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PCI Names New President in Leadership Team Changes

CHICAGO – September 14, 2010

Jill Allread, APR, is the new president of Public Communications Inc. (PCI), a national, integrated communications agency. Allread, 51, of Oak Park, is the fourth president of the 48-year-old firm, founded in Chicago. PCI ranks among the top 45 independent PR firms in the country.

PCI’s CEO, Dorothy Pirovano, APR, announced Allread’s appointment and that firm principal Ruth Mugalian is PCI’s new executive vice president. “Jill, Ruth and I share the commitment to client service and results-driven programs that has kept this agency strong for nearly five decades,” said Pirovano.  “I am grateful to share ownership of PCI with two people I greatly respect and who already have repeatedly demonstrated their leadership.”

Mugalian, 58, of Chicago, joined PCI as an account executive in 1984 and became a principal of the firm in 1995.  As executive vice president she oversees several aspects of the firm’s business including media relations and media training, hiring and staff development and new business development.  She manages a number of PCI accounts, mostly in the healthcare arena. 

Allread joined PCI as firm principal in 1995. She previously worked 12 years as a reporter and editor of daily newspapers in Indiana followed by three years as director of Public Affairs and Public Relations for the Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo.

As PCI president Allread will manage operations of the firm as well as continue providing issues management communications and strategic counsel to a diversity of national and regional clients -- from corporations to cultural institutions and other nonprofits.
Allread is a frequent national speaker on topics of crisis management, strategic communications and using public relations to advance causes for nonprofit organizations. Her civic involvement includes leadership in several organizations related to conservation and children. In 1995 she helped create and continues to serve on the executive board of Girls in the Game, an organization that nurtures leadership and self-esteem in girls through physical activity. She is a commissioner on the Illinois Natural Preserves Commission, and is board president of one of Illinois’ most influential conservation organizations, Openlands.

In 2007 the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) named Allread the recipient of the Paul M. Lund Public Service Award for outstanding community service. Her client programs have garnered more than 100 awards, including two Silver Anvils, three Silver Anvil Awards of Excellence and three Bronze Anvils from PRSA nationally.

A national firm with nearly 50 professionals, PCI has as many clients out-of-state as in, and has a concentration of business in health care, conservation/environment, education, culture/entertainment/sports and “everything Chicago.” PCI is a founding partner of the Worldcom Group, the world's leading network of independently owned public relations counseling firms. PCI also is a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Counsel. The firm’s offices are at One E. Wacker Dr. in downtown Chicago. For more information, visit www.pcipr.com.