Anne Klein Honored Posthumously By PRSA NJ

Philadelphia Public Relations Association Hall of Fame inductee Anne Sceia Klein was recently honored posthumously with a special Pyramid Award recognizing her lifelong commitment to the profession by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Jersey chapter. 

A native of Hammonton NJ, Anne founded Anne Klein Communications Group (now AKCG) in 1982 and was inducted into the PPRA Hall of Fame in 2006. She passed away earlier this year. To so many of us who knew Anne and were inspired by her generosity, kindness and groundbreaking achievements, her memory remains a cherished blessing!

We Can't Make These Things Up, Folks!

 

A Giving Woman Who Touched So Many Lives . . .

Our dear friend, Anne Sceia Klein was laid to rest today following a beautiful mass and memorial service in her home town of Hammonton, NJ. We've already written extensively about Anne but here are some heartfelt memories (as posted on LinkedIn) from Kim Nissen, a young woman who was mentored by Anne:

It’s times like this when words escape me. How do I begin to pay adequate tribute to such an influential person? I’ll try my best.

“ASK” was my first boss out of college. We met during my early years at Rowan University. Mentoring students was one of her many passions and our paths crossed often as I was actively involved in the Rowan PRSSA chapter she co-founded as the professional advisor.

I received a gold medallion for professionalism in Anne's name my senior year and she wasted no time recruiting me to work for her crisis and issues comms agency. While I thought I had wanted to take the city by storm doing consumer PR, anyone who knows ASK knows persuasion was among her top talents.

She didn't have to do much convincing though because Anne was a well-known trailblazer in the industry and to work for her was an honor.

Anne was a feminist in the best kind of way, always looking out for the women below her and cheering on others as they broke glass ceilings around her. She saw more in me than I saw in myself at times.

She was tough, but fair. Her standards for quality work and professionalism were incredibly high and she wasn’t afraid to let you know when you fell short of meeting them. But it was always constructive feedback for improvement and those standards stuck with me long after I left the firm to pursue my career in-house.

Anne was a fan of "work hard, play hard." She was incredibly charitable and generous with her time, and particularly fond of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women efforts.

But most of all, I'll always remember Anne's love of family (given or chosen) and the life lesson she bestowed on me as a young professional to know when it's time to set aside work to focus on what matters most in life.

During the time I worked for Anne, my grandmother was fighting a losing battle with colon cancer. This was before remote work was really a thing, but she allowed it to be so that I could spend more time with my grandmother during her final days.

It also is quite a coincidence that Anne shares my grandmother's birthday and this date randomly came up in a conversation with my mom just before I learned the news of Anne's death. A wink from heaven? I like to think so.

Thanks for all of the life lessons, ASK. You will be missed.💖

With Old School Values, She Charted New Paths!

A beloved friend and colleague passed away this week. Anne Sceia Klein, a trailblazing entrepreneur and legendary public relations executive founded her own form and made her mark both in the Philadelphia region and throughout the world. Indeed, Anne was not only a world traveler but also one of the first to recognize the global power of marketing and PR, building connections and attracting clients worldwide. 

It was all part of the breathtaking journey of a woman who was born in Philadelphia, raised in the small rural community of Hammonton, NJ ("The Blueberry Capital of the World") and went on to become one of the earliest women graduates of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. 

Anne started her career in marketing at a predecessor of SEPTA, the Southeast Pensylvania Transportation Authority. In January 1982, she founded  Anne Klein & Associates. Three years later, her husband, attorney Gerhart "Jerry" Klein joined the firm as Executive Vice President, general counsel and chief technology officer. Together, Anne and Jerry built a renowned agency (later rebranded as AKCG) focused on expert strategic planning, crisis and issues communications and community outreach.

Anne was part of a relatively small but fiercely determined generation of women executives who succeeded against all odds, sometimes, it seemed, through sheer force of will. She was a keen business competitor but also a generous mentor who shared her time, treasure and talent with countless others, particularly other women who sought her help and guidance.

Anne was savvy, funny, shrewd, worldly, perceptive and a quick study. She did not suffer fools gladly, nor did she mince words. But if she detected a spark of creativity or talent in you, along with the willingness to plow ahead, she was on your side and would help you. And, make no mistake about it, she was the kind of person you definately wanted on your side. 

Over the years, Anne collected many accolades including induction into the Philadelphia Public Relations Hall of Fame and Philadelphia Business Journal's Woman of Distinction honor as well as being named one of New Jersey's 50 Best Women in Business. She also served on the board of numerous charitable organizations and other groups. But none of this made Anne the least bit presumptuous or vain. She remained accessible to all -- curious, welcoming, engaging and always ready to enjoy life with family, friends and colleagues. And we fondly remember so many fun outings with Anne and Jerry to area attractions, restaurants, musical performances, theater, etc. 

One of Anne's proudest and most recent accomplishments was the publication of her book "On the Cusp: The Women of Penn '64", which contains the stories of 19 women who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1964. As was characteristic of Anne, she chose to shine the light not on herself, but on others who made the journey along with her.

Doubtless, what shined through with Anne were the values instilled in her by her parents -- part of her Italian American heritage and the close knit community that nurtured her. Anne Klein did it all -- and she did it con brio!

Relatives and friends are invited to attended Anne’s visitation, Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 9:30-10:45am at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish-St. Joseph Church, corner of French & Third Street Hammonton, NJ 08037. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am. Burial will be held privately.

In kind remembrance of Anne, donations may be made in her memory to CurePSP at https://www.psp.org/.

