Public Relations Student Society of America to host annual speaker series

March 8, 2017
Public Relations Student Society of America

By: Kelly Cucciniello ’17, Public Relations

PRSSA’s annual speaker series is coming back to URI March 21-23 and will feature three leaders in different aspects of the PR industry: David Preston, Gail Alofsin, and Betty Galligan.

  • David Preston is founder and owner of New Harbor Group. He specializes in crisis communications and community relations. Some past experiences include managing an election campaign for the Governor of RI, serving as Communications Director to the governor, and teaching Crisis Communications as an adjunct professor at Brown University.
  • Gail Alofsin is an adjunct professor at URI, author, keynote speaker, and Humanitarian and Sales & Marketing Executive. Some past clients Alofsin has worked with include Southwest Airlines, Global Marriott, Hasbro, U.S. Army, U.S. Airforce, Cox Communications, and Seaworld. Gail has been an adjunct professor since 1999 teaching Journalism, Public Relations, and Communications. She is also an adjunct professor at Salve Regina University focused on Marketing and Business. She has been a guest lecturer at Brown University, Swarthmore College, Tufts University, Northeastern University, Johnson & Wales and Simmons College.
  • Elisabeth “Betty” Galligan, APR, is founder and president of Newberry Public Relations & Marketing, Inc. She is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America and a member of its prestigious Counselors Academy. Betty was previously vice president of a Providence-based PR and marketing agency and worked for several small and medium-sized advertising agencies in Rhode Island and Massachusetts where she developed strong skills in all facets of public relations, copywriting, print production, account management, and business strategy. In 2011, she was recognized by Providence Business News and is an Achievement Honoree for the Women in Business Awards, and the subject of a feature story in the publication.

David Preston, Gail Alofsin, Betty Galligan

The Public Relations Student Society of America is a nationally-recognized, student-run, pre-professional organization that aids students in the Harrington School grow through learning and networking opportunities. PRSSA is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications. The speaker series is just one annual event that expands the opportunities for current Harrington School students.