chapter wasn’t prepared to rise up. From the beginning, I saw many cases in which the chapter helped members do a better job, and I saw even more cases in which it helped them land new jobs. The scope and reach of PRSA’s resources reassured employers that local staff could think globally; and having its governance of a professional code of ethics earned credibility in newsrooms and boardrooms. But, once a chapter launches, it’s the virtue of its members that ensure its longevity. If members endorse a mission to serve the majority of its members, it means they must occasionally endorse programs that don’t meet their own needs. It’s a small sacrifice, because every member can benefit from relationships with peers and mentors. Messages carry more risk the farther and faster they travel, so the chapter’s sounding board is a safe place to ready the mind and steady the hand before unleashing a word. Why do I, having owned a thriving Denver firm for 20 years and since left the profession, care about the future of the Pikes Peak chapter? Because, like you, I’m a communicator at heart, and I know you have the vital instincts to bridge deep chasms, and awaken dead silences in our society. This belief is engraved in my mind by esteemed leaders and friends in PR who’ve created organizations that thrive on frequent, productive dialogues with virtually every stakeholder, their brands’ gatekeepers. The upside for professionals is immeasurable when the chapter bolsters their leadership potential. PR leaders are thoughtful observers, listeners and translators who grasp obscure languages of human need, and convey the substance to those who don’t. The significance of this talent was reinforced in a program I attended at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government which proved that conversations that took place earlier and more often between stakeholders had proportionately better outcomes. When it wasn’t a threat to consider the other’s position, stakeholders found each other’s expectations surprisingly reasonable. The lawyers in the course lamented that they didn’t initiate dialogue until swords were drawn, and so PR counselors threatened their business. They were joking at the time, but it’s true that discussions off the battlefield are more likely to be heard, managed, and result in fewer casualties. So, if we know that PR issues can be solved civilly, and that a thoughtful narrative creates better outcomes, and that good words inspire good deeds, then we have a moral duty to act on that knowledge. It takes courage to answer to the higher call of moral duty, but it needn’t be a lonely climb. The chapter’s professional standards can ground you in an unshakable integrity, and honor your commitment to advancing the greatest good. I’ve said little that you don’t already know, but maybe I’ve said it at a good time. The chapter’s milestone is a reminder to look back, to look forward, and to decide what kind of professional you want to be. It’s amazing and humbling to know how many ways we can make a difference! In my experience, it’s worth every minute of reflection to envision a future in which you want to live. Here’s to paving a higher road to travel for the next 25 years, and here’s to enjoying the view. Onward! DeeDee LeGrand-Hart |
Special guest words from two
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First and foremost, congratulations on this milestone in your PRSA journey! As past leaders in Colorado and at the National level, we are proud that Colorado has such a strong professional community and continues to bring great value to the many members served with professional development, networking and thought leadership resources. You have shown, whether large or small, PRSA has much to offer the community and profession. Congratulations on your silver – 25th – anniversary!
Jeff Julin & Jane Dvorak From Jeff Julin, APR, Fellow PRSA 1994 PRSA Colorado President 2008 PRSA National Chair “It was very clear that the group of PR professionals in Colorado Springs was growing and while the Colorado Chapter made efforts to hold meetings toward the south end of town, it still made it difficult to bring everyone together. As president of the Colorado Chapter, I was very supportive of the formation of this new PRSA Chapter to offer more opportunities locally and expand PRSA’s value beyond the Denver-metro area. The formation of this Chapter has met the needs of these local PR professionals and continues to have a relationship with the Colorado Chapter today, which only benefits everyone in our professional community.” From Jane Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA 2003 PRSA Colorado President 2017 PRSA National Chair “I was a member of the Colorado Chapter board at the time the Pikes Peak Chapter was being formed. I remember this as a very exciting and important time for Colorado to be able to support two chapters and that still holds true today. There is a real collaborative nature between the two Chapters, which has expanded the opportunity to learn more, expand networks and mentor among our many Colorado PR professionals. A perfect example of the many-tiered value PRSA brings to our professionals and industry.” |
Larry Lincoln
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25 Years - President Larry Lincoln, reflects on serving as our 17th chapter president in 2010 as we celebrate our Silver Anniversary!
