Charles Ryan Associates’ (CRA) CEO Susan Hellems Lavenski, was inducted into the Marshall University W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SOJMC) Hall of Fame last week.
Marshall University’s SOJMC recognizes outstanding graduates who have contributed to journalism and mass communications as a profession and made a contribution to the profession of journalism having a positive impact on the industry. The inductees have also contributed to the Marshall University SOJMC, either through talent, treasure or activity, making an outstanding impact upon the school.
The Hall of Fame was established in the 1970s and currently has 53 people enshrined.
“Taking time to reflect on the successes of our graduates is a highlight of the year,” said Janet Dooley, associate dean of the College of Arts and Media and SOJMC director. “It’s rewarding to note how many have achieved national prominence and to recognize those who have achieved distinction in this region. They have made worthy contributions to the field of journalism and mass communications, and we are indeed fortunate to count this year’s induction class among our alums.”
Lavenski is the CEO and one of the owners of CRA, the state’s oldest and largest communications firm, and it is also one of the region’s largest women-owned communications firms. CRA is headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia and has an office in Richmond, Virginia. The firm has 35 employees.
Lavenski is an expert in issues management and has spearheaded the communications efforts for multimillion dollar statewide transportation campaigns, utility expansion projects, controversial elections and health care certificates of need. She has provided strategy for Fortune 500 businesses and worked with local, regional and national public figures, media representatives and business executives. Her work has produced results that garnered statewide, national and international coverage for her clients.
She has worked at CRA for 19 years. She is a graduate of Marshall University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations journalism and a Master of Arts degree in political science with a concentration in public administration.
Lavenski is a native of Lewisburg, West Virginia, where her parents, Benny and Dottie Hellems, and sister, Julie Roberts, still reside. She is a 1988 graduate of Greenbrier East High School.
CRA is one of the largest women-owned communications firms in the Mid-Atlantic regions. The firm has been in business for 43 years and is known for its exceptional work by creating brand communications through a blend of advertising, public relations, digital and social media strategies. For more information about CRA, visit www.charlesryan.com.