President’s Column

Is it just me, or does it feel like we’re all operating in a constant crisis mindset lately?

Trust in public institutions is down. Confidence in elected leaders is shaky. Funding cuts are creating uncertainty across sectors. Those of us in PR are navigating shaky ground as we provide unflinching counsel, sometimes in uncharted territory.

So it should come as no surprise that nearly half of the speaker proposals we received for the Northwest Communicators Conference – set for April 16-17, 2026 at the University of Oregon’s Concordia campus in Northeast Portland – focused on crisis communication. That informed our decision to create three speaker tracks: strategy, tactics and crisis.

In the spirit of previewing our conference crisis track, we’re excited to share that one of our four keynote speakers, Katie Garcia, will be our featured webinar guest on March 11, presenting “Maintaining Trust During a Crisis.” The webinar is free to both members and nonmembers. Last summer, I attended the PRSA Master Class in Crisis Communication in New York City, taught by Katie and her colleague Helio Fred Garcia. I seized that moment to invite Katie to share her expertise with our chapter.

Back to the conference: we’ll begin with an opening keynote address by Matthew Marcial, CAE, APR, chief executive officer of PRSA. First launched in 1996 (our 30-year anniversary!), NW CommCon will offer two full days of strategic insight you can apply immediately, leadership conversations that can shape your career and deep dives into award-winning campaigns. Up to April 2, members of any PRSA chapter can register for $250. After that, the chapter rate increases to $325. Nonmember rates are $375 up to April 2 and $450 after that.

As of the time stamp on this newsletter, PRSA Oregon has also launched a membership drive. Anyone who joins before April 2 will be entered into a drawing to win one of three prizes: a free NW CommCon registration, a ticket to the Thursday NW CommCon Social at The Sports Bra, or a ticket to the Friday NW CommCon Social at Kennedy School in the Mina Parsons Room (each social is a $30 value).

So yes, we’re busy! If that isn’t enough, we’re also making plans to socialize with our colleagues throughout the state in our Spring 2026 Road Show, set for March 30, 31 and April 1.

Finally, it wouldn’t seem right to close this column without recognizing Women’s History Month. The history of women in PR is so rich that a brief mention hardly does it justice. Once male dominated, today the PR workforce in the United States is roughly two-thirds women. To the women who came before us and helped shape this field into a rewarding profession, thank you. To those leading the profession today, and to those who will lead it in the future, keep going and claim your seat at the leadership table. To the women who will be presenting at NW CommCon, thank you for sharing your creativity and insights with your PRSA community.

More details and registration links follow… See you soon!

PRSA Oregon Northwest Communicators Conference 

April 16-17, 2026

The full Northwest Communicators Conference agenda has officially been posted and it deserves an appropriate poster for the rockstar public relations and communication professionals speaking this April 16 and 17!

For two full days, NW CommCon will bring together headliners from the Pacific Northwest and across the country, industry disruptors and strategic masterminds for a professional development experience designed to elevate both your impact and your career.

We’re also honored to welcome Matthew Marcial, CAE, APR, chief executive officer of the Public Relations Society of America, as our opening keynote speaker. His perspective on the evolving role of strategic communication and the importance of trusted counsel at the leadership table will help set the stage for two days of learning and conversation.

This is not a passive sit-and-listen conference. 

This is where strategic communication starts at the top. 

This is:

• Strategic insight you can implement immediately.

• Career pivots and leadership development in real time.

• Crisis readiness and AI strategy.

• Award-winning campaign deep dives, including a Silver Anvil Best in Show.

• A community of communicators from the Pacific Northwest and across the country committed to raising the standard.

If you want to stay competitive, relevant and influential in today’s communications landscape, this is the room you want to be in. 

Join us at NW CommCon and be part of the profession’s next evolution.

Find the full agenda and register here. Seats are limited. 

Registration is now also available for optional social events both evenings of the conference. While you’re really not going to want to miss these gatherings, space is limited.

Thursday, April 16, 6:00–8:00 PM

CommCon Thursday Night Communicators Social

The Sports Bra

2512 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232 

Capacity: 50

Friday, April 17, 6:00–8:00 PM 

CommCon Friday Night Communicators Social

McMenamins Kennedy School, Mina Parsons Room

5736 NE 33rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97211

Special thanks to the PRSA Puget Sound Chapter, co-host of this social gathering. 

Capacity: 40

Optional social events have an additional fee of $30 each; not included in conference registration.

Katie Garcia, Logos Institute for Crisis Management and Executive Leadership and PRSA Crisis Communication Master Class Instructor

Katie Garcia, Logos Institute for Crisis Management and Executive Leadership and PRSA Crisis Communication Master Class Instructor

Join PRSA Oregon for our March 11 webinar in which PRSA Crisis Communication Master Class instructor, Katie Garcia, explores how leaders maintain trust during a crisis. The webinar is free to both members and nonmembers. Seize this opportunity to preview one of our Northwest Communicators Conference keynote speakers! 

