Cian Connaughton, MPRII - Candidate for position of PRII President

You can view my short campaign video here.

I’m standing for President of the Institute because I firmly believe in having a strong industry representative body.

As a member of National Council since 2014, I’ve seen the Institute’s fortunes improve. It has returned to good financial health thanks to well-attended events and training courses, and growing membership. It is also an increasingly effective voice for the industry.

It’s now time to build further on this progress.

 

My Priorities

The following will be my priorities in the two-year presidential term:

Increasing understanding of the value of public relations and PR professionals:

• Carrying out research on the importance and impact of PR professionals
• Profiling the positive impact of PR in the media
• Engagement with key stakeholders

Optimising our training and events:

• Training and events that keep members at the forefront of market changes
• More round-table events to assist sharing of best-practice among members
• More international speakers at Institute events
• Leveraging our new website and social channels

Growing membership:

• Maintaining the membership drive among public sector professionals
• A new push for consultancy members
• Keeping membership costs at current levels

Experience

Since joining National Council I have helped to drive several pieces of important work:

• Providing media relations advice to National Council and delivering a programme that has raised the Institute’s profile on various issues, including the value of PR to organisations, the Lobbying Bill and our National Conference.
• I was a member of the Annual Review Group for the PRII Strategic Plan in 2015 and 2016.
• I managed a consultation process with 16 of the largest PR agencies to get their views on the Institute’s activities.
• Reforming the nominations process for Fellows and Life Fellows and making the process more transparent.

I am also a proven strong independent voice and you can count on me to consult and listen to you as President. At National Council and previous AGMs, I spoke against proposals to restrict the eligibility of members to run for President and Vice President. The proposals were ultimately rejected, ensuring that these senior National Council positions remain more open for members.

 

About Me

With 16 years’ experience, in senior roles both in-house and in consultancies, I have real understanding of all sides of the profession. 

Currently I am a Client Director with MKC Communications, working with a large number of private and public sector organisations. During the Irish Presidency of the EU, I was seconded to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, to manage its expanded media relations programme.

Previously I was Communications and Policy Manager in the Dublin Chamber. I have also worked in communications roles with Murray Consultants and for former MEP, Ms. Bernie Malone.

I am a mentor in the UCD Career Mentoring Programme. 

A member of NAC Masters Swimming Club, I swim competitively and hold Irish masters swimming records. I also enjoy playing soccer and relaxing with friends.

I’m asking for your support and your vote on Thursday 1st December.