Worldcom Group Leadership Poised to Accelerate Growth in 2013

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Sept. 26, 2012 – WORLDCOM Public Relations Group (Worldcom) today announced Todd Lynch, vice president and director of public relations, St. John & Partners, Jacksonville, Fla., was elected chair of the Americas Region Board. Worldcom Public Relations Group is the world’s leading partnership of global public relations firms, with more offices in more cities and countries than any multinational firm.

Lynch will be supported by a 12-member board of leaders from North and South American independent communications firms, and also will serve as a vice-chair of Worldcom’s Group Board. Sharon Linhart, Managing Partner, Linhart Public Relations, Denver, takes the position of chair-elect and will continue as Meetings Chair until taking office next fall. Dorothy Pirovano, CEO, Public Communications Inc., Chicago, moves to past chair after serving a one-year term. Lore McManus Solo, Strategic America, Des Moines, was also re-elected to the board as the Secretary and Treasurer. The new leadership was elected during the Worldcom Americas Region Meeting in Vancouver, B.C. this week, where partners from the U.S. and other geographies gathered for best practices for business growth and leading the convergence of PR, social media, marketing, advertising and digital initiatives.

“As business needs evolve globally in our hyper-connected and hyper-digitized world, Worldcom and partner firms are ensuring talent and focus are streamlined to deliver valuable business outcomes,” said Lynch. “The Worldcom partnership allows our partner firms to share best practices, drive professional development, collaborate on successful client representation and continue to represent the very best PR disciplines across the globe.”

Lynch, who has served on the Americas Region board for five years, moves into the chair position at a time of transition for Worldcom. The international organization is vetting candidates for managing director, the individual who will succeed Daisy Guthin, Chief Operating Officer, when she retires in the spring. Lynch will work with a task force from the Americas, Asia/Pacific and Europe/Middle East/Africa boards to select the managing director. Joining Lynch on the new Americas Region board are:

  • Diego Arvizu, Arvizu Communcacion Corporativa, Mexico City, Mexico – At-large Chair for Latin American Partner Relations and Peer Review
  • Tom Donoghue, Donoghue & Associates, Calvary, Alberta, Canada – At-large Chair for Canadian Partner Relations, Peer Review and Recruitment
  • Monty Hagler, RLF Communications, Greensboro, N.C. – Partner Relations and Peer Review Chair
  • Sandy Hermanoff, Hermanoff Public Relations, Detroit – Professional Development Chair
  • Miguel Angel Martinez, Infomedia Consulting, Buenos Aires, Argentina – Chair for Latin American Partner Recruitment
  • Mike McDougall, McDougall Travers Collins, Rochester, N.Y. – Sponsorships and Vendor Relations Chair
  • Tim Oliver, Morgan & Myers, Milwaukee – Practice Group Chair
  • Lauren Peters, PetersGroup Public Relations, Austin, Tex. – Marketing Chair
  • Lisa Simon, Simon Public Relations Group, Philadelphia – Partner Recruitment Chair
  • Lore McManus Solo, Strategic America, Des Moines, Iowa – Secretary-Treasurer

About Worldcom Public Relations Group

Worldcom Public Relations Group is the world’s leading partnership of independently owned public relations firms, with 108 offices in 96 markets, across six continents. Established in 1988, it was formed so the strongest, most capable independent firms could deliver immediate impact and sustained value through the intelligent use of communications – wherever in the world a client needs support. Partners serve national, international and multi-national clients, while retaining the flexibility and client-service focus inherent in independent agencies. Through Worldcom Group, clients have on-demand access to in-depth communications expertise from professionals who understand the language, culture and customs of the geographic areas in which they operate. Worldcom is led by a Group Board and three Regional Boards in the Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (AP). Worldcom partner firms occupy leadership positions in the world’s major public relations professional organizations and business communities. Worldcom firms, with a total of 2,000 employees, have combined revenues of $227.5 million. www.worldcomgroup.com

For more information:

Lore McManus Solo, Vice President, Public Relations & Principal
Strategic America
515.453.2000
lmsolo@strategicamerica.com