A senior advisor and chief of staff at NYC-based Logos Consulting Group and a senior fellow at the Logos Institute for Crisis Management and Executive Leadership, Katie will examine the core drivers of trust and how they surface during moments of disruption. She will also share practical steps and decision criteria communicators can use before, during and after a crisis.

Katie is a contract lecturer at Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and has taught crisis communication, strategic communication and effective feedback at New York University’s School of Professional Studies, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and College of Mount Saint Vincent. In 2024, she was named one of PRSA New York’s 15 Under 35.

Fun was the main item on the menu at last month’s PRSA Oregon Communicators Social

PRSA Oregon Membership Drive Is Here!

March is all about momentum — and as a valued member of PRSA Oregon, you’re a big part of that energy.

We’re excited to share that our Membership Drive is officially underway! This is a great opportunity to help grow the strong, vibrant community you’re already part of — and we’re celebrating with some fun giveaways for new members who join in March. When you refer a colleague or encourage someone in your network to join this month, they’ll be entered to win:

• Free admission to the April 16 CommCon Thursday Night Communicators Social at The Sports Bra ($30 value)
•  Free admission to the April 17 CommCon Friday Night Communicators Social at McMenamins Kennedy School ($30 value)
• Free admission to the Northwest Communicators Conference ($250 Early Bird rate for members; $375 for non-members)

Winners will be announced April 3, 2026.

Your voice, presence, and leadership help shape this chapter. If you know a communicator who would benefit from connection, professional development and community, invite them to join us here.

Thank you for being part of PRSA Oregon — we can’t wait to see you at an upcoming event!

Anna preps a turkey for Thanksgiving in 2025

Volunteer Spotlight: Anna Marum

We are delighted to shine a light on Anna Marum, an active member of the steering committee for the Northwest Communicators Conference, set for April 16-17, 2026 at the University of Oregon Concordia campus in Northeast Portland. Anna is a Strategic Communications Program Manager at JLA Public Involvement where she helps government agencies engage with and inform community members on projects that affect their lives. A former Oregonian reporter, Anna is JLA's go-to writer and editor. She is also helping shape JLA's AI policy. Anna is excited to be part of planning this year's CommCon. "It's such a fun way to connect with peers," she says. "And I love that we're partnering with the PRSA Puget Sound Chapter—the program is shaping up to be really special."

Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.

Yost taking his son, Oliver, as a +1 to cover a concert

Board Member Spotlight: Jonathan Yost

For more than two decades, Jonathan Yost has worked at the intersection of storytelling, strategy and community. He serves as senior marketing and communications specialist at the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), where he translates complex retirement and financial information into clear, actionable language. He has also taught public relations courses at California State University San Bernardino and George Washington University, and has run Racket Magazine since founding the independent music and pop culture publication in 2005.

Within the PRSA Oregon chapter, Yost serves as one of two directors of professional development and as chair of this year’s NW CommCon. His volunteer leadership is grounded in a simple belief: when communicators grow, organizations — and the communities they serve — grow with them.

Connect with Yost on LinkedIn. 

PRSA Oregon Spring 2026 Road Show! 

Join us for Communicators Socials in Bend, Eugene and Salem – March 30-April 1

PRSA Oregon is hitting the road this spring! Join us for casual networking gatherings in Bend, Eugene and Salem for an opportunity to reconnect, meet new colleagues and learn more about what’s happening with PRSA Oregon. There is no cost to attend but we strongly encourage registration so we order enough appetizers! 

Locations & Dates: 

Bend – Monday, March 30, 4-7 p.m.

Deschutes Bend Public House

1044 NW Bond St.

Bend, OR 97703

Register here. 

We have reserved table space. On-street parking and nearby public lots are available.

Eugene – Tuesday, March 31, 4-7 p.m.

Coldfire Public House

260 Ferry Street

Eugene, OR 97401

Register here.  

We have reserved a section of this popular new spot! Free parking is available behind the building, with additional free on-street parking nearby. 

Salem – Wednesday, April 1, 4-7 p.m. 

Bentley’s
291 Liberty St SE

Salem, OR 97301

Register here. 

Find us in the Cherry Room! Enter the free underground parking garage from Liberty Street. 

Thank you to our sponsors!

PRSA Oregon extends our sincere thanks to our sponsors for their generous support. These important partnerships make it possible for our chapter to provide high-quality programming, professional development and community for communicators throughout the region. 

The Oregonian/OregonLive

University of Oregon | School of Journalism and Communication

Web Wizards

Amico

PRSA Puget Sound Chapter 

Racket Magazine