Time really flies! It seems like just yesterday I took the reins as Pikes Peak PRSA Chapter President. I had the privilege of serving on the board in various capacities with some stellar professionals. People like Fred Morgan, Barry Grossman, Ken Hunter, Katie Carroll, Melissa Lyby, Paul Fanning, and Don Myles - all tremendous resources, and leaders in their own right. There are so many others who were also instrumental in my success. Each provided a wealth of knowledge, stability, camaraderie, and a desire to see the chapter flourish – all necessary ingredients for a successful chapter and its president. My fondest memories come from developing meaningful relationships with my peers at the chapter; and working with them to highlight to area employers the value public relations professionals bring to their organizations and the community at-large. When I passed the baton to Joe Swaty, I was so proud of what we accomplished together and knew without a doubt that the future of the chapter was bright. Although I live in Atlanta now, I still check in with friends there and am so pleased to see that the chapter continues to grow and prosper. Congratulations to the Pikes Peak Chapter on 25 years of providing professional development and advancing the field of public relations and communications in the greater Colorado Springs area. To chapter leaders past, present, and future, your professionalism, passion, and dedication, have and will continue to propel the chapters legacy of service. Here’s to another 25 years and beyond! |
Joe Swaty, APR
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Way back in 2011 when I was our Chapter’s President, I was already virtually commuting 1,000 miles to work, thanks to my robot-wheeled video interface. Now, as we celebrate our Chapter’s 25-year history, it’s important to remember the past and pat ourselves on the back. But we must also look boldly ahead and plan for the future of our Chapter and PR profession. To stay hyper-relevant, we must become even more tech-savvy communicators.
Our Chapter was in exciting transition back in 2011. We had a new website being developed when our lunch meetings moved from Phantom Canyon to The Warehouse. Check out all our old websites archived at https://bit.ly/2K4mNcH. Even our Facebook and Twitter posts back then were extremely minimal by today’s standards. And I still have nightmares about taking my APR accreditation exam on a plunky manual typewriter in 1983! But let’s look ahead. We’ll be celebrating our Chapter’s Golden Anniversary just 25 short years from now. By then, we’ll be lucky to have remote projects as independent PR consultants. By 2044, we’ll be learning Chinese (I’ve already got my Chinese name and client contacts); we’ll be creating immersive 3D video posts by voice inputting algorithms for Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality; we’ll be breathing pure carbon dioxide in 120+ degree weather; and our PRSA Chapter will be launching its new interplanetary Sister Chapter located in the Noachis Terra of Mars (to be named The Asimov Crater Pikes Peak PRSA Chapter… See https://go.nasa.gov/2HBnhFr). Hopefully, you’ve also started thinking about the wild future ahead for PR. But there is something far more important than the advanced communication technologies we’ll need in the future. We’ll still need to have a strong network of relationships with fellow PR professionals, special friends to ask for help no matter what the future brings. Networking will always be the greatest value of being a member of our Pikes Peak PRSA Chapter. So, I’ll see you at our next friendly luncheon meeting… and again, 25 years from now at a special celebration, our Golden Anniversary VR Holographic Meeting. I’ll be attending via a subspace portal link from our Mars-based PRSA Sister Chapter. I promise! |
Julia Martin, APR
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In digging back through old files and my own memories, I found that a couple of thoughts and themes stood out.
