Erickson Senior Living’s Dan Dunne Elected to PRSA College of Fellows

Catonsville, Maryland--Dan Dunne, APR, Director of External Communications for Erickson Living, was elected into the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) College of Fellows for his significant contributions to the public relations profession.
 
Dunne is among 11 new members of the 2018 College of Fellows who will be officially welcomed at a special ceremony and dinner on October 6 in Austin, Texas.

"These 11 College of Fellows inductees exemplify excellence and leadership in our profession. They have each established a lasting legacy through their outstanding service as counselors, mentors and role models," said PRSA 2018 National Chair Anthony W. D'Angelo, APR, Fellow PRSA.  "I congratulate them and hope that their achievements will encourage all members of PRSA and PRSSA to 'aspire higher' in their own careers."

Election to the College, which was created in 1989 as part of an initiative focused on the future of public relations, is considered the pinnacle of a professional's career. Fellows are seen throughout PRSA and the profession serving in Chapter, District, Section and National leadership positions, mentoring students and professionals, and teaching and engaging in professional practice.

To qualify for admittance into the College of Fellows, the public relations practitioner or educator must have at least 20 years of experience, hold the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential and have demonstrated exceptional capability and accomplishment in the practice or teaching of public relations. 

Since 2006, Dunne has led an award-winning team of communicators at Erickson Living, a national developer and manager of continuing care retirement communities.  In his current leadership position, Dunne oversees earned media placement strategy, partners with stakeholders from Erickson Living to create internal & social media platforms, invests in training opportunities and developed a comprehensive crisis communications plan.  

"His expertise and accomplishments make Dan an extraordinary role model for his peers at Erickson Living and those he comes to know within the industry," said Tom Neubauer, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Communications for Erickson Living.  "He truly cares about his co-workers and the residents we serve, underscoring our mission and values. We appreciate PRSA for shining a well-deserved national spotlight on Dan's distinguished career."

Dunne enjoyed a distinguished 28-year federal civil service career with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as a national spokesman and training expert. He worked with national, state and local law enforcement authorities to develop media relations policies and guidelines that are still in practice and being taught today.  

Dunne received the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maryland Chapter of (PRSA) for his decorated career in the national civil service and private sectors.

About Erickson Living: Erickson Living® is a nation-leading developer and manager of continuing care retirement communities. The Erickson Living network currently comprises 19 communities in 11 states, which together are home to more than 24,000 residents who are supported by a team of more than 14,000 employees. Further information regarding Erickson Living is available at EricksonLiving.com.

About the Public Relations Society of America: PRSA is the nation's largest professional organization serving the communications community. The organization's mission is to make communications professionals smarter, better prepared and more connected through all stages of their career. PRSA achieves this by offering its members thought leadership and innovative lifelong learning opportunities to help them develop new skills, enhance their credibility and connect with a strong network of professionals. The organization sets the standards of professional excellence and ethical conduct for the public relations industry. PRSA collectively represents more than 30,000 members consisting of communications professionals spanning every industry sector nationwide and college and university students who encompass the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Learn more about PRSA at www.prsa.org.