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Anne Howard becomes PRIA’s sixth CEO since 2012

Anne Howard has been appointed CEO of industry body the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA), becoming the body’s sixth boss since 2012.anne-howard

Howard fills the role which has been empty departure of Ray Shaw in March last year. There has been an interim CEO in-place since March.

Shaw was appointed as CEO in June 2014, replacing Graham Le Roux ho was in the role as an interim CEO since March 2014. Previous CEO Catriona Barry spent about a year in the role. Before Barry came Jon Bisset who ran the association until late 2012.

Shaw’s departure followed on from turmoil on the PRIA board which saw Mike Watson replace Teri-Helen Gaynor as president and the entire national board resign en masse as a result.

Jennifer Muir was voted as president at the start of the year, telling Mumbrella she was focused on building the membership of the organisation.

Howard was the director of consultancy firm Howard Partners, where she worked for 17 years, specialising in organisational communication, social business and digital technologies.

Muir said the appointment solidifies the association’s continued commitment to innovation.

“Anne delivers strong business acumen to our diverse and growing industry. Her leadership skills are emblematic of many in our profession, combining previous industry body leadership roles with decades of senior strategic communication counsel to numerous government organisations and industry bodies – she is a perfect fit to lead our national industry body.”

Howard is eager to promote the diversity of public relations in Australia during a period of industry tumult.

“I am both delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to represent the PRIA and further advance the contribution of the public relations and communication profession in Australia,” she said.

“Our industry is facing many opportunities, particularly with the impact and application of digital technology, merging media landscapes and changing expectations.

“I am committed to working with the PRIA board and our many volunteers around the country to support our valued members and ensure they are equipped to take advantage of the exciting possibilities that this changing landscape presents.”

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