Carl Maugeri has deep experience in government and media relations.  He has a long relationship with the University of Pennsylvania, where he currently teaches communication at Penn's Fel's Institute of Government.  He also has deep roots at the Wharton School of Business where he served as senior associate Director of the communication program for 20 years.   Before embarking on a career in higher education, he was a science and business journalist.  Carl has advised many groups in their communications efforts including the Say Yes to Education Foundation, and currently the American Lung Association of Delaware.  We talk to Carl to get his unique perspective on the academia, persuasion and government relations.

Eleis Brennan is Senior Vice President at Lansons Intermarket where she advises a range of clients including multinational corporations, financial institutions and higher education institutions.  She began her career in political communication where she advocated for causes and campaigns that are close to her heart.  Join us as Eleis reflects on her career and how unexpected journeys can be the most rewarding.

With more than 20 years of experience, Crystal Brewe is currently Senior Vice President at the Kimmel Center, where is is responsible for overall strategic marketing and communications.  The Kimmel Center is a cultural icon in Philadelphia, serving more than 1 million guests per year.  Crystal is charged with continuing the rich legacy of more than 160 years of cultural excellence and community integration.  We discuss her career journey, COVID-19 and the way back for the industry. 

How can we best nurture future PR leaders?  Today we are joined by Gregg Feistman, someone who has spent a lifetime answering this question as a teacher and practitioner.   Gregg is Assistant Chair for Public Relations and Associate Professor of Practice at Temple University and plays a key role in teaching the skills and values that will shape our disciple.  From COVID-19 to AI, learn how Gregg is preparing his students for the future.

Ben Butler represents a new breed of communications leader.  As the founder of Top Hat — an award-winning design and marketing communications agency based in Pittsburgh — he is in the business of shaping total public perception.  From design to traditional media placements to SEO, he helps his clients find the oxygen to tell their stories.  We talk about how an entrepreneurial mindset can not only build a growing agency, it can better serve clients.

Ben has been inducted into the PRSSA National Hall of Fame, invited to serve on the Forbes Agency Council, and has been named: Pittsburgh Business Times 30 Under 30, North Allegheny Under 40 Distinguished Alumni, PRSA PR Entrepreneur of the Year, an Incline Under 40 Communicator, and one of Spin Sucks 10 PR Professionals to Follow.