To leave a condolence, please visit marinellafuneralhome.com

Commencement Address Stands The Test Of Time

Anne Sceia Klein, former president of Anne Klein Communications Group (AKCG), delivered the commencement address at the Masters and Doctoral graduation ceremony at Rowan University on May 12, 2011.
It's a relatively short speech (they're always the best) and it's loaded with genuine feeling, real-life stories and a sincere sense of humanity. Worth watching!

Inspiring Others With Accomplishment, Devotion

Our dear friend, Anne Sceia Klein received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philadelphia chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) on November 14. The award, given only three times in chapter history, recognized Klein’s 50+ years in the public relations profession. Klein also was recognized as a 50-year member of PRSA.

Anne Klein is an absolute inspiration -- a generous, caring, widely-recognized professional and founder of Anne Klein Communications Group, LLC. (AKCG). She has not only played a leading role in the public relations arena for five decades but she continues to be at the top of her game. Anne spent 16 years in the corporate world (including the banking and oil industries) before founding her public relations firm in 1982. As a counselor to top management, she is recognized as an expert in strategic planning, crisis and issues communications and community outreach.

Anne received a B.S. degree in Economics in 1964 from Penn’s Wharton School and received her master’s degree in 1965 from Penn’s Annenberg School of Communication.

Anne has been recognized with numerous awards for her outstanding achievements and contributions to her profession and to business. In 2006, she was inducted into Rowan University’s Public Relations Hall of Fame, and in 2004, Anne was inducted into the Philadelphia Public Relations Association’s Hall of Fame.

Under Anne’s leadership, AKCG won dozens of awards for excellence in public relations. She is the author of chapters in six books and has written dozens of articles for magazines. Anne is a member of the Union League of Philadelphia, is a past chair of the American Heart Association - Central/Southern NJ Board, and services on the Editorial Advisory Board of SJ Magazine.

In 2014, she was selected as a Brava! Award winner by SmartCEO, and in 2012 was named a Woman of Distinction by Philadelphia Business Journal. NJ Biz honored her in 2007 as one of New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business.

Anne is listed Marquis’ Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the Media and Communications, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, and Who’s Who in the World.

Two Philly PR Stars Receive Worthy Honors!

Wow! Big honors this afternoon for Jerry Klein (shown with Anne Klein) and my former student Meredith Avakian-Hardaway at Temple University's Lew Klein Awards in Philadelphia.

Jerry was a top-flight broadcaster before he and Anne became a potent PR duo. Meredith who is Director of Public Relations and Marketing at the Philadelphia Bar Association, is a Rapidly Rising PR Star. 

All three are dear friends and I'm so proud to know them. Plus, Temple's a great place, a shining gem.

Oh, Brian Williams and John Oates were there too.

Lik

Location, Location, Location . . . And Then Some!

Hey, I'm not a real-estate expert but I know something extraordinary when I see it.
Our dear friend Anne Sceia Klein has placed her parents' home (and her family homestead) in nearby Hammonton, NJ up for sale.
If real estate is about location, location, location, this house at 717 Bellevue Avenue has a premier location in one of the most beautiful, most historic towns in South Jersey.
Anne's whole theme in offering this property is "Imagine the possibilities!"
This is an extraordinary, classic executive home -- they really don't build them like this any more.
Eight rooms on the first floor, six more in the basement and a full attic with a built-in cedar closet. Remodeled kitchen with hardwood floors, granite counter tops, double sink and stainless steel appliances (including a hard-to find double oven with ceramic cooktop). Plus a huge spa/exercise/party room (featuring a heated "endless" swimming pool and a wet bar) connected to a large deck overlooking the expansive wooded back. It's also handicapped-accessible, including the oversize master bath with a roll-in double shower, and a hydraulic seat for entering and exiting the pool.
The third bedroom has its own outside entrance, fireplace and private bath, and could serve as a mother/mother-in-law suite, den or home office.
This magnificent home is near the Jersey shore and yet it's also less than an hour from Philadelphia.
And it's in move-in condition!
Click here for photos and all the details!

A Commencement Speech That's Worth Your Time

Anne Sceia Klein, president of Anne Klein Communications Group, delivered the commencement address at the Masters and Doctoral graduation ceremony at Rowan University on May 12, 2011.
It's a relatively short speech (they're always the best) and it's loaded with genuine feeling, real-life stories and a sincere sense of humanity. Worth watching!

Dress Lightly

I hate talking about the weather.

It's really a stupid, boring topic. And there's not much we can do about it anyway.

Plus, you've probably already figured out that I pretty much don't believe in either global warming or climate change Phooey!

But yesterday in Philly the temperature hit 97 and it tied a record, hon! Cheez, it was hot! Felt more like Vegas than Pil'elphia. Know what I mean?

We're expected to get some relief today but it's still hot.

Well, the local TV weathercasters (and Philly has about 357 of 'em) have been yappin and squawkin 'bout the weather like a buncha tropical birds.

Hey, it's not like there aren't places to cool off. For example, I escaped it all by taking a brisk midday walk through the Mall - very comfortable and refreshing, thank you.

And on Monday, a group of us known as the Anne Klein Senior [PR] Counselors Alliance enjoyed a wonderful luncheon/discussion program within the very cool confines of Maggiano's Little Italy. No, I'm not talkin bout that Anne Klein. I'm talking about the legendary PR guru Anne Sceia Klein who founded the Anne Klein Communications Group which is part of Pinnacle worldwide, an international corporation of independent public relations firms with offices in more than 60 major cities throughout the world. Gerry Klein, John Moscatelli and Mike Gross (all of Anne Klein Group) presided over the discussion. Participants included seasoned PR experts (and trusted friends) Susan Baltake and Shirley Bonnem, among others. The temperature was right, the food was good and the compnay was right.

Besides, I learn so much from my colleagues in the profession that no matter how hot the weather, an afternoon with them is always kewel.