It's time again for one of the most significant services PR NEWS offers its readers on an annual basis: a chance for you to recognize your peers and for you to reflect on the strides that have been made in your profession in recent months and years.
This year's PR Professional of the Year award nominees are Dave Kallis of IBM, Margery Kraus of APCO consulting firm and Marilyn Laurie of AT&T. The choices were reached after input from our editorial staff and our 17-member advisory board.
For us, this year is an especially exciting time to usher in our slate of nominees because of the healthy changes the industry is enjoying and because of the very different ways these candidates stand out. Their jobs are a reflection of how PR is evolving and changing in these ways:
- Closing the gap between corporate communicators and their leaders;
- The more philanthropic and caring side of corporate America; and
- PR's inroads in the global arena.
The PR NEWS Professional of the Year award is a tradition that spans several decades. Last year the honor went to James Hart Jr. of the PanEnergy Corp. The award's importance also lies in the fact that it gives you, our readers, a voice. You're able to select industry leaders who have affected the PR profession over a course of years as well as those who have been instrumental in how others view the role of PR of late.
What follows are brief biographies of each nominee. If you have any additional comments about these professionals, please contact Editor Debra Murphey at [email protected]. The winner will be announced in October and awarded at the PRSA national conference in November.
Nominees For 1997 PR Professional of The Year
David B. Kalis
IBM
When David B. Kalis became VP of communications for IBM in 1993, it was a time of challenge for the company, now headed by Louis V. Gerstner Jr. (who came on board as the first outsider to ever head the company).
Today, IBM has rebounded back and its stock is trading at a pre-split price of 200. The company's financial health and ability to court the press and the public couldn't be any better illustrated by its Deep Blue campaign this year.
In that vein, Kalis has always "believed in the important role of communications in a company's success." (He's worked for Gerstner since the mid-1980s, first at American Express and then at RJR Nabisco Holdings so he exemplifies the connection between CEOs and communications experts.)
Kalis began his career on the press side following a three-year stint with the Peace Corps in Bangkok.
In keeping with his low-key style, he said he will be casting his vote for one of the other award candidates. He also said that while he's honored to be nominated, he believes any credit should go to IBM's entire PR team.
Margery Kraus
APCO
Margery Kraus is president and CEO of APCO Associates Inc., a Washington, D.C. consulting firm with offices in London, Brussels, Canada, Moscow and Asia. Kraus has been part of the firm since its inception in 1984.
Kraus directs a range of client matters in each of the company's key service areas: public affairs, government relations, strategic communications and international business. Her direction has helped position APCO as a burgeoning business that's keeping pace with the times: APCO has significant dealings in Russia - a very tumultuous PR venue because of the country's economic problems; and one of its most recent overseas alliances came this month when it unveiled its relationship with Consultec, a Chinese international trade consulting organization.
Prior to joining APCO, she assisted in the creation and development of the Close Up Foundation, a multimillion-dollar educational foundation sponsored in part by Congress. She also serves on various boards, including the Public Affairs Council.
Marilyn Laurie
AT&T
Marilyn Laurie is executive VP, brand strategy and marketing communications for AT&T. She manages the development of AT&T's brand strategy across all business units and directs AT&T's brand-related activities worldwide.
Not only is Laurie a voice for how PR continues to evolve as a primary discipline in the integrated communications mix, she's also helped propel the image of corporations as leaders in cause-related programs and public-perception issues.
Laurie joined AT&T in 1971 as a nationally recognized environmentalist. She was an originator of Earth Day in 1970 and a co-founder of the Environmental Action Coalition. Before spearheading AT&T's environmental and energy conservation program and creating an environmental program for employees, she authored a New York Times "Sunday Section" on environmental issues. Over the years, Laurie has received the Women in Communications Matrix Award, the Tribute to Women in International Industry Award, the Human Relations Award of the American Jewish Committee and the Women's Equity Action League Award.
Your Ballot Is Due By Sept. 30
The editors of PR NEWS are proud to present three candidates for the PR Professional of the Year award, our annual honor for individuals who have exhibited leadership qualities and made significant contributions to the field of public relations.
To vote for your choice, choose one candidate from the above list and fax your selection to 301/340-1451. Or email Editor Debra Murphey with your vote: [email protected]. We must receive your vote by Sept. 30!
We appreciate your participation. The winner of the 1997 PR Professional of the Year will be announced in PR NEWS in early October.