For Immediate Release        Contact: Catherine A. Bolton
                (212) 460-1406

                President of The Public Relations Society of America
                Steps Down, Moves to Consulting Role

New York, N.Y. (December 21, 2000)-- Ray Gaulke, president and chief
operating officer for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
announced today that he has decided to advance the timetable for his
transition from day-to-day operational responsibilities as COO, originally
planned for summer, 2001, so that he can devote more time to his role with
the PRSA Foundation and Kids In a Drug-free Society, Inc., (K.I.D.S) in a
consulting role as a fund-raiser. He will also seek to develop his own
consulting business. That move will now be effective January 1, 2001, he
said.
        PRSA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steve Pisinski had
announced at the PRSA Assembly in October that Gaulke's tenure as
president/COO would continue until mid-2001 while a search for a replacement
was conducted.

(more)
2 - PRSA COO Steps Down

        "I had originally promised the Board that I would combine the two
positions -- my new role in fund development, plus the day-to-day operations
of the Society," Gaulke said.  "But after we returned from the International
Conference and began the annual cycle of budget planning, program
development and other routine activities, I realized that not only would
this be a challenge, in terms of really getting the fund-raising work up to
speed, but also I would be spending less of my time on what I enjoy most,
and more of my time on the day-to-day operations."
        Pisinski said that the Board has asked Catherine A. Bolton, chief
public relations officer, to serve as acting president/COO.
        "When I brought Catherine on Board," Gaulke said," I knew she
brought a strong skill set in association management.  Now I know that The
Society is in capable hands, leaving me time to pursue two important
projects which need full time attention."
(more)
3 -- PRSA COO Steps Down

        Pisinski said "Ray has long been deeply committed to the needs of
the KIDS program.  His work launching K.I.D.S and the new career academy
high school initiative of the PRSA Foundation are high on his interest list.
We thank him for his contributions to PRSA and wish him great success in his
endeavors."
        The Public Relations Society of America is the world's largest
organization for public relations professionals. Its nearly 20,000 members
represent business and industry, counseling firms, government, associations,
hospitals, schools, professional services firms and non-profit
organizations.


              #  #  #