Public Relations Society of America

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), based in New York City, is the world's largest organization for public relations professionals. The organization has more than 32,000 professional and student members, and is organized into 109 chapters nationwide. There are 20 professional interest sections, along with affinity groups, represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. The current CEO is C. Del Galloway.

Chartered in 1947, PRSA’s primary objectives are to advance the standards of the public relations profession and to provide members with professional development opportunities through continuing education programs, information exchange forums and research projects conducted on the national and local levels.

PRSA publishes two periodicals for its membership: Public Relations Tactics (a monthly tabloid and The Public Relations Strategist (a quarterly magazine).

PRSA also works in tandem with a student/collegiate organization. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has more than 9,000 student members in 284 chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States.

PRSA members are also eligible for several annual awards. The highest individual honor is the Gold Anvil Award, which is given to a public relations practitioner and PRSA member who has made significant contributions to the industry. Other awards include the Outstanding Educator Award, Patrick Jackson Award for Distinguished Service to PRSA, Paul M. Lund Public Service Award and the Ferguson Award.