Public relations and public affairs are two disciplines with a lot in common. Professionals in each field are likely to have a marketing and communications background, relying upon skills like relationship-building, media management, and campaign planning. While every organization must have both a public relations and public affairs strategy, understanding the difference between them is key to success. Stacie Behler, Vice President & Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer at Grand Valley State University, will share her experiences from the intersection.
Speaker:
Stacie R. Behler is Vice President, Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer, and Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Grand Valley State University. She has executive responsibility for local, state and federal government relations, public and media relations, marketing and advertising, and the university's public radio and television stations. She is also a member of the president's Senior Leadership Team and the Budget Committee.
Behler joined GVSU in 2022 after 20 years in leadership positions at Meijer Inc. and The Meijer Foundation. Prior to joining Meijer, she served as an associate with the law firm Smith Haughey Rice and Roegge, P.C.
She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oakland University.
The Michigan Women’s Foundation (now Michigan Women Forward) honored Behler with its 2018 Woman of Courage and Achievement Award. Other awards and honors include being named among the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan by Crain’s Detroit Business and a 2015 Alumni Achievement Award from Oakland University.
She has served as chair of the boards of The Economic Club of Grand Rapids , the Heart of West Michigan United Way, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. She was also appointed by Governor Snyder to the Michigan Municipal Services Authority.
SCHEDULE:
This program will be available both in-person and online.
3:30-4p: Registration and networking
4-5p: Program
5-5:30p: Networking
REGISTRATION:
This program is available both in-person and online.
Members $25
Future Members: $35
Students and Un-/Under-employed: Free
AMA Members: $25
ASL interpretation is available on request when registering at least one week in advance.
Please register by May 22.