The Institute for Public Relations (IPR), the leading independent professional organization dedicated to research and education in the public relations industry, today announced the retirement date of its president and chief executive officer, John W. Felton. IPR’s leader and chief executive since 1995, “Jack” told the board he plans to retire at the end of 2004, IPR’s next fiscal year.

IPR’s board of trustees also announced the formation of a governance committee to review the organization’s leadership needs and anticipate Felton’s departure, now 15 months away. Headed by Ward White, who co-chairs IPR’s board of trustees and is vice president, corporate relations of Northwestern Mutual, the committee will focus on Felton’s replacement, searching initially from IPR’s leadership and generally in the public relations, communications, research and education sectors. The committee will also study other aspects of the Institute’s mission and organization. It will tap into the experience and expertise of Felton and other industry leaders, who will serve as advisors to the committee.

“The Institute for Public Relations has matured into a respected and influential force in the public relations community,” said White. “It has made these strides through its sharp focus on research and measurement and much of this is due to the passion and dedication of Jack Felton. Both the Institute and the profession are profoundly grateful for his tireless work and enthusiasm. We will miss him.”

In addition to his duties at IPR, Felton teaches in the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, where he has been the Freedom Forum Distinguished Visiting Professor. The only person to serve twice as national president of the Public Relations Society of America, Felton retired in 1995 as vice president of corporate communications at McCormick Spice Company, Baltimore, Md. He served earlier in leadership capacities with Interstate Brands Corp. and United States Steel Corp. Felton is a published author and award-winning playwright.

Felton, 74, is the recipient of prestigious honors in the public relations industry. In 1991, he was named outstanding professional of the year by PR NEWS and was the 1992 recipient of the Gold Anvil, the highest award of the Public Relations Society of America. In 1999, Felton was awarded the David Ferguson Award for outstanding contributions to PR education from the Educators Academy of PRSA. In 2002, he received the Arthur W. Page Society’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his contributions to strengthening the role of public relations.

The Institute for Public Relations (instituteforpr.org) is the only independent foundation in the field of public relations. IPR sponsors research, competitions, awards, lectures and publications — all dedicated to improving the professional practice of public relations around the world.

Heidy Modarelli handles Growth & Marketing for IPR. She has previously written for Entrepreneur, TechCrunch, The Next Web, and VentureBeat.
Follow on Twitter