Hey AMA Pittsburgh family,

As my time as President comes to an end, I can’t help but look back on the amazing journey we’ve been on together. It’s been an honor to serve as your President and lead our organization through some big changes.

When I first took on this role, our main goal was to “reboot” after the pandemic. I’m proud of the great strides we’ve made. After a few years of declining membership due to the pandemic, our membership has grown to all-time high levels, with so many passionate marketers joining us. This is all thanks to your dedication and enthusiasm.

We’ve had some amazing events and programs that have helped us all grow professionally. From inspiring speakers like Robin Landa to interactive workshops through the AMA Momentum program, we’ve given you the tools to succeed in this ever-changing industry. And our networking events have brought us all closer together.

I’m also proud of the partnerships we’ve formed with organizations like PRSA, MPI, Ad Fed, AIGA, and Ad Fed. These alliances have helped us reach more people and create a thriving community for marketers in our region. And our sponsorships with universities have allowed us to impact the next generation of marketers.

One of my favorite accomplishments has been strengthening our relationships with student chapters at universities like the University of Pittsburgh College of Business Administration, Slippery Rock University, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. We’ve bridged the gap between academia and industry and helped prepare aspiring marketers for their future careers.

None of this would have been possible without all of you. I’m so grateful for your support, hard work, and resilience. Together, we’ve secured a bright future for AMA Pittsburgh.

As I pass the torch to our incoming President, Katie Bennett, I know our organization is in good hands. I’ll still be around as Immediate Past President, and I encourage all of you to stay involved and keep growing.

Thank you for an amazing journey filled with accomplishments and memories. I can’t wait to see what’s next for AMA Pittsburgh.

With appreciation,

RJ Thompson, MFA, SMS, CDMP

President, American Marketing Association – Pittsburgh Chapter