Fireside Chat with the PRSA CEO

CEO
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)Matthew Marcial is a dynamic executive with a track record of driving growth and innovation for trade and professional membership associations. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the leading professional organization serving the communications community.He previously served as CEO of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services. Matt also held executive roles with The Institute of Internal Auditors a 245,000+ member global association, as well as Meeting Professionals International, NAFA Fleet Management Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.He holds a Master of Business Administration from Florida International University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University. He holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designations.Association Forum and USAE honored Matt with their Forty Under 40 award. He is an active member and volunteer of the American Society of Association Executives and has spoken at several industry conferences across North America and globally.

Gary D. McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA
Principal/Owner
GMc CommunicationsFor more than four decades, Gary McCormick has provided strategic communications for the government’s largest public affairs programs and corporate and non-profit clients. From supporting issues management around low-income housing for Home Matters to community relations programs for the storage of nuclear waste and the disposal of chemical weapons, Gary has provided the research and implementation of communications to build community support and involvement.His specialized training and experience in risk communication, coupled with the strategy he brings to communication programs, have produced award-winning campaigns. In addition, his consumer experience with Scripps Networks, parent company of cable networks HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel, and Great American Country, provides a wide range of experience in promotion, as well as
issues management.Gary has served as the Chair/CEO of PRSA in 2010, the President of the PRSA Foundation in 2005 and 2006, and the co-chair of the Champions for PRSSA since 2003. Gary was recognized by PRSA with its Gold Anvil Award in 2023, the Patrick Jackson Distinguished Service Award in 2015, and the David Ferguson Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Relations Education in 2006. His alma mater inducted him into the inaugural class of Colorado State University’s Media Hall of Fame in 2011.