PHILADELPHIA — Richelle Payne was named president of the National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS), effective immediately. Payne succeeds outgoing NBPRS President Deborah Hyman, former director of global communications at Verizon.
Richelle Payne is partner and senior director of brand management at Ascendant Group, a CEO branding firm that works with Fortune 50 executives, entrepreneurs, and major media personalities and New York Times bestselling authors. Based in Philadelphia, she is an award-winning writer with more than 24 years of experience developing and driving comprehensive PR programs.
“Richelle Payne will provide the leadership to continue the growth of NBPRS by bringing a fresh perspective on our ever-changing industry, analyzing how those changes impact PR professionals, and creating programs and partnerships that address issues specific to member needs,” said Hyman who will serve on the NBPRS Board of Directors as the Immediate Past President.
“Deborah Hyman is an insightful, inspiring leader whose expertise creating win-win partnerships has helped forge and secure relationships with some of the most recognized corporate brands. Her top priority to broaden our national footprint resulted in the formation of the New Jersey chapter and the restart of the South Florida, Los Angeles and New York chapters, for a total of 10 chapters,” said Payne.
Payne’s top priority is industry awareness and advocacy. “PR professionals engage complex audiences, convert them to long-time, loyal brand ambassadors and impact the industry in significant ways. We give voice to worthy causes, we grow companies, and help them avoid or navigate crisis,” said Payne. “When played from a place of passion and purpose, PR in this new world will not only take social media, branding and marketing to the next level, but will also elevate the people and products that are changing the world. NBPRS is a network of image makers and game-changers committed to levels of excellence and innovation that help the brands they represent maintain their competitive advantage.”
, effective immediately. Payne succeeds outgoing NBPRS President Deborah Hyman, former director of global communications at Verizon.){kind=link}