Meg Kane is Senior Vice President at Brian Communications. She’s been a PPRA member for 5 years.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/megkane/

Twitter: @margaretkane

Meg describes herself as a Proud Philadelphian … and more:  An Explorer first and always (B.A., La Salle University ’03 #NeverLost). But, I did rub Testudo’s nose for good luck before my Seminar Defense (M.A., University of Maryland ’05 #FearTheTurtle). Board of Trustees: La Salle University and La Salle Academy; Proud Supporter: Fred’s Footsteps. Unexpected Job Hazard: People tend to ask me how Pope Francis is before asking how I am. Passionate 4 for 4 Philadelphia fan but if you follow me on Twitter, you know the SUPER BOWL CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA EAGLES are my No. 1 (That will never get old…). Lover of “The Shore” but never without SPF 50. Daughter; Sister; Godmother to Avery Claire, Aunt to Gianna and Mark; “Fun Aunt Meg” to the 20+ children of my wonderfully supportive and hilarious friends from Philadelphia to Des Moines to Charleston.

PPRA: Who are your clients and/or what projects are you working on right now?

MK: I am lucky that I have an opportunity to work on different and dynamic clients at Brian Communications. From Independence Blue Cross and the East Market Development right here in Philadelphia to the Horatio Alger Association in Washington, DC, day-to-day is always different. As the agency of record for Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia three years ago, one of my most recent projects has taken me across the pond to Ireland to serve in a consulting role for the upcoming World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit to Dublin. Issues management is also a large part of my portfolio. For young PR pros, issues management is all-consuming but one of the best ways to learn how to prioritize. There is nothing like having multiple fires to put out to help you learn quickly what’s an inferno and what’s a burnt Pop-Tart.

PPRA: What is your favorite part about your job?

MK: Well, I love a big idea (Ask me about “The Mosaic”) and I’ve never met a press event I didn’t like (That’s a joke). But my favorite part of my job is watching our team grow in their own careers. Every week, our agency has a meeting to highlight the team’s “Wins of the Week” and nothing makes me happier than to hear about their journeys to success. And those wins aren’t always a splashy placement… sometimes it’s in advocating for a key correction, nailing a 3 sentence statement or helping an intern build a media list. Whatever the “win” is, each one is critical to our team members delivering great client work as well as growing in their individual roles.

PPRA: What was your latest and greatest accomplishment at your job?

MK: We recently helped a long-term client through a comprehensive communications audit and brand refresh that ultimately extended to the full scripting of the organization’s annual three-day awards events. It was a near year-long process that culminated in a 100+ hour week. But it was a “Wow!” and the client was just delighted with the outcome. Clearly, this is a shared accomplishment but to be part of that team is something I’m very proud of.

PPRA: What one piece of advice would you give to your fellow PR pros?

MK: I’d love to give one, but there are two pieces of advice that Team Brian has heard me share time and again – and equally. First, you don’t get what you don’t ask for. If you want to work on something or have a passion for a client or new business prospect, go for it. Find a way to be part of the team, contribute an idea and make yourself known. Second, know when to “flag it up.” Don’t wait until it’s too late to address a concern. That’s how small, solvable issues become crises.

PPRA: What book or movie could you read or watch again and again?

MK: “Goodfellas.” If it’s on, it’s never turned off. Great story. Sharp writing. Sharper characters. And gorgeous, rich scenes that we take for granted today. That scene when Henry and Karen walk into the Copa through the kitchen is just a masterpiece.

PPRA: What’s your favorite spot in Philly (museum, park, store, etc.)?

MK: Villa di Roma on 9th Street in the heart of the Italian Market (Ravioli, Meatball and a glass of House Red) or Citizens Bank Park, which is just a great place to catch a game and a beer.

PPRA: How do you take your cheesesteak?

MK: Not at Pat’s or Geno’s. I prefer chopped steak with American cheese melted throughout and fried onions. And the roll is critical. A terrible roll can ruin a cheesesteak. So, when asked, that typically leads to a Dalessandro’s recommendation.

PPRA: Our PPRA 2017-18 PRoactive partnership is with Tree House Books. What was your favorite childhood book and why?

MK: I was a voracious reader as a child and I was always drawn to stories with young women heroines. I loved “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” as well as Nancy Drew, but only the classic hard covers such as “The Hidden Staircase” and “The Secret of the Old Clock.”