Arthur W. Page Society, the leading professional organization for Chief Communications Officers, today named Julia Hood, a recognized thought leader in the Public Relations field, as well as an experienced manager and entrepreneur, as President of the organization, a newly created position that replaces the former Executive Director role. The appointment is effective on July 12.
Most recently, Ms. Hood served as Publishing Director of PRWeek and DMNews, both publications of Haymarket Media. In that role, she had responsibility for all editorial and commercial operations and also served as chief brand strategist for both titles. She recently managed PRWeek's successful transition to a monthly print and daily web update format.
From 2002-2008, Ms. Hood served as Editor-in-Chief of PRWeek, where she was responsible for all editorial content and also conceived and developed a number of brand extension initiatives, including high profile roundtable events and research projects. Prior to that, she was the San Francisco Bureau Chief and a reporter for PR Week. She also served as Executive Administrator of the National Kidney Foundation and held a number of corporate communications positions in the U.K. She is a frequent commentator on communications topics before industry groups and the media.
"Julia Hood brings the kind of leadership and strategic thinking that will help advance the mission of the Page Society in the years ahead," said Bill Margaritis, Senior Vice President, Global Communications and Investor Relations, Fed Ex Corporation and the current Chairman of the Arthur W. Page Society. "Julia intuitively understands the principles on which the Page Society is based. These principles will be increasingly important as companies and their Chief Communications Officers seek to create more authentic and transparent communications with important stakeholders."
"In many ways, the new president's role is a perfect fit for Julia. Having covered the industry for so many years, she has a deep understanding of all aspects of the communications field and has worked closely with many Page members either as a reporter or publisher. She also has the financial acumen and hands-on management experience of running a successful enterprise. We couldn't be more delighted to have her in this new role."
"I'm honored to be taking on this leadership position at such an important time in Page Society's history," Ms. Hood said. "I am strongly committed to the Page Society mission of elevating the role of strategic communications and of advancing the role of chief public relations officers in corporations. The Page Society is uniquely positioned to drive this agenda - through the example of our members and the Society's active advocacy and education programs."
In the newly created President's role, Ms. Hood will serve as a strategic partner to the Society's Chairman and to the Board of Directors and will also play a more active role as industry spokesperson. She will also be the chief staff executive of the Society, working closely with the organization's elected volunteer leaders in achieving the Page Society's mission and goals.
Ms. Hood succeeds Thomas P. Nicholson, Executive Director of the Page Society.
"I would like to express my appreciation to Tom for his valuable services to the Page Society over the past three years," said Mr. Margaritis. "Under Tom's leadership, the Page Society increased its membership and had record-breaking attendance at Page events, including the Spring Seminar and Fall Conference. We wish him much success in the next phase of his career."
The selection of Ms. Hood follows an extensive search, which involved more than 200 prospects and more than three dozen in-depth interviews by the search team. The search was conducted by Richard Marshall, a Page Society member and Managing Director of Korn Ferry, who provided their search services pro bono for the assignment, under the direction of the Society's search task force led by Valerie DiMaria. Other task force members were Cathy Babington, the late Harvey Greisman, Jim Murphy, Helen Ostrowski, Gary Sheffer and Don Wright.
The Arthur W. Page Society is a professional association for senior public relations and corporate communications executives who seek to enrich and strengthen their profession. Membership consists primarily of chief communications officers of Fortune 500 corporations, the CEOs of the world's largest public relations agencies, and leading academics from the nation's top business and communications schools. The Page Society is dedicated to strengthening the management policy role of chief public relations officers. For more information please visit http://www.awpagesociety.com/site/about/
For more information contact:
Anuneha S. Mewawalla
212.400.7959 ext. 102
amewawalla@awpagesociety.com
Jackie Burton
646-935-4033
jackie.burton@ketchum.com