Progressions

PRSA Voices: Insights from Ray Day, APR

Name: Ray Day, APR

Position: Vice Chair at Stafwell and Executive Chair at Allison Worldwide

PRSA Role: 2025 Chair of PRSA

What inspired you to get involved with PRSA, and how has your journey with the organization evolved over time?

Soon after I joined IBM in 2017, Brandi Boatner visited me. She introduced herself, told me what she did for IBM Communications, and recognized that I had either led or been active in several Comms/PR professional organizations, including The Seminar, Page Society, and IPR. With a determined smile, she also reminded me that I never had been involved in PRSA, and she made clear she was not leaving my desk until I agreed to do so. It was the first time in 30 years that someone had invited me to join PRSA, and I have been hooked ever since. 

What does your role as Chair of PRSA involve, and what are your main goals for your team?

As Chair, I have the honor of leading our 19-member Board of Directors. Last year, as Chair-elect, I also led our Strategic Planning Committee and updates to our vision and near- and long-term objectives. My focus is simple, and I like to describe it as the 3-M’s. First, it’s all about becoming closer with our members, listening to them, and finding new ways to increase PRSA’s value. Second, it’s about growing our membership, including improving our conversion of PRSSA to PRSA members and making our Society more welcoming to a broader group of communications professionals than we do today. Finally, it’s about having a mindset of “move” –operating at the speed of news and not allowing tradition, lengthy policies, and procedures, or “what we’ve always done” to stand in the way of progress. 

From your perspective, what are the top benefits PRSA offers to young professionals transitioning from PRSSA?

PRSA offers four core benefits to anyone who becomes involved: 

1. Networking 

2. Professional development 

3. Certification 

4. Advocacy – for us and the entire profession 

All four are invaluable for someone starting out in this profession – especially those seeking a first or better job. Don’t wait to join PRSA after landing that first comms/PR job; use PRSA to help you find that role in the first place. 

PRSA is known for its strong network. How has networking through PRSA impacted your professional journey?

The colleagues and friends I have made within PRSA are some of the strongest in my 35-year professional career. Never before have I seen an organization with members so passionate about each other, about our Society, and about the profession. I rely on my PRSA network every day of the week – from strategic advice and gut checks to just having a laugh together and putting life back into perspective. 

How can PRSSA alumni best leverage PRSA resources to grow as public relations professionals?

First of all, be sure you join PRSA as soon as possible – if you have not done so already. If cost is an issue, PRSA has sponsors out there willing to take care of the first year or two of dues – so don’t let that be an obstacle. Then, become involved – as involved as you were at as a student. PRSA is the gift that keeps on giving, and you will not regret the investment of your time. 

Looking back at your career, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

My university’s PRSSA Chapter was fairly new when I was studying there, and I wish I had joined and become involved as a student. If I had, it would not have taken me nearly 30 years to join this terrific organization and benefit from all it has to offer. 

Lastly, how can PRSSA members connect with you or follow your work?

Reach out directly anytime via email (Ray.Day@stagwellglobal.com) or text (+1 313 903 0263). I love helping pass the baton to the next generation and opening doors for young people, just as doors were opened for me early in my career.