LeAnne DeFrancesco has been at Vanguard for seven years and is the Editorial Director.
VC Editorial Director LeAnne DeFrancesco
Vanguard celebrated its 25th anniversary this year; in one word describe:
The PR industry today: Dynamic
The PR industry in 2037: Revolutionary
In one word describe:
Yourself: Social
Your work style: Collaborative
Your legacy: Diplomacy
Finish the following sentences:
What excites me the most about the future of public relations is … it seems there are more and more people doing it to advance social issues. I can’t wait to see what the next generation of PR professionals is going to do for our world.
To me, innovation is … imagination brought to bear on reality.
I knew I wanted to work in public relations when … I realized the range of communications disciplines it encompasses. Events, materials, media, advertising — such a creative portfolio can only be found in PR!
The communicator who inspires me is … Herschel Walker. He courageously released a book several years ago revealing his behavioral health disorder — not a popular topic among his peer athletes and the fans who worship them. He never turns down an opportunity to speak on Capitol Hill or on television to advocate for programs that support a young person’s body and mind. He is an incredible role model for children and adults.
My advice for future communicators for social change is … advocate for your passions but don’t fall in love with them simply because they are yours. It’s a big, wonderful world full of diverse people and perspectives, so keep an open mind.
If I didn’t work in public relations I would … work in education. There is a wonderful energy in every school, and I love that the education system can change how a young person perceives their world and their possibilities.
I want to be remembered at Vanguard for … grace under pressure and creative writing.
Most people at Vanguard don’t know this, but I … am an 80s music fanatic (particularly Brit pop). To me, there’s no sweeter sound than hearing Morrissey wail away on “Well I Wonder” or listening to Depeche Mode’s “Everything Counts.” I’m also a bit of a savant with movie lines.
