By Zoe Flamen

At the Order of the Phoenix meeting on Tuesday, April 7, guests heard from Dr. Joseph V. Trahan III, APR, Fellow PRSA, who is the president and CEO of Trahan and Associates. Dr. Trahan is an expert in media relations, crisis communication, public affairs, and strategic communications, and is also a retired lieutenant colonel who has trained thousands of professionals. He shared that he attended Tulane University on an Army ROTC scholarship at a time when there was no PR program available, but he always had a strong interest in communication. His mother worked as a high school newspaper editor, which helped spark his early connection to storytelling, and he later earned a degree in American military history because he wanted to tell the stories of service members who defend the Constitution.

Throughout his career, he emphasized the importance of public affairs in informing the public and highlighted his passion for teaching and giving back through nonprofit work and mentoring students. He encouraged students to become lifelong learners, stay curious about the world, and continue developing as strong communicators, writers, and relationship builders. He stressed the importance of getting involved in the community, earning accreditation (APR), and “changing your corner of the world” by standing for something and rejecting hate. He also spoke about personal experiences in the military, including handling multiple crises as an Army officer where lives were lost, and a particularly difficult moment when he had to deliver news of a friend’s death, which deeply affected him. He was relieved from duty three times for refusing to lie, reinforcing his belief in honesty and trust. He advised future PR professionals to always tell the truth, build respectful relationships, and understand that trust must be earned. Finally, he reflected on how messaging during crises should provide compassion, stability, and hope that life will return to normal, and said he would tell his younger self to lead with heart and focus on maintaining trust above all else.

Dr. Joseph V. Trahan, III, APR, Fellow PRSA, and 2025 Order of the Phoenix recipient, was the guest of honor at the UGA PRSSA chapter meeeting on April 7, 2026. Georgia Chapter President Lauren Powers and several members of the Georgia chapter were also present. Sydney Brass, UGA PRSSA chapter president, led the fireside chat Q&A with Dr. Joe.
Photo: Sarah E. Freeman