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Member Spotlight: Rachel Laber Pulvino

In this member spotlight, we’re highlighting Rachel Laber Pulvino, our newly appointed PRSA Rochester President. Check out the interview on our website to learn more about her here:

What is your title and describe your role and responsibilities at Visit Rochester?

I am the Director of Market Communications & Public Relations at Visit Rochester, where I have the distinct pleasure of promoting Rochester every day. This includes regularly reaching out to regional, national, and international media to share Rochester’s story, and help media and visitors alike discover the activities and attractions that make Rochester an ideal destination. In addition to media relations, I support corporate communications, content creation and development, social media management, photo and video development, event support and much more! 

Tell us about how you first got involved in the PRSA Rochester chapter and what you took away from that experience.

I first joined PRSA in 2014. I had recently relocated back to Rochester from New York City, and I was eager to get involved in our local communications community. I soon became involved with the programming committee, and from there joined the PRism and YP committees, and eventually joined the Board. 

I have always been so impressed by the sense of collaboration amongst PRSA members. Everyone I have ever connected or worked with within our Rochester PR community has always been so eager to help and support one another, making connections and finding ways to collaborate.

As newly appointed President, what are you most looking forward to this coming year? 

I am most looking forward to seeing the Northeast District Conference return to Rochester! We last hosted the conference in 2014, so this feels like a bit of a homecoming for the district and our chapter. 

Do you have any goals for the chapter this year that you'll oversee as President?

One of my top goals for our chapter for the year ahead is to hold a successful Northeast District Conference, one that will draw attendees from across the entire district! I will also remain focused on our chapter’s programming and professional development events. In the last few months we have returned to offering in-person programming, in addition to virtual events, so I have a goal of developing new programs that will provide great benefit and value to our members. 

What benefits have you received as a member of PRSA Rochester?

One of the greatest benefits of being a member of PRSA Rochester are the networking opportunities. I have really enjoyed getting to meet and connect with so many different members of the Rochester PR community, connecting with nonprofit pros, agency execs, independent contractors, corporate communicators and more. Thanks to PRSA Rochester I have gained both professional and personal relationships. 

I have also personally benefitted from the job bank! I learned about my current position thanks to the PRSA job bank. 

What do you love most about working in PR?

I love how fast-paced and energetic our work is. I love combining strategic planning with relationship building, writing, messaging development and, for me personally, the opportunity to work on behalf of a cause I am passionate about.  

What do you do better than anyone else?

I like to think I could give a one-woman performance of a Broadway show like Wicked or Rent if the opportunity presented itself! My husband may beg to differ on if I could do that better than anyone else, but I do love to dance and sing. I like to think that my infant son finds me entertaining at least! 

If you had endless money, you would…

After paying off a few student loans, and a little shopping, I would want to set up a scholarship at SUNY Geneseo. My time at Geneseo was incredibly rewarding – it brought me some of my best friends, my husband and gave me immeasurable room for personal growth – so it would be an honor to be able to make a real difference in another student’s life. And if there was still some extra funds leftover, I would love to be able to have a spot in the Finger Lakes for summer fun!  

Do you have any advice or insights you learned that you would like to share with fellow members in our industry and our chapter?

I am a big believer that you get out what you put into an experience – or as one of my colleagues often says, your “return on involvement.” I encourage members to be active with our chapter. Join a committee. Attend an event. Prepare an entry for a PRism award. Tap into the resources available through PRSA National, including on-demand webinars and Silver Anvil case studies. Submit a proposal to speak at the Northeast District Conference - and the list goes on!