Female PR success story: Ms Margery Kraus

Today, I am going to introduce a female PR success story. Margery Kraus, President and CEO who, specializes in public affairs, communications and business consulting for major multinationals.

Ms. Kraus founded APCO in 1984 and has transformed it from a company with one small Washington office to a multinational consulting firm. Today, APCO is an independent, multinational consultancy with 24 offices and 400 employees worldwide. The agency boasts an internship programme that is widely recognized as one of the finest developers of future PR leaders. APCO also ranks among the nation's premier public affairs and strategic communications firms, with 2004 revenues of about $55 million.

Ms. Kraus’ achievements have been recognized through a number of prestigious awards, including PR Professional of the Year (PR Week, 2005), International PR Professional of the Year (PR Week, 2001).Ms. Kraus was also named one of the 25 “Top Women Business Builders” (Fast Company, 2005) and one of 50 “Women Who Mean Business” (Washington Business Journal, 2004). In addition, APCO was named Public Affairs Agency of the Year (The Holmes Report, 2004) and International Agency of the Year (The Holmes Report, 2003).

"This one move epitomizes what a brilliant businesswoman and communicator Margery is," said one judge. "She gave her senior staffers a stake in the company, which is obviously great for business, but she was also telling them how much she valued them."

Furthermore, Ms. Kraus has authored numerous articles in the field of public affairs management, corporate reputation and has been a guest lecturer throughout the world. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts in Political Science and Public Law from American University.