The Public Relations Society of America – National Capital Chapter (PRSA NCC) will induct David Fuscus and Sharon Reis into the National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame. Fuscus and Reis will be honored at the 55th National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame and Holiday Party Reception on Tuesday, December 12.
PRSA NCC started the National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame in 1999 by inducting 50 leaders with significant accomplishments in the public relations field as part of the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration. The Hall of Fame members hold more than a thousand awards, distinctions, honorary degrees, advisory positions, charity board seats, and who’s who citations among them.
“The PRSA NCC Board of Directors joins me in congratulating David Fuscus and Sharon Reis for this important distinction of lifelong achievements,” said PRSA NCC President Leah Dergachev. “Not only have they made influential contributions to the profession and demonstrated exemplary leadership but have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to service through community engagement and mentorship of the next generation of PR leaders.”
Fuscus, left in photo, states PRSA NCC has practiced public relations in the greater Washington area for nearly 40 years and is the CEO/Founder of Xenophon Strategies, Inc., an agency representing clients from the U.S., Europe and Asia. As the recent President of the Public Relations Global Network, he led a network expansion including the first ever members from Africa and mainland China. In 2022, he founded Précis AI, which builds industry-specific AI platforms that are trained and customized to the unique needs of various industries and companies. Précis Public Relations, the company’s first product, will launch in January 2024. This launch reflects Fuscus’ commitment to advancing the field of public relations through cutting-edge technology.
Fuscus currently serves on the communications board of Food & Friends and he was an eight-year board member of the Royal Aeronautical Society where he developed a program to create a traveling flight simulator for D.C. area schools. Fuscus also served three terms on the board of the PR Council where he led the establishment of the first agency Code of Ethics & Principles and established the first PR industry-wide diversity initiative, which was instrumental for the Council and its member firms. Fuscus is committed to the development of rising PR professionals and has taught at Indiana, George Mason and George Washington universities as well as mentored countless students and PR professionals.
Fuscus has won numerous awards including the Crisis Executive of the Year by a panel of leading journalists in the Best in Biz Awards, two PRSA Silver Anvil Awards, and The National Capital Excellence in Communication Awards from PRSA NCC, to name a few.
“I wrote my first press release for my parents’ restaurant in Jamestown, NY when I was 17 years old and it has been a fascinating ride since then,” said Fuscus. “PRSA has long driven the train of excellence in the public relations profession and this award is especially meaningful because it comes from the distinguished PRSA National Capital Chapter.”
Reis, right in photo, Principal of The Reis Group, has, states PRSA NCC, used her 30+ year career to tackling health care issues. She founded and led two nationally ranked health care PR agencies in Washington, D.C., and her communications campaigns have helped shape national policies and touched countless lives. Her work with clients and the federal government have spearheaded campaigns to fight COVID-19, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, raise awareness of colorectal cancer, and promote health equity. In the process, her wisdom and mentoring have helped shape the careers of the next generation of PR professionals.
Reis’ commitment to improve health and well-being is best illustrated. adds PRSA NCC, by her work serving the underserved, particularly through her pro bono contributions to nonprofits such as House of Ruth and So Others Might Eat. Her pro bono work also includes serving on the University of Massachusetts Communications Advisory Board and helping the university’s scientists reach wider audiences through intensive media training for more than a decade. She also partners with D.C.-area universities to mentor recent college graduates.
Reis has authored numerous white papers, is a sought-after speaker, and has been recognized as PRNEWS’ Top Women in PR and as a finalist for the Washington Women in PR Award. Her work has received multiple awards from the International Association of Business Communicators, PRNEWS, PR Week, the Sabre Awards, and The National Capital Excellence in Communication Awards from PRSA NCC, to name a few.
“I am honored to be inducted into the PRSA NCC Hall of Fame alongside some of the finest PR professionals in the country. In the world of health care PR, where my heart and passions lie, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible power of communication to positively impact lives,” said Reis. “This recognition signifies an important milestone in my journey, and I am grateful to continue to develop communications programs to help improve health and well-being for so many.”
Tickets to the Dec. 12 event are available through Monday, December 4.