CIPR Presidency - a tough but clear choice

As I know only too well from my time at the helm, the CIPR went through some challenging times in recent years.

I'm therefore pleased to see the Institute not just surviving but emerging as a progressive force once more - staying in front of the game with its Social Summer events, creating a genuinely useful member interaction tool in The Conversation and now tackling its membership grades to be both more inclusive and transparent.

I believe I played my own part in enabling these changes and helped lay the platform for the work of successive presidents Jay O'Connor, Paul Mylrea and - next year's incumbent - Sally Sykes. I worked very closely with all three of those people during some very tough re-structuring and reforms of the Institute and have the utmost respect for the way they have acted both individually and as an "officer" team.

However, CIPR members now face the difficult task of choosing the 2012 President-Elect from three more very worthy and able candidates.

I know all three candidates very well - and they would all bring clear qualities to the post of President in 2013. But I only have one vote. And that vote will go to Rob Brown.

History teaches us many things, but the importance of moving forward is a valuable lesson in life, in business and - I dare say - in the office of CIPR President.

Both Lionel Zetter and Sue Wolstenholme are talented and committed professionals who are a credit to the Institute. However, I feel the most progressive candidate, and the one best able to continue the upward path is Rob Brown.

For me, Rob ticks many boxes. A modern PR Professional who is at the forefront of the integration of social media in the way we work, an able commentator across a wide range of issues, and a successful businessman able to cut through clutter to get to the heart of the matter.

The Institute still faces challenges but is emerging stronger thanks to the efforts and leadership of CEO Jane Wilson and her team; a highly focused Executive Board and a supportive but challenging Council. I firmly believe that Rob Brown would be the right President to continue uniting that group and driving the CIPR on an upward, progressive, path.

One final thing. If you are eligible, please do vote, and if you are not eligible, please do join! However, whether you agree with my thoughts or not, please vote for the candidate of your choice. Information about how to cast your vote was sent to members on October 17. The poll closes next month.