Museum of Public Relations Names Five New Trustees to Advance Industry Mission
The Museum of Public Relations has announced the election of five respected industry figures to its Board of Trustees, a move aligned with the organization’s dedication to honoring the history of the profession while empowering the next generation of communicators.
Among those joining the board are Larry Weber, Founder and Chairman of Racepoint Global, and Grace Leong, CEO and Partner at HUNTER. Both leaders are at the helm of agencies recognized on the CommPRO Top 10 U.S. Public Relations and Communications Companies list which highlights firms with the highest levels of industry engagement on the platform. Their appointments signify more than personal achievement; they reinforce a broader commitment to mentorship, ethical practice, and institutional memory in public relations.
Joining Weber and Leong on the board is Dr. Rochelle L. Ford, APR, CEO of The Page Society. Ford is an academic leader with a strong track record in communications education and administration, having previously served as president of Dillard University and as dean at Elon University’s School of Communications. She is also a member of the PRWeek Hall of Fame and was named one of ColorComm’s 28 Most Influential Black Females in Communications.
Jon Harris, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Networking Officer at Conagra Brands, brings deep corporate experience to the board, along with a philanthropic perspective shaped by his work with organizations such as the Grammy Museum and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Harris previously held senior communications roles at Hillshire Brands, Sara Lee, and PepsiCo and has taught at the University of Chicago.
Kim Sample, President of the PR Council, joins with extensive experience in agency management and industry advocacy. Prior to leading the Council, Sample founded and served as CEO of Emanate, a global marketing communications agency that received accolades such as PRWeek’s Agency of the Year and Crain’s Best Places to Work in NYC.
Dick Martin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the significance of the appointments, stating, “The addition of these leaders is not just an honor—it’s a strategic investment in the future of our field. They’ve each left an indelible mark on the profession, and they’re now helping the Museum ensure that future generations have access to the knowledge, stories, and principles that define public relations.”
The Museum of Public Relations, founded in 1997, is the only institution of its kind in the world. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it preserves a growing archive of artifacts, oral histories, recorded interviews, photographs, and multimedia exhibits that document the evolution and societal influence of public relations. It also regularly hosts programs, lectures, and public events that emphasize diversity, ethics, and leadership in the communications profession.
