This past March, for the first time in more than seven years, PRSA found itself without a CEO.
Following a seven year tenure at PRSA, our chief staff officer Bill Murray announced that he would begin an exciting new chapter in his career, leading the National Coffee Association. Bill had been a great leader and a friend to so many of us and, as we wished him well, it was time for PRSA to also begin a new chapter.
This chapter now begins as we welcome our new CEO Joseph P. Truncale, Ph.D, CAE. Joe is a seasoned business leader who brings a deep understanding of the association space and experience guiding an organization through a period of massive evolution within its category. He joins PRSA following a 30 year tenure with the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL), where he served as CEO for more than a decade. During his time at NAPL, Joe guided the organization to seize upon positive change as the digital revolution helped transform traditional printing into graphics communications. Joe will officially join our team in January, following a formal transition period from NAPL. To view the press release on Joe’s hiring announcement, please click here.
We identified Joe following an extensive search process led by our search committee, comprised of members of our executive and strategic planning committees. We began the search process by tapping Korn Ferry, one of the top executive recruitment firms in the world. The search, which spanned more than half a year, included a review of more than 180 applicants representing candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Joe was identified following several rounds of in-person finalist interviews that extended throughout the Summer and into the early Fall months.
During the first of several in-person interviews, Joe immediately captured the attention of the search committee with his magnetism and captivating story-telling ability. Most importantly, he impressed us with his shrewd business acumen, proven leadership ability and his deep understanding of the trade association space, and the opportunities and challenges our association faces during a time when social media is revolutionizing the business and media landscape.
I must also take a moment to extend my appreciation to the search committee and PRSA staff. In addition to the significant volunteer time that they already dedicate to PRSA, the search committee worked tirelessly over the past half year and maintained a positive spirit of collaboration every step of the way. During this interim period, immediate past chair Mickey G. Nall, APR Fellow PRSA joined me in serving as Co-CEOs, providing us an opportunity to develop an even deeper understanding of the amazing work that PRSA staff delivers every day. This came together in a powerful way as this week’s PRSA International Conference ranks among our most successful conferences in the history of the association (measurement metrics include attendance and revenue generated). We are so appreciative of PRSA staff for their passion, dedication and commitment, and proud of the great work that they’ve delivered.
I must also take a moment to thank Mick Nall, who has been a wonderful friend and partner throughout this process, and a great counselor during my year as National Chair.
It is due to their support and the passion and commitment of our members, that Joe joins PRSA during a strong time for our organization.
I am excited for our members to meet Joe and expect that you will be impressed by the energy and leadership that he brings as we embark on this new chapter.
Joe Cohen, APR, 2014 PRSA National Chair
