Greetings PRSA New Jersey! Here is our next PRSA NJ Member Spotlight to get to know our fellow chapter members. Each month, we randomly select a member to highlight. This month, we are featuring Michael Lauer – incoming chapter president for 2023.
Michael Lauer
Founder and CEO,
MDL Strategic Communications
PRSA NJ member since January 2008
Incoming PRSA NJ Board President
How did you get into the field of PR?
My first job after college was as a federal police officer with the United States Capitol Police. Because I had a degree in Communications I was able to work in the Public Information Office coordinating media interviews for the department. This led me to pursue a full-time role in PR back in New Jersey.
What do you love most about PR?
I enjoy developing new strategies and unique content to assist organizations that want to make a positive impact with key stakeholders. For the last decade, my experience has been mostly with internal communications and engagement. Bringing the ‘voice of the employee’ forward has allowed me to be a good counselor to my clients. Often, there is a disconnect between what leaders and the HR department want to do or say, and what employees are expecting.
Why did you decide to run for president?
It has been an honor to be a Board member since 2019. I’ve learned a lot from past chapter presidents, so I thought I really had all to gain and nothing to lose! Being chapter president allows me to give back to a profession that has given me so much, both personally and professionally.
What are you most excited about for PRSA NJ in 2023?
New programming! I enjoy planning engagements where our members can all come together. This year we are going to shake things up a bit from our usual programming schedule. This includes new discussion topics, exciting venues, and most importantly, opportunities for PR pros in central and southern NJ to become more involved.
What is the value of being a member of PRSA NJ?
Without a doubt the opportunity to meet new professionals and learn what topics are of most interest. I felt this was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whenever I wasn’t sure about how to best approach a situation, I was able to quickly and easily get a pulse on what others were doing around the state.