First and foremost: Professional Development. When I arrived in Colorado Springs in December of 1993 and started job hunting, I found wonderfully talented professionals, but no PR association for networking, mentorship or growth. Denver was too far away for us to realistically hold board positions or attend chapter meetings. When I began my career in 1986 in Little Rock, Arkansas, I was lucky – we had a growing vibrant chapter right there. I wanted that same thing for us. I thought, too, about the APR exam. How could we explain how important accreditation was when not everyone could attend meetings in Denver. There were and are certain professional development standards to be met and, again, that travel time crunch. And, my last thought, and probably a prevailing, albeit selfish one, was that I was going to be a first-time mom and didn’t really want to be so far away (Denver) from my young son. (In fact some of you may remember that he attended a few board meetings with me…..) The path was forged. In networking with local PR professionals, I found like-minded people and together we saw a need to start a new chapter, the Pikes Peak Chapter, so everyone could benefit from PRSA. These hard-working first board members (both for the chartering board and then the chapter), were determined, eager and dedicated not only to starting this new chapter, but in how it would affect the future development of public relations professionals in the Springs and neighboring towns. I remember the energy that always filled our meetings. The ideas just flowed from everyone!!!!! We realized, then just how “hungry” we were for what a Colorado Springs chapter of PRSA would bring. I can’t tell you how honored I felt (and still feel), the “new kid on the block,” to be elected the founding president. It is a professional milestone I will always remember (ranking right up there with becoming accredited). And, I must admit, I was pretty excited when I opened up that first meeting. My time in Colorado Springs was shorter than we had hoped – the vagabond lifestyle of an Air Force family -- we left the summer of 1997. But, thankfully, with Fred, with Mary, John, Barry and so many others, what we started just kept going. So hats off to everyone who played a role, big or small, in the founding of the Pikes Peak Chapter and its continuing growth! I am honored to be a part of this 25th anniversary “page,” and I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years will bring! Way to go Pikes Peak Chapter! |
Kevin Porter
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Chapeau, Pikes Peak PRSA, on 25 years of existence … and of excellence! Communication and PR professionals in the Greater Colorado Springs area have unequivocally benefited professionally and personally from your collective faculties as well as your fellowship.
I have very fond memories of my time with you, your passion, your dedication, your pride in what we do for our respective organizations and community. The board during my tenure as president in 2015 was a healthy mix of new and old blood; fresh ideas and core reflection; stretch goals and realistic initiatives. We challenged old habits and thinking; explored new frontiers and topics, and, most importantly, listened to our members. The community will undoubtedly change in the coming years, as will the makeup of the association and the board. But I have no doubt that the spirit and intent of those who founded the organization will continue on, as will the need for Pikes Peak PRSA. |
Don Miles, APR+M
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25 Years and counting…
I’ve been affiliated with the Pikes Peak Chapter of PRSA for nearly 19 years and have seen lots of changes, growth and a bright future. But first a little history… Twenty-five years ago, members of the Colorado Chapter (Denver) made the trek down I-25 to launch the Pikes Peak Chapter. Among those were a guy named Jeff and a gal named Jane. The chapter couldn’t have picked better “founders”…both went on to become members of the College of Fellows and Chair the PRSA National Board… Jeff Julin, APR, Fellow PRSA and Jane Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA. Throughout the years, both have been back to help mentor the chapter and provide inspiration for our members. So, it’s not only “hats off” to Jeff and Jane…but to each of you. Each of you made a giant step forward in your professional development when you joined PRSA. You became members of an organization that is dedicated to upholding the highest standards, encouraging and developing young professionals, and creating an environment for PR professionals to excel. I encourage each of you to become actively involved in the Chapter, go to the District or International Conference, and take advantage of all the on-line professional development PRSA offers. You’ll be amazed at what you can learn and who you can meet. What you get out of the Chapter is great, but it can also be a door to greater things. Take advantage of the opportunities it presents – leadership opportunities, accreditation, contacts. Sometimes, you are rewarded by the personal accomplishment; other times you may find that next chapter in your career. Get involved. Retired Air Force Public Affairs Officer |
John Leavitt, APR
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I served as president of the PRSA Pikes Peak Chapter and thoroughly enjoyed my experience as I associated with the public relations professionals of Colorado Springs. I was present for the organizational meeting of the chapter at the Antler's Hotel. It was interesting to be at the historical genesis of a chapter with many legendary communications giants of the day. Among my favorite memories are luncheon meetings at the Antlers Hotel, The Broadmoor, the USOC Visitors Center, the LeBaron Hotel, the Warehouse and other locations around the city. I recall sitting for my APR test at PRACO's (now Vladmir Jones) old offices on N. Tejon Street. In addition to serving as president, I helped organize programs, served as secretary and served as treasurer as well. I once represented the chapter at the national convention as a delegate. What I miss most, though, is getting to associate with so many wonderful friends.
