Whether you’re considering a PR certification, Master’s degree or other higher education program, choosing your next steps can be daunting. Come hear from a panel of award-winning public relations specialists on the different accreditations and degrees they pursued to advance their PR savviness, and how these decisions have shaped their careers. Weighing your choices can make the difference of paving your way to a promotion or new direction!

Discussion topics will include:

• An overview of key certifications in the public relations field
• The merits of a higher education degree to honing your PR management skills
• The demands and commitments you can expect from these programs
• How to supplement your experience with eye-catching credentials
• How to approach your employer for support when pursuing a certification or continuing education program

Panelists: 
   
Michael Barone, Director of Marketing and Communications, State University of New York at Fredonia
Nearing his seventh year as Director of Marketing and Communications at The State University of New York at Fredonia, Barone previously served as Vice President of Investor Relations for 13 years at Travers Collins & Company. A past president and former board member of the PRSA Buffalo-Niagara Chapter, he was named PRSA Buffalo-Niagara Chapter’s Outstanding Practitioner in 2011 and honored in Business First’s “40 Under 40” in 2010.

Barone also earned two 2011 SUNYCUAD Best of Category Awards for Advertising and Community Relations and has been recognized for Best of Industry honors by Better Investing/NAIC and the League of Communication Professionals.

He received a Bachelor of Science in communication at Cornell University and an M.B.A. with a Finance concentration from the University at Buffalo School of Management.

Jacqueline Molik Ghosen, APR
Assistant Dean and Director of Communications, University at Buffalo School of Management
In her 19 years with the UB School of Management, Ghosen has served as assistant dean and director of communications since 2002, directing the school’s public relations and media relations efforts and providing strategic oversight for the school’s digital and print communications. Previously, she was associate director of the school’s career center and, before joining UB, marketing manager for TravelHost Magazine.

Ghosen earned her MBA from the UB School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Medaille. She also is accredited in public relations and active in PRSA, where she is a longtime co-chair of the Buffalo Niagara chapter’s membership committee, as well as a past president, former treasurer and board member.

She is the recipient of more than 30 Excalibur and SUNYCUAD awards.

Liam O’Mahony, APR, Communications Manager, Rich Products
Liam O’Mahony previously served as the Marketing Communications Specialist for the City of Chandler Community Services Department in Arizona prior to returning to his native Western New York. He also held public relations positions with the Chicago Bulls, Seattle SuperSonics and Off Madison Ave, an agency in Phoenix.
O’Mahony serves as treasurer of the PRSA Buffalo-Niagara Chapter and secretary of the Cornell Alumni Club of Buffalo.  He received a Bachelor of Science in communication at Cornell University and earned an M.B.A. with a marketing emphasis from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. He holds the Accredited Business Communicator and Accredited Public Relations certifications.


Joseph Stabb, Investor Relations Manager, Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Joe Stabb is a digital media enthusiast, specializing in marketing, communications, public relations, and news media. He works with clients in a variety of industries to utilize their traditional and digital resources to meet and exceed their revenue goals.

Stabb got his start developing websites for the Air Force Research Labs, more than 15 years ago, and has worked with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, CBS News, American Red Cross, Welch Allyn, and other national and local organizations.

He is a graduate from Utica College of Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, a Master’s of Science degree from Keuka College in Management. He is currently working on his Doctorate in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University.

In his free time, Stabb enjoys camping and traveling, attending the theater or opera, and cooking or eating at a local restaurants. Sometimes you might even find him out on a farm picking his own produce or just spending some time with the animals.


Notes: Registration begins at 7:45 a.m.Program will run promptly from 8 – 9 a.m. Light continental breakfast will be provided.