Welcome to The Loop! March 2022
In each issue, you’ll learn how to take advantage of the resources that are included with your organization’s Council membership. So, take a few minutes to stay in The Loop and learn about all the ways Council services can help you do your job better.
#FirstWoman Interview with Ellie Shaw
[vc_single_image image=”105319″]For Women’s History Month, we interviewed Public Affairs Council Executive Committee Member, Ellie Shaw, about her LinkedIn hashtag series #FirstWoman. Ellie is the director of federal government affairs at American Express and is responsible for the company’s political education and involvement programs, including its political action committee (PAC) and grassroots.
I started posting the hashtag #firstwoman a couple years ago after realizing how often I was seeing news articles about the amazing successes of women who were firsts in their industry, company, sports, arts, government and public service, public affairs, and so many other fields.
Why is the #firstwoman thread so important to you?
It’s a way for me to highlight and celebrate the progress that women are making, but at the same time, recognize how many “firsts” are still out there and the progress that still needs to be made.
Who are some women that inspire you?
I know it’s a very contemporary example, but the fortitude of Ukrainian women is truly inspiring.
What is your advice to others who want to support women advancing into leadership roles in public affairs?
There are so many opportunities. Everyone has an important role. Lead by example and do what is in your power — at whatever career stage you’re at. Volunteer, mentor, promote, sponsor and financially support women and organizations making a difference.[/vc_toggle]
Check Out Our New Membership Plus+ Members
Ready to sign up for Membership Plus+? Join these organizations for this training opportunity available to all members. Membership Plus+ provides your entire organization with unlimited access to more than 45 Council workshops for a flat annual fee of $3,000.
American Heart Association
American Hospital Association
American Hotel & Lodging Association
Anthem
Aristotle International
Bayer Corporation
BioMarin Pharmaceutical
Booz Allen Hamilton
BP America
California Water Service
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Comcast
CVS Health
Dominium
Edison International
Everytown For Gun Safety Action Fund
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
General Mills
Grant Thornton LLP
Harmony Biosciences
Hemophilia Federation of America
Insulet Corporation
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JVA Campaigns
Land O’ Lakes
Magna
McDonald’s
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Novartis
Pac/West Strategies
PATRI Public Policy & Public Affairs
Plains All American Pipeline
POET
Susan G. Komen
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
UpHealth
Visa
VMware
Zurich Insurance Group
Join today at pac.org/plus [/vc_toggle]
Council Essentials: Our Corporate Responsibility and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Priorities
Over the past few months, we have been focused on the “I” in diversity, equity and inclusion. In honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, the Council has been celebrating member-driven initiatives that focus on equitable opportunities and more. Similar to our members, our work to advance DEI extends far beyond February and March. We are providing year-round programming centered on social responsibility and DEI to support you in your efforts to drive meaningful change. From community investment to corporate philanthropy to understanding DEI data, we have the necessary professional development tools for you to do good.
Check out this video to learn more about how you can engage with us to make a difference.
ICYMI: The Advocacy Conference Reading List
[vc_single_image image=”105347″ img_size=”500×300″]From the headlines to The Advocacy Conference agenda, our speakers and topics are in the news! Get prepared for The Advocacy Conference with our reading list. Here are a few articles that offer a glimpse of what you’ll hear in Austin.
Welcome Aboard New Members!
The Public Affairs Council is thrilled to welcome the following new members to our community of nearly 11,000 public affairs practitioners! If you’d like to see a full list of member organizations, you can view them here.
American Exploration & Production Council
American Hotel & Lodging Association
Bunge North America
Children’s Hospital Association
CURA Strategies
Delaware North Companies
Dominium
Electo Analytics
Exact Sciences
Forbright Bank
GoodRx
Harmony Biosciences
Husch Blackwell Strategies+
Islamic Relief USA
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
National Journal
Novartis
Pac/West Strategies
POET
Sapphire Strategies
Sasol North America
Sidecar Health
SmileDirectClub
Stericycle
The Conafay Group
UpHealth
VMware
Zscaler[/vc_toggle]
Coming to The Advocacy Conference in Austin? Take our Poll!
[vc_single_image image=”105437″ onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://community.pac.org/home”]We want to know which local delicacy are you most looking forward to trying in Austin at The Advocacy Conference. Take our poll on Council Connect!
Back to PAC in Fort Lauderdale!
Earlier this month the Council hosted it’s National PAC Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Four days and over 300 PAC professionals gathered to learn, share experiences and network after two years of not meeting in person. Our community was thrilled to be back together again! Check out some of the highlights:

Attendees are all smiles and happy to be together again at our opening reception.

How big ideas happen! Roundtables are a PAC Conference attendee favorite for new ideas and problem solving with peers!

We awarded the Certificate in PAC and Grassroots Management to Kelly Eaton, Michael Giblin, Jason Simon, Kara Stewart and Dorian Wanzer. Congratulations to our recipients!

We honored our 2022 Outstanding PAC Award winners! Congratulations to Desta Wallace (American Academy of Ophthalmology, OPHTHPAC) and Molly Cartmill (Sempra, SEEPAC)!