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Mary Vanier, APR
Fred Morgan, APR,
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Congratulations to the Pikes Peak Chapter of PRSA! I fondly remember the group of individuals who formed the chapter. Fred Sindt was a true gentleman and professional who, along with Julia Martin, Barry Grossman and others, saw the need to engage, mentor and support public relations and communications professionals in our region. I distinctly remember taking the first APR exam hosted by our chapter on an electric type writer! My how things have changed for the better! I wish you all the best as you celebrate this significant milestone!
I’ve often felt that anyone in our business should belong to a professional association to take advantage of professional development, leadership and networking opportunities. So, when I graduated from the University of Washington in 1965 with a B.A. degree and an Air Force commission, I set three goals: to earn a master’s degree in public relations, join PRSA and to seek accreditation at the earliest opportunity. I joined PRSA in 1971 after returning to the U.S. from my first overseas assignment, earned my master’s degree in 1972 and was accredited in 1973.
I served 27 years in the Air Force, including 11 years overseas, and retired in 1992. The only chapter available to me during my military career was the one in Washington, D.C. In 1993, I moved to Albuquerque to take a corporate PR position and immediately joined the PRSA’s New Mexico chapter. I held a wide variety of chapter jobs, including the coaching of many APR candidates, and was the chapter’s 1997 president. I was elected to the PRSA national board of directors in 1998, serving a two-year term. The New Mexico chapter presented me its Vista Award for outstanding lifetime achievement in public relations in 2003. My wife and I returned to Colorado Springs in 1998 where I joined the Pikes Peak Chapter, led by my old friend and Air Force colleague Barry Grossman, APR. I’ve held nearly every chapter board position – several more than once – and served as the 2002 chapter president. I was honored to receive the chapter’s Pinnacle Award in 2009 and by the establishment in 2017 of a New PR Professional Member Scholarship in my name. PRSA has assumed a greater role in my life as I’ve grown older. I’ve had more time to devote to chapter support, including board positions, serving as administrator for the Colorado Springs Crisis Communication Network, coaching APR candidates and mentoring younger PR practitioners. Membership has also offered me a rewarding opportunity to get to know and work with many of our local PR professionals. The Pikes Peak Chapter has come a long way during the past 25 years, and I look forward to continuing my support in the years ahead. Retired Air Force Public Affairs Officer |
Barry Grossman, APR
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While it’s been 21 years since serving as Pikes Peak PRSA Chapter president, my memories of the chapter’s “early days” are quite vivid and fond. We had a great leadership group that was focused and determined to provide local and regional public relations professionals an option to traveling to Denver for professional development opportunities and interaction with other PR pros.
I had the honor of serving in a number of positions in the chapter and each one provided a chance to grow in my profession while working with an amazing group of public relations professionals dedicated to ensuring the chapter’s continuing growth and success. Congratulations to the Pikes Peak Chapter on 25 years of serving our industry in Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado. To chapter leaders past and present, thank you for your dedication, hard work and innumerable contributions to the success and longevity of this great organization. Barry Grossman, APR Chapter President, 1998 Retired Air Force Public Affairs |
