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!

The Anne Klein We Knew And Loved . . .

Chris Lukach, CEO of AKCG Public Relations Counselors has recounted his vivid memories of the redoubtable Anne Sceia Klein, the founder of his firm and one of the legends of our profession who recently passed away:

Since her passing, I’ve been thinking a lot about Anne Sceia Klein, my boss, turned business partner, turned predecessor. The little moments, mostly.

I remember Anne’s office arrival routine. In those days, AKCG’s headquarters was one long hallway, and Anne would arrive carrying in each hand a canvas bag of work papers she took home with the intention of going through the night before. She’d stop at every employee’s office, chatting about the previous night’s event, what was happening with clients, or the latest episode of 24. It was a marathon, and by the time she made it to her office – strategically placed furthest from the front door – it was time to turn back around to head to her lunch.

She was a connector in its most extreme form, and her connection-making knew no geographic or familial bounds. If you worked for her for a week, you could name three of her cousins.

At an event, Anne knew everybody, but she always re-introduced herself just in case they couldn’t place her at that particular moment.

She stayed at networking events and banquets so long that the caterers would offer her the centerpieces to take home.

She taught dining-etiquette workshops but stuck her finger in every birthday cake that passed in front of her gaze.

In 2008, she came to Melissa’s and my wedding (pictured) and somehow ended up trading email addresses with the winery-appointed officiant. And no one who knew her was surprised.

She had a wicked memory. She laughed a lot. She didn’t take shit.

Professionally, she achieved quite a bit, but, more importantly, she did what she wanted to do the way she wanted to do it, and that’s admirable.

We had bumps, as you’d expect with two strong personalities navigating a transition, but I’ll always be grateful to her and Jerry Klein for seeing in me and Mike Gross what we might not otherwise have seen in ourselves.

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

From The Philadelphia Public Relations Association

 

Marking The Passing Of A Remarkable Pro . . .

A 75th Jubilee That Topped All Others; Hooray, PPRA!

Had a great time last night with my PPRA buds (and some local celebs, too) at the Philadelphia Public Relations Association's 75th anniversary jubilee at the Bellevue -- an incredibly festive night with friends including Mark Tarasiewicz,  Bonnie Squires, Jeff Jubelirer, Jesse Cute, Rosemary Rys, Joanne Calabria, Michael Cavacini, Gina Furia Rubel, Cecily Tynan, Ukee Washington, C. A. Rhodes, the Phillie Phanatic, Governor Ed Rendell HughE Dillon and so many others. What a wonderful night it was -- so warm, festive, and full of joyous fun with people I cherish and have been honored to call colleagues over so many years.
Thank you PPRA President Deirdre Childress Hopkins and the great event committee for  one of the most memorable evenings ever!

WOW! Don't Miss This Stellar Diamond Jubilee!

Join PPRA members, valued media partners, special guests, friends and colleagues for a night of celebration.  We are excited to welcome special guests,  including members of the media and legacy PR professionals. The Philadelphia Public Relations Association  was founded in 1945 by a group of PR professionals passionate about representing the city and engaging with the community. As one of the country's oldest and largest private public relations associations, PPRA prides itself in an unparalleled connection to trends and growth in our region.  PPRA is the premier organization for communications professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area. A highly engaged, local community, PPRA gives back to-and takes great pride in the region that we serve. Our nearly 300 members are dedicated, trusted professionals who seek and inspire excellence while representing a diverse cross section of the area's leading businesses, agencies and non-profit organizations. For the past 75 years,  PPRA has engaged with our city's decision makers, advocated on issues impacting our profession, and celebrated the influencers and ideas that make our region great. We look forward to continuing this legacy and staying true to our roots while embracing this ever-changing industry.  Philadelphia Public Relations Association | info@ppra.net 215-557-9865 | PPRA.net  See what's happening on our social sites:

A Diamond Jubilee With Great Fun For All!

