PR Club of New England Announces Expanded Board and Strategic Vision for 2025-2026 Season

The PR Club of New England, the region's leading communications trade organization, has announced its new and expanded board of directors and strategic vision for the 2025-2026 term. Led by returning president Kaitlynn Cooney, the organization is committed to honoring its 77-year historic legacy while positioning itself for long-term success through educational programming, professional networking events, and membership growth initiatives.

Founded in 1948, the PR Club has served as the premier community for public relations practitioners in New England, though like many industry organizations, it experienced membership and participation declines following the pandemic. Through dedicated volunteer efforts and a focused rebuilding strategy, the organization has now established a strong foundation with renewed leadership and a clear focus on expanding its regional impact. The revitalization comes at a critical time for communications professionals facing industry transformation and technological disruption.

Kaitlynn Cooney, President of the PR Club and PR Director at Walker Sands, emphasized the organization's evolving role in a changing media landscape. For more than 75 years, the PR Club has been a cornerstone of New England's communications community, evolving alongside an industry in constant flux. As newsrooms contract and new technologies reshape how we tell and listen to stories, the Club's revitalization mirrors the need for communications professionals to come together, share expertise, and navigate change with confidence.

The expanded board introduces new members and additional support across key functional areas including content, programming, social media, and membership. The programming team includes Allison Logano from Tier One Partners and Angelica English from TEAM LEWIS, while content leadership features Abbey Clark from Health+Commerce and Kristina Markos from Lasell University. Social media efforts will be led by Abby O'Malley from Revenue Analytics and Lilli Dalrymple from Northeastern University.

The Bell Ringer Awards committee, responsible for the organization's prestigious annual recognition program, includes Lana Tkachenko from Bob's Red Mill and Jessica Ann Morris from jam:pr. Membership initiatives are spearheaded by Caitlin Kahle from Duffy & Shanley, with website management handled by John Guilfoil of John Guilfoil Public Relations. The complete board roster represents diverse expertise from agencies, in-house teams, and consulting practices across the region.

Membership benefits continue to provide significant value for communications professionals, including free monthly passes to educational programming designed for all career levels, discounted member-only pricing for events, and unrestricted access to exclusive Club content and resources. Corporate membership tiers offer additional advantages such as free Bell Ringer Awards entries, complimentary tickets to monthly programs, and sponsored blog posts highlighting member organizations. Those interested in membership opportunities can find detailed information at https://www.PRClub.org.

The organization has also begun preparations for the 58th annual Bell Ringer Awards, scheduled for June 2026. The awards program celebrates excellence in public relations and communications across events, content, campaigns, and professional achievements. This longstanding tradition reinforces the Club's commitment to recognizing outstanding work within the New England communications community while providing networking opportunities for practitioners across different experience levels and specializations.

The PR Club's expansion and strategic refocusing represent a significant development for the regional communications industry. As media landscapes continue to evolve and traditional PR practices transform, the organization's renewed commitment to professional development, networking, and industry recognition provides essential support for practitioners navigating these changes. The expanded board structure and enhanced programming offerings position the Club to better serve its members while strengthening the overall communications ecosystem in New England during a period of substantial industry transition.