On September 13, 2020, a unique panel gathered to discuss the rise of women in PR, focusing on the life and career of Marilyn Laurie, the nation’s first woman CCO. The panel featured Dick Martin, author of Marilyn: A Woman in Charge; Professor Karen Russell, University of Georgia; Professor Pat Ford, University of Florida, and Professor Denise Hill, of Elon University. Deirdre Breckinridge, CEO of Pure Performance Communications, moderated the panel. The panel explored how students and professionals can learn from Marilyn Laurie’s example in reputation management, crisis communications, leadership, and ethics. They also addressed the progress women have made in the industry since Marilyn’s time, and what the future holds for women, in agencies, corporations, and academia.

Clockwise from top-left: Dick Martin, Author, Marilyn: A Woman In Charge; moderator Dierdre Breakenridge; panelists Dr. Karen Russell, Associate Professor, University of Georgia; Pat Ford, Professional-in-Residence, University of Florida; and Dr. De…

Clockwise from top-left: Dick Martin, Author, Marilyn: A Woman In Charge; moderator Dierdre Breakenridge; panelists Dr. Karen Russell, Associate Professor, University of Georgia; Pat Ford, Professional-in-Residence, University of Florida; and Dr. Denise Hill, Assistant Professor, Elon University.

Click here to watch the event.

Tonight’s event was sponsored by Women Worldwide with Dierdre Breakenridge, The Museum of Public Relations, Commpro, and Onstream.