World’s Largest Partnership of Independent Public Relations Firms Elects New Board

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WORLDCOM Public Relations Group (Worldcom) today announced Todd Lynch, vice president and director of public relations, St. John & Partners, Jacksonville, Fla., was elected chair of the Americas Region Board. Worldcom Public Relations Group is the world's leading partnership of global public relations firms, with more offices in more cities and countries than any multinational firm.

“As business needs evolve globally in our hyper-connected and hyper-digitized world, Worldcom and partner firms are ensuring talent and focus are streamlined to deliver valuable business outcomes”

Lynch will be supported by a 12-member board of leaders from North and South American independent communications firms, and also will serve as a vice-chair of Worldcom’s Group Board. Sharon Linhart, Managing Partner, Linhart Public Relations, Denver, takes the position of chair-elect and will continue as Meetings Chair until taking office next fall. Dorothy Pirovano, CEO, Public Communications Inc., Chicago, moves to past chair after serving a one-year term. The new leadership was elected during the Worldcom Americas Region Meeting in Vancouver, B.C. this week, where partners from the U.S. and other geographies gathered for best practices for business growth and leading the convergence of PR, social media, marketing, advertising and digital initiatives.

"As business needs evolve globally in our hyper-connected and hyper-digitized world, Worldcom and partner firms are ensuring talent and focus are streamlined to deliver valuable business outcomes,” said Lynch. “The Worldcom partnership allows our partner firms to share best practices, drive professional development, collaborate on successful client representation and continue to represent the very best PR disciplines across the globe.”

Lynch, who has served on the Americas Region board for five years, moves into the chair position at a time of transition for Worldcom. The international organization is vetting candidates for managing director, the individual who will succeed Daisy Guthin, Chief Operating Officer, when she retires in the spring. Lynch will work with a task force from the Americas, Asia/Pacific and Europe/Middle East/Africa boards to select the managing director. Joining Lynch on the new Americas Region board are:

Diego Arvizu, Arvizu Communcacion Corporativa, Mexico City, Mexico – At-large Chair for Latin American Partner Relations and Peer Review
Tom Donoghue, Donoghue & Associates, Calvary, Alberta, Canada – At-large Chair for Canadian Partner Relations, Peer Review and Recruitment
Monty Hagler, RLF Communications, Greensboro, N.C. – Partner Relations and Peer Review Chair
Sandy Hermanoff, Hermanoff Public Relations, Detroit – Professional Development Chair
Miguel Angel Martinez, Infomedia Consulting, Buenos Aires, Argentina – Chair for Latin American Partner Recruitment
Mike McDougall, McDougall Travers Collins, Rochester, N.Y. – Sponsorships and Vendor Relations Chair
Tim Oliver, Morgan & Myers, Milwaukee – Practice Group Chair
Lauren Peters, PetersGroup Public Relations, Austin, Tex. – Marketing Chair
Lisa Simon, Simon Public Relations Group, Philadelphia – Partner Recruitment Chair
Lore McManus Solo, Strategic America, Des Moines, Iowa – Secretary-Treasurer

About Worldcom Public Relations Group

Worldcom Public Relations Group is the world’s leading partnership of independently owned public relations firms, with 108 offices in 96 markets, across six continents. Established in 1988, it was formed so the strongest, most capable independent firms could deliver immediate impact and sustained value through the intelligent use of communications – wherever in the world a client needs support. Partners serve national, international and multi-national clients, while retaining the flexibility and client-service focus inherent in independent agencies. Through Worldcom Group, clients have on-demand access to in-depth communications expertise from professionals who understand the language, culture and customs of the geographic areas in which they operate. Worldcom is led by a Group Board and three Regional Boards in the Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (AP). Worldcom partner firms occupy leadership positions in the world’s major public relations professional organizations and business communities. Worldcom firms, with a total of 2,000 employees, have combined revenues of $227.5 million. worldcomgroup.com