Birmingham Publicity Association celebrates new leadership
Two new chairs are stepping into the helm of the Birmingham Publicity Association after Mark McDonagh steps down following his three years in post.
The group, which is 76 years old, appointed Selena Higgins-McCarron and Steve Price, who are both veterans of the BPA, following votes from its members at its AGM. Also stepping down from his three years as vice chair was Stephen Walters.
The BPA, which brings together the media, advertising and creative industries from across the city, also welcomed a wealth of new changes, including welcoming new members and changing its team from being called Council Members, to the Leadership team.
Steve, who is Creative Director for M3 Agency in Birmingham, and has been a member of the BPA since 2008, said: “We are proud to once again be at the helm of which is a steadfast group for the creative and related industries in the West Midlands and beyond.
“It’s been a testing time for the BPA, as it has for many organisations in our space, and both myself and Selena felt the old ship needed some not-quite-so-old hands to steady it as we hopefully head toward a brighter future. But we are not the future of the BPA. It’s our job now to go out there and plot what that future looks like by encouraging new talent to come on board and help to reinvent the BPA for today and tomorrow.”
Selena, Sales Controller at AdSmart from Sky, has been both chair and president of the BPA in the last few years.
She added: “As Interim Chairs for the next 12 months it is mine and Steve’s goal to steer the BPA out of the pandemic and ensure that we deliver on our aim to inspire, support and collaborate with all who work within the creative and media industries across the West Midlands.”
Both Mark and Stephen were also thanked for their dedication to the group especially over the pandemic.
Mark said: “While the last three years have been unusual, to say the least, it's been an honour to hold the role of BPA chair during this time. It's a testament to the organisation's strength that despite all the challenges, we have still been able to host events and raise money for charity. I know I'm leaving the BPA in very good hands and I am sure it will go from strength to strength.”
The BPA has existed since the 1930s, supporting the media and creative industries in the region, while raising money for key charities that its members wish to support. Its members include global organisations to sole traders, graduate trainees right up to CEOs and MDs, media owners and agencies, advertising and marketing agencies, digital agencies, PR agencies and freelancers.
The group’s chosen charity for the next two years is Winston’s Wish, a charity which supports children and young people after the death of someone close to them.
Membership starts from only £40 for individuals and from £100 for groups.
To book or for more details, visit www.thisisthebpa.co.uk/events