February 2025 
President's Report
By Holly S. Ingram, APR – Cincinnati Chapter Ethics Director
No Ethics Police Squad Here, Just Do What’s Right (with a little PRSA guidance!)
Happy new year Cincy PR and Comms Pros! I just submitted my PRSA membership renewal for 2025 and look forward to serving again as your Cincinnati Chapter Ethics Director.
Though I’ve been a member for a long time, checking the annual box renewing my pledge to adhere to the PRSA Code of Ethics always makes me pause and recall the awesome privilege and responsibilities I have -- with my organization and leadership, the Chapter and myself -- to practice ethically.
The Code is designed to be a useful guide to navigate potential pitfalls and decision-making as you carry out your responsibilities to your clients or employer. To start the year fresh, I hope you’ll give the Code of Ethics and its provisions a quick read (again!). I plan to share PRSA ethics guidance tools, updates and opportunities all year to support you in the challenges you may face.
For my first practical pointer of the year, if you plan to hire interns in 2025, read this! It’s a PRSA advisory on the Ethical Use of Interns (PRSA.org member login may be required).
While PRSA’s emphasis on enforcement of the Code has been eliminated, ethical practice and self-regulation is the most important obligation of a PRSA member. What remains in the membership agreement, however, is that the PRSA Board of Directors retains the right to bar membership or expel from the Society any individual who has been or is sanctioned by a government agency or convicted in a court of law of an action that fails to comply with the Code.
On a lighter note, I encourage each of you to set an example for each other and within your work or client organization to simply do what’s right. All PR tides will rise when you pursue the highest standards of performance, professionalism and ethical conduct!
How up to date are your PR ethics knowledge and skills? Log in take to the short Ethics Quiz on the Ethics Resources Page of PRSA.org and test yourself! Have a great year, everyone. #EthicsMatter