PRII Welcomes New Council Members and Honours Industry Leaders at 2026 AGM
Our CEO, Laura Wall, presented an ambitious 18‑month action plan outlining a clear roadmap for growth, innovation, and strengthened member engagement. The plan, rooted in the Institute’s five‑year strategic vision, was warmly welcomed by members for its focus on measurable progress and long‑term sustainability.
Alongside the strategic update, the AGM celebrated the recipients of the Institute’s highest honours, recognising individuals whose leadership and contribution have shaped the public relations profession in Ireland.
Life Fellowship Awarded to Billy Murphy, FPRII
PRII members elected Billy Murphy, FPRII, as the Institute’s newest Life Fellow, the highest honour PRII can bestow.
A co‑founder of Drury Communications in 1988, Billy has been a central figure in Ireland’s corporate and financial communications landscape. His career spans senior roles at Murray Consultants and Pembroke PR, and he has long been a trusted advisor to C‑suite executives and Boards across major Irish and international organisations.
Five New PRII Fellows Honoured
At a special reception following the AGM, PRII Fellowship was conferred on five distinguished members in recognition of their exceptional professionalism, leadership, and service to both PRII and the wider communications sector.
James Dunny, Founder & CEO, Reput8ion Dynamics
A senior strategic advisor, James counsels' leadership teams on reputation management, stakeholder engagement, crisis and issues management, and major organisational transitions. His previous roles include External Communications Director at Kerry Group and Head of Crisis Management for EMEA at FleishmanHillard. A PRII Award winner and mentor, James is widely regarded for his commitment to ethical practice and to elevating communications as a strategic leadership function.
Brian Harrison, FPRII, Managing Director, MKC Communications
Brian advises clients across healthcare, technology, and the public sector. Earlier in his career, as Head of Communications at the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland, he led major campaigns positioning Ireland as a leading FDI destination. Since 2023, he has served as a Director of the PRCA Ireland and currently holds the role of Chair.
David Kinch, FPRII, Director, MKC Communications
With nearly 20 years of professional experience, David is a Director and part-owner of MKC Communications. He has worked with global and Irish agencies across diverse public and private sectors. Elected to the PRII National Council in 2022, he has served as Company Secretary since 2024. David has played an active role in driving major Institute initiatives, including the new five-year Strategic Plan and the PRII Communication Impact Awards.
Niall Quinn, FPRII, Barrister & Strategic Communications Advisor
A respected figure in Corporate & Financial PR, Issues Management and Crisis Communications, Niall brings over 25 years’ expertise to his advisory work. A former PRII President, he currently serves as Course Director for the PRII Issues and Crisis Communications Certification. Since qualifying as a barrister in 2015, he has combined legal and governance insight with senior advisory and non‑executive roles. Niall remains an influential advocate for the importance of PR in business and society.
Martina Quinn, FPRII, Founder & CEO, Alice Public Relations
Founder of the award‑winning agency Alice PR, Martina has led campaigns on gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, anti‑racism, reproductive rights and climate action. In 2023, she established the Alice Academy for Activists to equip campaigners with strategic advocacy skills. A PRII member for nearly two decades, she has chaired the PRCA Ireland and serves on the boards of ICCO and Women’s Aid.
New PRII Council members
The AGM also saw the election of the following professionals to serve on the PRII National Council:
Kevin Cullinane, MPRII, Deputy Director of Communications, daa; Teri Kelly, MPRII, Founder & CEO, Total Reputation; David Kinch, FPRII, Director, MKC Communications and Colm O'Rourke, MPRII, Communications Support Officer, Pobal.
These individuals will join the Council in guiding the strategic direction, governance, and continued development of the Institute.
Speaking about the reception, new appointments and period ahead, Paul Hand, President, PRII, said:
“It is an exciting time for the PRII, as we move into a new era of leadership. The 18-month action plan that is in place for the institute is ambitious and future-focused. The plan, which is rooted in our five-year strategic vision, will ensure the institute remains in a position of leadership, advocacy and modernity for the communications and PR sectors.
Today, we also celebrate individuals whose dedication, leadership and passion have had a profound impact on the communications and public relations profession in Ireland. Our newly elected Fellows and Life Fellow embody the very best of our community as the people who give generously of their expertise and who inspire others through their example. I am also delighted to welcome our new Council members, whose wisdom and energy will help guide the PRII as we support and champion practitioners nationwide.”
