Pam Jenkins

President, Global Public Affairs
Head of Practice and Sector Integration
North America

President, Weber Shandwick South

Weber Shandwick

Washington, DC

Hometown: Shaker Heights, Ohio

“We all want work environments and cultures that meet our emotional needs, that allow for meaningful connections, that respect and reflect employee individuality and that inspire us to do our best work."

Professionally, Pam Jenkins has been in the thick of the Covid pandemic over the last 18 months, counseling key organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as co-leading Weber Shandwick’s own Covid task force. A leading public health and public affairs expert, Jenkins was instrumental in the success of the unit’s work with more than 300 clients on pandemic-related challenges. That group has since morphed into the Covid-19 Vaccine Task Force, which Jenkins created to help companies prepare for reentry and communicate with their stakeholders about vaccines.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of two related accomplishments: Leading the growth of Powell Tate into a public affairs powerhouse; and building a best-in-class public health practice at Weber Shandwick supporting federal, state and local health agencies. Of note, we’ve led the integrated marketing campaign to enroll millions of uninsured Americans in Healthcare.gov for almost nine years.

We're at a pivotal moment on the future of the office and how we work. How would like to see 'office/work culture' evolve?
Work culture is evolving more quickly than I’ve seen in my 30-year career. We all want work environments and cultures that meet our emotional needs, that allow for meaningful connections, that respect and reflect employee individuality and that inspire us to do our best work. I’m excited about the hybrid model of working that balances the experience of in-person interaction with the convenience and comfort of our home spaces. I’ve come to love working with my dog, Molly, at my side.

How can the PR industry make real progress in diversity, inclusion and equity?
I don't know about the entire industry -- but each of us can drive and support change in our own organizations. Nurture diverse talent already on our teams; relentlessly show the benefits of a diverse workforce; support diverse vendors; show zero tolerance for micro aggression, regularly analyze salaries, comp, and promos to eliminate bias/ensure equity; create communications/content that reflect the diversity of our societies; and publicly report our progress in hiring.

What makes you most excited or proud to be part of the PR industry?
I love that our craft can bring people together. We tackle social problems, we inspire, excite, inform, and delight.

What are your fears/concerns for our industry?
No fears, but recognize we need to keep attracting the top creatives, analysts, strategists and innovators to continue to compete (and lead) in the crowded marketing services arena.

What inspires you? This could be a person, place, activity, etc.
I'm inspired —and excited— by foods, by unexpected flavors, by occasional triumphs in the kitchen, by imagining what's possible when I flip through NYT Cooking recipes. And am inspired by the people who are really, really, good at the art and science of cooking.

What are you thinking about most these days?
Our screwed up politics, sadly.

What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness = Time. Time to drink wine with friends; hang out with my kids; run with my dogs; join in a brainstorming; read a long book.

Pam Jenkins

President, Global Public Affairs
Head of Practice and Sector Integration
North America

President, Weber Shandwick South

Weber Shandwick

Washington, DC

Hometown: Shaker Heights, Ohio

“We all want work environments and cultures that meet our emotional needs, that allow for meaningful connections, that respect and reflect employee individuality and that inspire us to do our best work."

NA Summit & SABRE Awards 2024

NA Summit & SABRE Awards 2024

Enter the 2024 South Asia, LAtam, and APAC SABRE Awards

Enter the 2024 South Asia, LAtam, and APAC SABRE Awards

EMEA Summit & SABRE Awards 2024

EMEA Summit & SABRE Awards 2024

Pam Jenkins

President, Global Public Affairs Head of Practice and Sector IntegrationNorth America President, Weber Shandwick South Weber Shandwick Washington, DC Hometown: Shaker Heights, Ohio

“We all want work environments and cultures that meet our emotional needs, that allow for meaningful connections, that respect and reflect employee individuality and that inspire us to do our best work."

NA Summit & SABRE Awards 2024

NA Summit & SABRE Awards 2024

Enter the 2024 South Asia, LAtam, and APAC SABRE Awards

Enter the 2024 South Asia, LAtam, and APAC SABRE Awards

EMEA Summit & SABRE Awards 2024

EMEA Summit & SABRE Awards 2024

President, Global Public Affairs
Head of Practice and Sector Integration
North America

President, Weber Shandwick South

Weber Shandwick

Washington, DC

Hometown: Shaker Heights, Ohio