Press Release

USM Chief of Staff Katie Ryan Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Public Relations Society's Maryland Chapter

Katie Ryan, chief of staff for the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland and secretary to its Board of Regents, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Relations Society of America's Maryland chapter. The award was presented during PRSA's annual awards banquet on June 20 at Port Discovery in Baltimore.

Ryan, who has served in her current role since 1995, was recognized by the PRSA chapter as "a Maryland professional who has demonstrated a distinguished lifetime career of service in the public relations profession," according to its news release. Prior to joining the USM, Ryan served as associate vice president for university relations at the University of Baltimore beginning in 1989. She also has conducted public relations programs at the former Towson State University and at Signet Bank of Maryland. From 1977-80 she was director of public relations at the former New Directions for Women, one of the first non-profit career service agencies of its kind.

USM Chancellor Donald N. Langenberg said the PRSA honor is an appropriate way to recognize Ryan as one of the USM's most valued assets.

"In our operation we have many highly talented individuals serving the greater good of public higher education in Maryland," Langenberg said. "In that respect, Katie is a first among equals - she handles a wide range of responsibilities, she has a firm grasp of the issues, and, most importantly, her knowledge of the USM and its member institutions is impeccable. She provides a great service to this office and to the Regents, for which we are all grateful."

Fran Minakowski, APR, vice president for corporate relations at Maryland Public Television and a member of the PRSA, said: "Katie was the unanimous choice of the screening committee for this award, not only because of her substantial and longtime service to the chapter but for her significant professional accomplishments over a three-decade career. She is a superb role model for young people entering the industry and a highly respected peer among the state's public relations and communications practitioners."

An accredited member of PRSA, Ryan served on the PRSA Maryland Chapter board from 1987-97, including a stint as its president in 1993-94. She also served two years on the national Universal Accreditation Board.

Ryan holds a journalism degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, and a master's degree in legal and ethical studies from the University of Baltimore.

Founded in 1948, PRSA is the nation's largest association for public relations professionals. Its 20,000 members represent business and industry, counseling firms, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. Formed in 1961, the Maryland Chapter of PRSA serves to bring together public relations professionals throughout the state for professional development, accreditation, and networking. There are more than 250 members of the local chapter.

Contact:

Chris Hart
Phone: 301/445-2739
Pager: 301/507-2316
E-mail: chart@usmd.edu