Our Chapter

About PRSA NJ

​Founded in 1947, PRSA NJ is one of four chapters in the Tri-State District. Our chapter is governed by a local board of directors comprised of public relations and communications professionals who are committed to the advancement of our profession in a multitude of areas, including: corporations, agencies, trade associations, government, military, and non-profit organizations.

PRSA NJ members at 2022 Pyramid Awards
PRSA NJ members at 2022 Pyramid Awards

About PRSA


PRSA NJ’s parent organization PRSA was chartered in 1947. Today, with 21,000 members organized into more than 100 Chapters and 10 districts, it is the world’s largest and foremost organization of public relations professionals, providing professional development, setting standards of excellence and upholding principles of ethics for its members and the multi-billion dollar global public relations profession.

Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has more than 10,000 student members in 320 chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States.

​At the national and local levels, PRSA and its chapters publish news and best practices to expand understanding of the value of public relations, and serve as one of the industry’s leading voices on important societal and business topics of our time. Each member of PRSA commits to uphold the principles of the PRSA Code of Ethics, which offers values, principles and practice guidelines that define professionalism and success.

What can PRSA NJ do for you?

Whether you’re a newcomer, an emerging professional, or a seasoned PR pro, there are many benefits of having a PRSA NJ membership.

Check out our events to stay up-to-date on our schedule of programming and activities designed to help you increase your industry knowledge and develop new contacts.

Connect

Expand your circle of colleagues and contacts.

Network

Network at local meetings and programs.

Lead

Step into a leadership role.

Learn

Exchange knowledge with local experts.

Develop

Learn about business development and job opportunities in your community.

Recognize

Earn recognition through industry awards.

Advocate

Advocate for the profession.

Our Leadership

​Our chapter is governed by a board of directors that includes chapter officers and directors, as well past as Board leaders as emeritus, or ex-officio, non-voting members of the board.

Michael Lauer headshot

President; Executive Committee, 

Programming Committee Chair

Michael Lauer
Founder & CEO
MDL Strategic Communications
Howell, NJ

Stephanie Reed headshot

President-Elect; Executive Committee, 

DIB Committee

Stephanie K. Reed
Senior Director, Culture and Communications, University Finance and Administration
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ

Treasurer; Executive Committee

Joe Gargiulo
Vice President
Coyne PR
Parsippany, NJ

Deirdre Lopian headshot

Immediate Past President, Executive Committee

Deirdre Lopian
Creative Director
Deirdre Lopian Public Relations
Freehold, NJ

Carrie Cristello headshot

Director at Large; 

Media Committee

Carrie Cristello
Corporate Director, Media Relations
RWJBarnabas Health
West Orange, New Jersey

Brendan Middleton headshot

Director at Large; Newsletter Committee

Brendan Middleton, APR
Senior Vice President
MikeWorldWide (MWW)
East Rutherford, NJ

Shana Walther headshot

Director at Large; 

Newsletter Committee

Shana Walther
Vice President, Marketing & New Business
Coyne PR
Parsippany, NJ

Alyssa Bauer headshot
Director; Social Media Committee

Alyssa Bauer
Account Executive
Stern Strategy Group
Iselin, NJ

Jemia Kinsey Singleton headshot
Emeritus; Membership Committee

Jemia Kinsey Singleton
President/Senior Connector
Kinsey Communications
Kenilworth, NJ

Director; DIB Committee

Dalya Ewais
Director of Communications
New Jersey Department of Health
Trenton, NJ

Liam Oakes headshot
Director; New Pros Committee

Liam Oakes
Public Relations Specialist, Rutgers Graduate School of Education – New Brunswick, NJ

Jennifer Tornetta headshot

Emeritus

Jennifer Tornetta
Media Relations and Public Affairs Manager, AtlantiCare
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Professional Adviser-Stockton University PRSSA

Ken Hunter headshot
Emeritus

Ken Hunter, APR
President
PowerStation | Communications
Hillsborough, NJ

Director at Large; Sponsorship Committee

Dennis Wilson, Jr.
Vice President, Strategic Marketing, Northern Region and Creative Services
RWJBarnabas Health
West Orange, NJ