COME PARTY WITH PPRA!   We are celebrating 75 years as a driving force in Philadelphia's communications industry with a gala on January 16. Join us as we go back to the Bellevue, where PPRA was founded in 1945. Whether you've been a member for decades or are new to the organization, we want to celebrate with you. Our 75th Anniversary Jubilee will include: A DJ and dancing An open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres Toasts to PPRA from some of our longest tenured members and friends from local news outlets A night of fun with friends, colleagues, members of the media, and Philadelphia changemakers Please come dressed to impress in cocktail attire. Feel free to bring a guest!    Date: Thursday, January 16, 2020 Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Location: Rose Garden Ballroom, The Bellevue Hotel, 200 S. Broad St, Philadelphia   Registration Fee: $100        Since 1945, PPRA has engaged with our city's decision makers, advocated on issues impacting our profession, and celebrated the influencers and ideas that make our region great. We look forward to continuing this legacy and staying true to our roots while embracing this ever-changing industry.   Special guests to be announced and more fun details coming soon! Philadelphia Public Relations Association |   info@ppra.net  215-557-9865 |   PPRA.net  See what's happening on our social sites:

A Philly PR Guru Reveals Life Lessons Learned!

Philadelphia Public Relations Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Jubelirer talks about growing up in a fishbowl, making your way in the big city, adhering to high standards and reaping the priceless rewards of giving back during this revealing discussion with Dan Cirucci on RVN-TV's The Advocates. Watch it now!

Now: Get Ready For The REAL Back Story!

Get Ready for the REAL Back Story!    "From Celebration to Crisis - And Back Again with Four PPRA Hall of Fame Members " Hear Four Crazy PR Stories and  the Lessons Learned!  Click here to register! Tuesday, November 13, 2018 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Maggiano's Little Italy 1201 Filbert St. Philadelphia, PA 19107   Registration Fee:  $49 for PPRA Members, $69 for Non-Members.   Includes family-style lunch.   Join us next Tuesday, November 13th as four PPRA Hall of Famers reveal never-told-before-stories about some of their biggest projects from planning the Eagles Super Bowl celebration on the shortest timeline ever to handling media relations for a same sex wedding amid death threats and bomb scares.  Your new product suspected of causing a fire in your customers' homes? We got it handled.  One of the country's top restaurants infested with little creatures?  Don't put up the out of business sign yet.  These four pros are telling it all and who better to pull it out of them than CBS 3's Jim Donovan who has chased down many a spokesperson in his career.  PANELISTS David Brown Assistant Professor of Instruction at Temple University's Klein College of Media and Communication Cathy   Engel Menendez, APR   Jeff Jubelirer  Vice President, Bellevue Communications Ike Richman President, Ike Richman Communications Moderated by Jim Donovan, CBS3 This program is being sponsored by Philadelphia Public Relations Association | info@ppra.net 215-557-9865 | PPRA.net See what's happening on our social sites:

Four Stars Tell Stories To Five-Star Moderator, 11/13!

CBS 3 TV news anchor Jim Donovan will moderate this all-star panel on Tuesday, November 13!

From Celebration to Crisis - And Back Again with Four PPRA Hall of Fame Members

At this special Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) program, four of our PPRA Hall of Famers will reveal the back stories of some of their biggest projects and the obstacles they overcame to pull them off. 

Moderated by CBS 3 anchor Jim Donovan, this lively discussion will cover case studies from crisis management for high-profile clients to celebrations such as the recent Philadelphia Eagles Championship Parade. Family-style lunch is included with registration.

Panelists:

• David Brown, Assistant Professor of Instruction at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication
• Cathy Engel Menendez, APR
• Jeff Jubelirer, Vice President, Bellevue Communications
• Ike Richman, President, Ike Richman Communications

Click here to download a printable registration form.

Cancellations will be accepted in writing by November 9, 2018.
No Refunds after November 9, 2018. No-shows will be billed.

• When
  13 Nov 2018
• 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
• Location
  Maggiano's Little Italy, 1201 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Registered
  12 registrants

REGISTRATION

• Non-Member Registration Fee – $69.00
• PPRA Member Registration Fee – $49.00
• Student Registration Fee – $35.00

At this special progr