What do Elon Musk, Peloton, the Oscars and Six Flags have in common? While making headlines, they also made some of the top PR stories in 2022. Brothers Chad and Joe McLeod are the hosts of On Message, a podcast featuring communication tips for leaders, trends and insights into the public relations industry, and the best stories in PR and communications. In this session, Chad and Joe will walk through some of their favorite PR stories covered on the podcast this year. They will discuss the key lessons and principles that stood out the most and share takeaways to help PR pros at every level.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Doors Open at 8:00 am for Networking | Program Begins at 8:30 am
My Office & More, Downtown Lakeland or Virtual Option via Zoom

The Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter meetings take place the third Wednesday of the month. Networking begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by announcements and then our program at 8:30 a.m.

Chad McLeod, APR, CPRC
The owner and principal of McLeod Communications, Chad and his firm are known for their ability to take complex issues and create simple messages that connect with people. With more than 15 years in the PR industry, Chad is a seasoned communications veteran with expertise in issues management, crisis communications, media relations and communications strategy. From Fortune 500 brands to local nonprofits, Chad has worked with clients in multiple industries — providing fresh insights, creative ideas and solutions to their most challenging public issues.

He spent the early years of his communications career working in multiple roles for U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, where he developed a passion for political communications and messaging.

Chad is Accredited in Public Relations (APR), a Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC), past president of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, and a former member of the FPRA State Executive Committee. A fluent Spanish-speaker who lived in Venezuela in college, he often assists clients with Spanish-language outreach and media interviews. Chad and his wife, Erin, live in Lakeland, Florida, with their three children. He is in his first term as a Lakeland City Commissioner.

Joe McLeod
Joe has more than 17 years of public relations and marketing experience. He has worked with organizations on PR strategies, social media campaigns, reputation management, storytelling concepts and more. Joe is often called on as a go-to copywriter for companies who need compelling messages that address challenging issues.

A regular op-ed writer, his columns – both personal and on behalf of clients – have appeared in major national and state publications, including the Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, Tampa Bay Times, Palm Beach, Orlando Sentinel and PR Daily.

Joe is currently the director of public relations at One More Child. He served as managing partner for McLeod Communications, overseeing corporate training and workshops. He has taught communication courses at Southeastern University, Keiser University and Polk State College.

Joe is a past president of the Dick Pope/Polk County chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. He is military veteran who served 8 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. Joe and his wife, Rebekah, live in Lakeland with their two sons and foster daughter. He serves as an elder and teacher at the Rock Community Church.