The following is part of our Member Spotlight series. Twice a month, the PPRA blog will feature a profile on one of our members. Today’s post highlights PPRA Hall of Fame Honoree, Ike Richman.

So, how long have you been a member of PPRA?

I joined PPRA in 1992 at the advice of Larry Rubin.

How did you get into PR?

I fell into PR, literally. I was working at SportsRadio WIP covering the Philadelphia Flyers. One day at the Spectrum, Larry Rubin invited me to apply for a job in the PR department at the Spectrum. I accepted and learned everything from Larry’s mentoring.

Tell us a little bit about your current position.

I currently serve as VP of Public Relations for Comcast-Spectacor, overseeing public and media relations for the company’s Philadelphia facilities, as well as the company’s public assembly facility management firm Global Spectrum, its food and beverage concessionaire Ovations Food Services, its ticketing system New Era Tickets and the four community skating rinks Flyers Skate Zone.

What is your favorite aspect of your current job?

I love creating memories for our guests. I love the challenge of trying to get our events on the news. I love the relationships I have with the media.

What social media platform do you use the most in your personal life? What about for business purposes?

I’m really into posting all of my announcements on Facebook. I use it professionally and not personally. I’ve booked a lot of stories through Facebook.

If you could give one piece of advice to current PR students about getting into the industry, what would it be?

My advice for students coming into the PR field, keep an open mind. Be ready to be adaptable. The field is changing every day. Be good at a lot of different skills. Know how to write and how to communicate. Get away from your cell phone and don’t hide behind a computer. Make face to face contact.

What is your favorite thing about Philly?