Our Passion ... is to help organization achieve effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, so that mutually desired behaviors result. Our Values ... are at the core of everything we do. We believe strongly in:
Pat was instrumental – through his writings, charismatic public speaking and one-on-one discussions – in influencing a whole generation of practitioners and moving the field from publicists to professionals. Although Pat rarely liked to talk about himself, preferring always to listen to and learn from others (one of his more admirable and envied traits), a favorite story of his was how he began practicing public relations – relationship building as he called it – at the tender age of 15 when he collected for the Grand Rapids Press in his home state of Michigan. He knew even then that the relationships that are built by our organizations at basic levels are the relationships that sustain and help our organizations thrive. Pat spent most of his career encouraging others to raise their sights for the profession and to contribute to organizations and society in general. “Who better than public relations professionals for this task?” he would challenge. He taught us that public relations professionals have the skills for building consensus, deciphering stakeholder needs and bringing communications philosophies to the management table. Pat preached his wisdom wherever he could, whenever he was invited, to whatever audience he could find. In 1980, the year he was President of PRSA, Pat traveled to every state in the country, giving more than 250 speeches that year alone to PRSA chapters and PRSSA student chapters. His ability to tailor the message to an audience was legendary. He will be remembered as a leader who inspired and motivated practitioners to go out, try again, do better. For 25 years he edited pr reporter, a publication that tackled the tough public relations challenges, and showcased best practices in the field. Weekly, Pat would write from the road, until the wee hours, to help bring readers a clearer view of the changing world of public relations. On the occasion of Pat’s 50th year in the profession (in 1997), practitioners from all over wrote to thank Pat for his contributions: "Outrageous, perceptive, challenging - that’s Pat Jackson. Thanks to your dedication, persistence and countless contributions to public relations the field is enormously better off than it would have been without your efforts." Doug Newsom "As the profession’s grand panjandrum and guru, have you come up with the answer to that ultimate, burning, eternal question which strikes terror in the hearts of PRSA leaders, “What do I get for my PRSA dues? I have. You get to know and learn from Pat Jackson." Joe Awad "I admire the quality of the mind that has caused all of us in the profession, often kicking and screaming, to have to think at new and sometimes uncomfortable levels about what we do and how we ought to do it." Ron Rhody "A pathfinder and seminarian who has never had an equal during all my years in the calling." Allen Center "Your idealism has provided guidance in understanding the value and mission of public relations to literally thousands of students and young professionals and hundreds of educators. Most importantly, you have been a true friend of education, an exemplary professional, and a visionary and missionary for the profession and we thank you for it." Mel Sharpe We at Jackson Jackson & Wagner are committed to continuing the journey Pat started. We hope you will join us. |
Patrick
Jackson: A Visionary In The Profession Of Public Relations
