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

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 setting up for long-term success through educational programming, professional networking events, and membership growth. Founded in 1948, the PR Club has long served as the premier community for public relations practitioners in New England, but like many industry organizations, faced membership and participation declines following the pandemic.

Through dedicated volunteer efforts and aggressive rebuilding, the PR Club has emerged with a strong foundation and renewed leadership focused on driving growth across the region. Kaitlynn Cooney, President of the PR Club and PR Director at Walker Sands, emphasized the organization's relevance in today's 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 storytelling, 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 for key functions including content, programming, social media, and membership. The programming team includes Allison Logano from Tier One Partners, Angelica English from TEAM LEWIS, and representatives from Three Rings, Inc., Allison Worldwide, SHIFT Communications, and CK Communications Group. Content leadership features Abbey Clark from Health+Commerce, Kristina Markos from Lasell University, and professionals from Barcelos Communication and consulting backgrounds.

Social media management will be handled by Abby O'Malley from Revenue Analytics and Lilli Dalrymple from Northeastern University. The Bell Ringer Awards committee includes Lana Tkachenko from Bob's Red Mill, Jessica Ann Morris from jam:pr, and representatives from Six Eastern, Greenough Agency, Walker Sands, Kirkpatrick Group, and Allen & Gerritsen. Membership efforts are led by Caitlin Kahle from Duffy & Shanley, with website management by John Guilfoil of John Guilfoil Public Relations, supported by professionals from PAN, Matter, Modulate, and 360PR+.

Membership continues to provide strong value with benefits including free monthly passes to educational programming for professionals at all levels, discounted member-only pricing for events, and unrestricted access to exclusive Club content and resources. Corporate memberships include free Bell Ringer Awards entries, complimentary tickets to monthly programs, and sponsored blog posts spotlighting member companies. The organization offers individual memberships and three corporate membership levels designed to fit organizations of all sizes. The PR Club has also begun preparing for the 58th annual Bell Ringer Awards, scheduled for June 2026, celebrating excellence in PR and communications across events, content, campaigns, and professional achievements. To stay updated on events and awards, visit https://www.PRClub.org and follow the organization on social media platforms.