News from the 2019 AGM
A new chair is sitting at the helm of the Birmingham Publicity Association after Caroline Chell stepped down following her three years in post.
The group, which is 73 years old, appointed Mark McDonagh this month (April) following a vote from its members.
Mark, who is owner of marketing consultancy Conversation, was formally sworn into position at the Birmingham Publicity Associations’ annual general meeting held at the headquarters of Lightbox in the Jewellery Quarter this month. He was also awarded the Chair Cup for supporting Caroline in her role the previous year.
Sitting beside her is also Natalie Pejovic of Lightbox as vice chair for the third year running, who was also awarded the Longley Merit Cup – awarded each year to the person who has contributed the most to the association over the previous year.
Also voted on was Stephen Walters of McCann who has been bought in as co-vice chair to support with the role alongside Natalie.
Selena Higgins-McCarron of Global Radio has also agreed to extend her presidency for a fourth year next year to 2020.
Mark said: “It really is an honour to be a part of the Birmingham Publicity Association and continue the fantastic work of Caroline and the team. We also welcome on board our new charity, Acorn’s Children’s Hospice this year too and we are proud to be raising money for them throughout our events we hold.
“My aim for 2019 is to continue to grow membership and awareness of the group and what we stand for - along with continuing to host incredible events that stand out from the crowd. We also want to make sure the group offers the very best for our members, and they have added value to being a part of the BPA. Already we have hosted a free LinkedIn training day, and we are planning many more for the future that we know will be popular as soon as we release the dates,” he added.
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.
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care to babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, as well as support for their families.In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 870 children and supported more than 1,140 families, including those who are bereaved.
Membership starts from only £40 for individuals and £100 for groups.
To book or for more details, visit www.thisisthebpa.co.uk/events
Image: Mark McDonagh (right) has been appointed as the new BPA Chair alongside vice chair Natalie Pejovic (second from right), Stephen Walters and Selena Higgins-McCarron (left) as President