[Editor's Note: This article is part of a series that features interviews with senior PR pros who have begun a new position recently. This month's interview is with T. Garland Stansell, who became PRSA's chair Jan. 1. A 30-year communications veteran, Stansell is CCO of Children's of Alabama, the pe-diatric health system in Birmingham. He's had a series of leadership positions with PRSA, including treasurer (2018), secretary (2017) and at-large member of the board of directors (2015-16). His priorities as PRSA chair include broadening training for the group's 30,000 members so they are able to move easily between PR, marketing, advertising and social media. During the interview he also emphasized the importance of practicing PR with an ethical underpinning. In addition, he advocates that those considering a graduate degree in PR think about pursuing an MBA instead. The business degree, he believes, will better equip PR pros to go beyond 'a seat at the table' and propel them to credibility within the boardroom. As it's Black History Month, we also asked about diversity and inclusion. His edited responses follow.].
展开▼
