December 2025 PRSA Dallas Letter from the President
Posted by admin on Dec. 3, 2025 / Subscribe 0
Every December we all try to squeeze a year’s worth of work into 20 days. It shouldn’t still surprise me, but I’m a slow learner. As a result, this December blog, which is also the last of my chapter presidency, is the perfect time to put my newfound AI “knowledge” to the test.
‘Tis the season to use Microsoft Copilot to do my work. But please don’t feel cheated out of an original Chris update because I’ll add a reflection at the end analyzing the results. Let’s consider this a test of what AI can do when given my previous 11 blogs in 2025 and prompts to capture my voice and humor, recap an amazing year for our chapter, and inspire all of us ahead of a new year.
Closing the Chapter on an Extraordinary Year
As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible honor it has been to serve as president of PRSA Dallas during such a milestone year. This year wasn’t just another lap around the calendar—it marked the 75th anniversary of our chapter, a testament to the enduring strength and relevance of public relations professionals in North Texas. (And yes, 75 years means we’ve been around longer than most of the platforms we’re trying to master. Looking at you, TikTok.)
Throughout the year, we celebrated this legacy in meaningful ways—from the Pegasus Awards “Diamonds Over Dallas” gala to programs that challenged us to think differently about ethics, AI, and the evolving role of communications. We didn’t just look back; we leaned forward. Our UnSummit 2025 explored how technology and storytelling intersect, and our strategic plan for 2025–2028 set a bold course for advancing learning, building community, and fostering career development. (And yes, I read the whole plan—because nothing says “party” like governance documents.)
For me personally, this role has been a reminder of why PRSA matters. It’s not just about networking or professional development—it’s about community. It’s about lifting each other up during job transitions, sharing hard-earned lessons, and mentoring the next generation. Every conversation, every event, every volunteer hour this year reinforced that truth.
As we turn the page to 2026, I encourage you to carry forward the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defined this anniversary year. The communications landscape will continue to shift—AI integration, trust and transparency, and internal communications are just a few of the trends shaping our profession—but one thing remains constant: our commitment to ethical, strategic, and human-centered communication. (And maybe, just maybe, fewer acronyms. A guy can dream.)
To the incoming leadership team, I offer my full confidence and gratitude. You are inheriting a chapter with deep roots and fresh momentum. To our members, thank you for showing up, speaking out, and occasionally laughing at my jokes. You are the reason PRSA Dallas thrives.
Here’s to the next 75 years—and to each of you who will write its story.
Happy holidays, and see you in 2026!
My Final Thoughts (Yes, this is actually me)
Part of me wanted Copilot to fail, but what it produced is not half bad. The first version it wrote with my original prompts and previous blogs was too formal and over the top with phrases like “sparkled with energy and creativity.”
I countered with directions to capture my sense of humor which resulted in a joke every sentence. Some of them were actually pretty funny (“Pro tip: If you ever feel overwhelmed, just throw out a buzzword like “synergy” and nod confidently. Works every time.”), but it read like two dozen dad jokes strung together.
The third version was a result of asking Copilot to find a balance between the two versions by only using jokes to occasionally lighten the mood. The three versions took about five minutes to produce.
Of course, I would never call the third draft “final,” but for the purposes of this blog, it is. AI is only as good as the information you feed it and the time you take to educate and polish the content.
By the time it would’ve taken me to create a custom GPT to truly capture my voice and understand what I want to say in my final blog, I could’ve written the blog on my own.
While it knew to thank the chapter’s 2025 board, it did not know how greatly I valued the support and leadership of President-Elect Chantal Boeckman, APR. The chapter is going to be in great hands next year with Chantal as president, assuming she isn’t too tired from going above and beyond the past 12 months.
And then there’s the rest of the amazing board: Kim Charles brought creativity and personality to our marketing; Nikki Lopez ensured new perspectives and voices were shared; John Ponzio elevated our chapter’s programming; Greg Miller challenged us to be better financial stewards; Megan O’Brien captured the voice of our chapter and profession; Heath Montgomery injected strategy into our thinking; Chris Smith challenged us all to be better; Aquarius Williams’ passion and wit fueled us; Teresa Wolke ensured new members were welcomed; Angie Champsauer was a cheerleader to us all when we needed it most; Kenn Dixon shared wisdom.
At this point, I really should have written the whole thing myself, but I honestly was lacking the end of year brain power to form thoughts and write words. What started out as a method to cheat… I mean, what was meant as an exercise in AI, turned into a fun hook for my final blog. Go figure.
I’ll still be around next year in the capacity of immediate past president, but in this role my focus will be on supporting Chantal and her vision for the chapter. Until then, I leave you with the wise words of Copilot: “Happy holidays, and see you in 2026!”
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