Stephen Johnstone, executive vice president of The Falk Group in Milwaukee, has been elected to the College of Fellows of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), an international association of public relations professionals.
Johnstone is one of 11 public relations executives, and the only one from Wisconsin, to be elected to PRSA’s College of Fellows Class of 2009. The College recognizes individuals who have demonstrated superior capabilities as public relations practitioners or educators. Of the association’s 32,000 professional and student members, fewer than 450 have earned the distinction since its formation in 1990.
"Steve is passionate about the public relations profession. It is evident in his programs and campaigns, his client service and the myriad pro bono projects he supports," said Susie Falk, president and chief executive officer of The Falk Group. "He is equally as passionate about creating a more diverse public relations profession."
Johnstone joins six public relations executives from Wisconsin as PRSA Fellows. Other Wisconsin members include Alan Gaudynski, president of Alan Gaudynski & Associates in Pewaukee; Debra Miller, vice president-corporate affairs, Aurora Health Care; Gary Myers, president of Gary Myers & Associates in Jefferson; Bill Baxter, professor emeritus; Carl Schrank, student advisor, Marquette University; and Julie Henderson, professor, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Over a 41-year public relations career, Johnstone has provided public relations service for some of the world’s largest corporations, including Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Verizon Wireless and Rockwell Automation Inc. He has also served start-up companies, retailers, health care organizations and business-to-business manufacturers. His public relations campaigns have been recognized with numerous local, regional and national awards from professional marketing and communications organizations.
