In today’s environment, communications professionals are increasingly expected to navigate complex stakeholder expectations, reputation risks, and rapidly evolving conversations around sustainability, social impact, and corporate responsibility. This session will explore how strategic communications and public relations leaders can move beyond messaging to become trusted advisors inside their organizations.

Participants will learn practical approaches for communicating difficult or nuanced topics, building credibility with internal and external audiences, and translating subjective narratives into measurable outcomes. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, attendees will gain tools to strengthen executive influence, align communications with organizational values, and lead with clarity during moments of scrutiny and change.

Ideal for communications, public relations, marketing, and organizational leaders seeking to elevate strategic impact and audience trust.

Presenters:

Jane Keairns
Jane Keairns is director of sustainability and event experience for Principal Financial Group. ® Keairns is focused on partnering with business leaders to ensure the company is capitalizing on opportunities to strategically advance sustainability. She brings a results-oriented approach to advancing the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). Keairns provides leadership for emerging business strategies, including exploring and advancing new commercial and competitively distinct approaches that can intersect with traditional marketing to further distinguish Principal from competitors. Keairns has a strong track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to design innovative solutions that reduce carbon footprints, improve resource efficiency, and promote inclusion. Known for building impactful partnerships and inspiring cultural change, Keairns is committed to leading organizations toward a more sustainable, equitable future Keairns earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Northern Iowa and her master’s degree in integrated corporate communications from Drake University. Keairns earned her accreditation in public relations (APR) in 2002 and certified usability analyst (CUA) designation in 2013. She has served on the Iowa PRSA board for several decades, currently holding the position of Ethics chair / delegate. Keairns is a board member for the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation.

Dawn Buzynski
Dawn Buzynski is an accomplished communications leader at Hy-Vee, where she oversees public relations and community efforts. Dawn has built a successful career with more than 25 years of experience across various organizations in the Midwest, honing her skills in integrated communications, brand storytelling, media relations, community relations and digital marketing.  

A passionate mentor, Dawn is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of public relations professionals. She holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and has spearheaded multiple award-winning initiatives, including receiving a PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence. In recognition of her achievements and contributions to the field, she was named one of the 2024 Top Women in Communications in the Leaders category by Ragan & PR Daily.  

Tickets

$0.00 Member Ticket

$0.00 Non-member ticket

$0.00 Student ticket

$0.00 AMA Iowa Member Ticket