Michael Lauer, Founder & CEO of MDL Strategic Communications, elected as Chapter President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Carrie Cristello, PRSA NJ
Carrie.Cristello@rwjbh.org
908.347.3157
COLLINGSWOOD, N.J.— Feb. 28, 2023 — Yesterday at the annual members kickoff event,
the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Jersey Chapter ratified the 2023 Board of
Directors.
Michael Lauer, a New Jersey native with two decades of diverse communications experience,
has been named 2023 chapter president. In 2020 founded his own consultancy, MDL Strategic
Communications following several years at Johnson & Johnson. Lauer, who resides in Howell,
NJ, is committed to bringing fresh programming to members across the state.
“In partnership with my board colleagues, we are focused on bringing new events, relevant
topics of interest, and fun networking opportunities that can be attended by all,” said Lauer. “I
am also committed to strengthening our relationship with PRSSA college chapters to ensure
future PR pros have what they need to successfully enter the job market.”
Stephanie K. Reed, Senior Director, Culture and Communications, University Finance and
Administration, Rutgers University, has been appointed 2023 president-elect for the chapter.
She assumes her new role on the board with more than 20 years of public relations and
communications experience in the pharmaceutical, retail, and higher education sectors. Reed and Lauer will work in close partnership to execute a new strategic plan that is member-centric, engaging public relations and communications professionals across the entire state.
“Being resolute about improving our organizational infrastructure and strengthening
relationships with our chapter’s members and partners remain top priorities for me in 2023,” said Reed. “Working in collaboration with the board, we will be purpose-driven, innovative, and inclusive in the coming year.”
The PRSA New Jersey board also recognizes immediate past-president, Deirdre Lopian, Owner
& CEO, DLPR, for her leadership during a pivotal transition year for the entire profession. She
will remain part of the board in an emeritus role helping to liaise with the PRSA national board
of directors.
Additional 2023 PRSA New Jersey board members are:
Alyssa Bauer, Stern Strategy Group
Carrie Cristello, RWJ Barnabas Health
Dalya Ewais, NJ Department of Health
Joe Gargiulo, Coyne PR
Brendan Middleton, MikeWorldWide
Liam Oakes, New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education
Ryan Smith, Riverbed Media Partners
Shana Walther, Coyne PR
The chapter recently relaunched its website, delivering a visually stunning and easy-to-navigate platform. Featured highlights include news and events, member spotlights, as well as
professional development and engagement opportunities. Members, sponsors, and volunteers
will find the site offers a refreshing, new experience that is consistent with the shift in strategic
direction of the chapter.
About PRSA NJ
PRSA NJ is the New Jersey chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, the nation’s
largest professional organization serving the communications community. Our nearly 300
members represent corporate, agency, and independent professionals across a wide range of
industry sectors. PRSA NJ is led by a board of directors comprised of industry leaders from
throughout the state, dedicated to executing on the national association’s vision of “making
communications professional smarter, better prepared and more connected through all stages of their career.” This includes providing regular content and events that deliver education,
professional development, and networking opportunities to our membership, as well as to the
nine student chapters of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at colleges
across New Jersey. For more information, visit www.prsanj.org.
###
