Frank Ovaitt elected CEO of Institute for Public Relations
Transition through year-end to include new strategic plan for independent foundation dedicated to research and education
(April 12, 2004) The Trustees of the Institute for Public Relations (IPR), headquartered at the College of Journalism and Communications, announced today the election of Frank Ovaitt to President and Chief Executive Officer. Ovaitt will take over that role when John W. (Jack) Felton retires at the end of 2004.
The election follows a six-month search and selection process by IPR, the leading independent professional organization dedicated to research and education in the public relations industry. The IPR includes the Commission on Public Relations Measurement and Evaluation which is widely regarded as the pre-eminent source of best practices and advocacy for research and evaluation.
“I am humbled and honored by the confidence this Board has expressed in electing me to be the new CEO of the Institute for Public Relations,” said Ovaitt. “We have come so far in the past decade thanks to Jack Felton’s leadership and his personal dedication to research, education, measurement and evaluation in our field. That’s a tradition that everyone associated with IPR, especially our donors, expect to continue.”
IPR’s work is funded entirely through contributions, and all publications are provided free on its web site, www.instituteforpr.com. During the transition period from now to year-end, Ovaitt will lead a strategic planning effort to set the overall direction of the Institute as it enters a new era.
“Frank Ovaitt is a talented, well-respected and dedicated professional who with his global experience will provide the leadership and growth IPR needs in the years ahead,” Jack Felton said.
Ovaitt is Managing Director of Crossover International Inc., an independent communications management firm that he founded in 1995. In recent years, he served as Co-Chairman of IPR, leading the development effort to a record level of fundraising. He is also an executive adviser to Enamics, Inc., a software company in Stamford, CT, and was that company’s first Chief Marketing Officer.
Earlier in his career, Frank was Vice President-Corporate Affairs for MCI. He held a variety of positions at AT&T including Public Relations Vice President-International and Director of College & University Relations. He also served as Editorial Services Director for the Monsanto Company and began his public relations career with Southwestern Bell Corporation.
Frank holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and an MBA from New York University. He has taught professional seminars on international public relations and delivered guest lectures at the University of Florida, the University of Maryland, the University of Missouri, and George Mason University. Currently, he is Co-Chair of the International Public Relations Association’s Campaign for Media Transparency.
The Institute for Public Relations (IPR) was founded in 1956 as the Foundation for Public Relations Research and Education. IPR is dedicated to improving the professional practice of public relations around the world and encouraging academic and professional excellence in the field of public relations.
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