National Committee Spotlight: Brand Engagement
This article is part of our National Committee Spotlight series. This series features our current National Committee reflecting on their experience and offering insights into their respective roles as we approach our National Elections and Leadership Assembly. To learn more about running for National Committee, click here.
Zach Ferenchak – Vice President of Brand Engagement
What is your role? Give us a brief description of what you do in your role.
As the vice president of brand engagement, I oversee our national blog, Progressions, our PRSSA Podcasts series, and PRSSA National’s media relations efforts. I also assist with other duties as needed, such as District Ambassador duties or taking minutes at meetings. Overall, I help tell the PRSSA story through our various brand platforms.
What does a typical day look like for you as a PRSSA National Committee member?
It sounds cliché, but each day really is different! Within the past few weeks, I’ve written and edited articles, developed storyboards, attended brainstorming calls, answered a LOT of emails, and recorded/edited a podcast, among other things.
What has been your favorite project/initiative to work on so far?
I am really proud of the work I’ve done on our podcasts brand. It’s been a huge learning curve, but I’m happy to have fully produced a few podcast episodes now as well as realigned the podcast brand in general.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your role so far?
Project management. I have admittedly put a lot on my plate, so figuring out how to best prioritize my time has been an uphill battle. It’s a constant learning process!
What advice would you share with your future successor?
Going off my last answer, I would tell my successor to spend some time strategizing what their goals are and what projects they want to work on. Every new task you start takes away time from all of the other tasks that still need to be performed. Really prioritize the most important things first and be realistic about your own expectations.
Anything else you would like to share?
It has been a huge honor to serve on this National Committee. PRSSA has played a huge role in my college journey and I’m happy to give back and inspire those who come after me. Special shout out to PRSSA Headquarters for supporting me and to this amazing team I serve alongside! They constantly inspire me to do better and their energy is infectious.
Lightning Round
Favorite hobby? Video games!
Favorite app? TikTok
Favorite TV show/movie/video game? WandaVision currently (Huge Marvel nerd here!)
Favorite music artist? Tie between Ariana Grande and Big Sean
Favorite Quote/Piece of Advice:
“Not everyone is going to like what you say/what you do, but that’s part of being a leader”.
This came from an interview I did this past year with Capital University’s Interim President Dave Kaufman and it really stuck with me. Stand up for what you believe in and aim to be your most authentic self!
Zach Ferenchak, 2020–2021 vice president of brand engagement, is a senior at Capital University, a private university in Columbus, Ohio. He is majoring in emerging media with an emphasis in public relations and minors in journalism and marketing. In his free time, Ferenchak can be found obsessing over the latest gadget or video game, exploring a coffee shop with friends, or going on a trail run. He hopes to elevate the voices of all PRSSA members through the organization’s various brand platforms. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter.
