New officers announced at PRGN October Conference in New York City as the PR industry faces rapid shifts

NEW YORK / BRUSSELS / LONDON – The Public Relations Global Network (PRGN), one of the world’s largest groups of independent public relations agencies, has elected its 2027 president and president-elect at the Network’s biannual member meeting and conference in New York City, on October 21-23, 2026. 

Bill Southard, President and CEO of Southard Communications in New York, will serve as the Network’s 35th president, beginning January 1, 2027. Southard succeeds Frédéric François, Managing Partner of Two cents in Belgium and the Netherlands, who served as PRGN’s President from October 2025 to December 2026. François will assume the duties of Immediate Past-President and chair of PRGN’s Advisory Board in January 2027.

The new leadership comes into office as the public relations industry continues to face rapid shifts in digital tools, artificial intelligence (AI), and people’s trust in media and brands. PRGN’s global leadership team will guide more than 900 professionals in over 60 locations as they help clients adapt to these changes.

Natalie Ghidotti, CEO of Ghidotti, PRGN’s member agency in Little Rock, Arkansas, will serve as president-elect. Chuck Norman, President of S&A Communications in Raleigh, North Carolina has been appointed Regional Vice President of  PRGN’s North American group of agencies.

Bill Southard

“It’s an honor to step into the footsteps of my colleagues from all over the world who have served in the president’s seat at PRGN. I will focus on continuing to implement PRGN’s strategic plan that focuses on more visibility for the Network, new business opportunities for its member agencies and a strategic focus on new member recruitment in key regions,” Southard said. “As the Network will turn 35 years old in 2027, we will recognize this milestone with a campaign to increase visibility, the launch of our third annual Influence Insights survey and engage in internal programs that further strengthen the PRGN culture that has thrived for more than three decades among its members.”

Frédéric François

Under François’s leadership, PRGN has grown and adapted with a strong focus on AI and digital tools and sharing insights about fake news and misinformation. Since October 2025, François has initiated three internal task forces, strengthening member agencies’ preparedness in AI and digital services and fighting misinformation. Five new practice groups have been launched to support member agencies active in aviation, healthcare, public affairs, technology and tourism to promote their expertise and better represent themselves in international new business opportunities. PRGN has created a new region comprised of members in Latin and South America, where its membership base continues to expand.  Under François’s presidency, six new agencies have joined PRGN as members.

PRGN’s twice-yearly conferences are key times for members to set strategy, develop services, and share best practices. The New York conference was attended by more than 80 delegates representing 45 member agencies. Keynote speakers including Paul Holmes, Founder of PRovoke, and Kim Sample, President of the PR Council, as well as representatives of M&A advisors TobinLeff and legal firm Davis+Gilbert, who all shared their insights and predictions about where the PR and communications business is headed in the foreseeable future.

About PRGN:

Founded in 1992, the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) is one of the world’s largest international networks of independent public relations and communications agencies, with approximately 900 professionals in more than 60 locations globally. PRGN members are independent, local, owner-operated public relations and marketing communications firms that share expertise and resources while providing broad-based, comprehensive communications strategies to clients worldwide.

Companies or organizations interested in the services of PRGN’s worldwide agency network can visit its Agency Directory section for more information.

Independent agencies interested in joining the network can visit the member recruitment section of the PRGN website for more information.