PRCA appoints Dr. Stacie Graham as Chair of its Race and Ethnicity Equity Board

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has today announced the appointment of Dr. Stacie Graham as the new Chair of its Race and Ethnicity Equity Board (REEB).

Graham will succeed Barbara Phillips, who steps down after six years of impactful leadership. During her tenure, Phillips played a pivotal role in advancing the PRCA’s work on race and ethnicity equity, helping to drive meaningful change across the communications industry.

Stacie is Managing Director of Social Impact at Burson, where she supports organisations in translating authentic purpose into measurable business value. She previously served as WPP’s first Human Rights Officer, and as Global Director of its Racial Equity Programme, she lead the delivery of a $30 million commitment to advancing racial equity through inclusion programmes and strategic investment.

She holds a doctorate in psychology from the University of Osnabrück and is the author of Yoga as Resistance: Equity and Inclusion On and Off the Mat.

Outgoing PRCA REEB Chair, Barbara Phillips, said:

“I was hugely impressed with Stacie’s stellar experience and recognised the same steely approach to what remains one of the thorniest subjects in our industry.

I believe the work myself and the Board have completed since 2020 has created a foundation on which Stacie’s leadership can build and grow REEB into something even more impressive. I welcome her to the Board and look forward to supporting her as a founding member”.

Dr. Stacie Graham, incoming REEB Chair, said:

“The PRCA plays a vital role in setting the standard for our industry, and REEB’s work in championing race and ethnicity equity is central to that mission. I want to pay tribute to Barbara Phillips, whose leadership over the past six years has built a strong and credible foundation for the Board. I’m honoured to take on this role and committed to building on that legacy - particularly at a time when many organisations and individuals feel less confident openly discussing and supporting programmes that seek to develop and expand the reach of our industry to racially and ethnically minoritised people. That’s precisely when the work matters.”

PRCA CEO Sarah Waddington CBE said:

“Stacie brings a powerful combination of insight and experience at a time when this work matters more than ever and we’re excited to welcome her as Chair of the Race and Ethnicity Equity Board. I’d also like to recognise Barbara Phillips for six years of outstanding leadership, helping to shape REEB into a meaningful force for change across the profession and hold the PRCA accountable.”

More information about REEB and the list of current members can be found here: https://www.prca.global/boards-and-groups/race-ethnicity-equity-board
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