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President's Corner November 2026
November President’s Message
As we approach the close of 2026, I find myself reflecting on all we have accomplished together at PRSA Richmond this year and feeling especially thankful for the people who made it possible. Serving as your chapter president during a milestone year has been a genuine privilege, and I am grateful to have worked alongside such a dedicated board and engaged community of communications professionals.Our year was guided by three intentional priorities: Aligned Interactions, Authentic Inclusion and Adaptive Innovation. These were more than words to anchor a fun theme for the year. They served as a lens through which we approached our work, made decisions and considered how to create greater value for our members. Here's a snapshot of what we cultivated together in 2026:
Adaptive Innovation: Stewarding Our Future
A key priority for me this year was strengthening our financial foundation while continuing to deliver meaningful experiences for our members. Through thoughtful financial stewardship, cost-conscious decisions and a willingness to explore new approaches, we focused on using our resources strategically and positioning the chapter for continued success. Our chapter’s year-to-date revenue is already 1.3% above our estimated revenue for the entire year, with four months remaining. This progress reflects the importance of balancing innovation with intention and making thoughtful decisions that serve our members and sustain our chapter for years to come.
Aligned Interactions: Strengthening Our Community
Membership growth means even more when it is accompanied by meaningful connection. This year, we focused on strengthening the relationships that make PRSA Richmond a professional home by welcoming new members, reconnecting with former members and creating more opportunities for engagement. Our chapter has continued to maintain a strong membership with 271 members, including 43 new members and 24 reinstated members, along with 176 new followers across three social media platforms. Each number represents an opportunity to build community, exchange ideas and strengthen our profession across the region.
Authentic Inclusion: Expanding Opportunities to Connect and Learn
We also challenged ourselves to think intentionally about how we bring members together and the professional development experiences we offer. My goal was to create varied opportunities for learning, connection and participation across our professional community while ensuring there were a variety of opportunities for members to be included.This year the chapter hosted 6 monthly luncheons, 3 workshops, 12 special section events and 1 member appreciation event. We continued investing in the next generation of communicators through our relationships with our PRSSA chapters by hosting a webinar with PR students and coordinating a Fall Summit happening this month where student chapter leaders will convene to explore the importance of the connection between PRSSA and PRSA chapters. We also welcomed 1 new APR professional to our chapter.
This year also gave us special reasons to celebrate our chapter's legacy and the excellence of our profession. PRSA Richmond marked 80 years of connecting and advancing communications professionals, a milestone that honors the generations who built the foundation we continue to strengthen today. At the 79th Annual Virginia Public Relations Awards, 30 award recipients were recognized for outstanding work across our profession. Among them, Sarah Prevost was named PRSA Richmond's Rising Star, Abby Kittrell received the Shining Star recognition, and Judith Crenshaw, APR, received the 2026 Excellence in Public Relations award. These achievements remind us of the talent, creativity and impact within our professional community.
Behind every one of these numbers and milestones is a board member and/or committee member who volunteered time by contributing their talent and creativity with care. I am especially thankful for the work happening beyond the visible events and celebrations: the planning, problem-solving, relationship-building and countless details that keep a volunteer-led organization moving forward. These accomplishments belong to all of us.
In just a few weeks, we will gather for our final monthly luncheon of the year known as our Presidents' Luncheon. As I prepare to pass the torch, I am especially thankful for the presidents who have led this chapter before me. Throughout the year, many have generously shared their words of wisdom, encouragement, and kind words, reminding me that leadership is both a responsibility and a privilege shaped by those who have walked the path before us. To now be counted among this distinguished group is an honor I will always cherish.
Reflecting on all that has taken place this year reminds me that leadership is not about what one person accomplishes. It is about what a community can achieve when people bring their strengths together around a shared purpose. Our A.I. theme reinforces meaningful progress requires aligned relationships, inclusive opportunities and the adaptability to meet changing needs. I hope we carry forward not only the lessons and accomplishments of this year, but also sincere gratitude for the people who make this chapter so special. Thank you to our members for your engagement, our partners for your collaboration and our board for your unwavering commitment. Most of all, thank you for allowing me to serve as your 2026 president. It has been an honor to help guide this chapter through a milestone year and to witness what we can accomplish with intention, connection and a shared belief in the value of our profession.
With deep appreciation + thankfulness,
Kenita B. Matthews, APR
