Notice of AGM
To all voting members of the Canadian Public Relations Society Nova Scotia: you are hereby notified of the Annual General Meeting taking place in person on May 27, 2026 in the evening in Halifax.
Time, agenda, minutes, Nominating Committee report and other details are forthcoming by email according to the requirements of our Bylaws.
Call for Nominations
Nominations for the CPRS NS 2026/2027 Board of Directors are now open. You must be a voting member in good standing of the CPRS Nova Scotia Society.
CPRS NS is a working Board representing the needs of members, planning & implementing programs and events that deliver value to our members, and supporting priorities of CPRS National.
If you are interested in being active in the local communications community and giving back, please email your interest to cprsnovascotia@gmail.com by April 17, 2026.
The Board will be elected at our AGM planned for May 27, 2026.
A Tribute to Dr. Roselle Green, APR, LM
From her fellow CPRS Life Members
Mary Barker, APR, FCPRS, LM
Len Canfield, APR, LM
Merle Emms, APR, LM
The Canadian Public Relations Society, both nationally and locally, has lost a valued long time member when Roselle Green died last week (March 5th) in Halifax at the age of 97. She led an active life and had continuing interest in her profession until a brief illness overtook her at the beginning of this year.
It is often difficult to describe the life of a consummate PR practitioner who contributed so much to her field and to her community, but from an early age it was evident that Roselle was destined to become a remarkable woman. A native of Saskatchewan and daughter of Jewish Russian immigrants who came to Canada early last century, she was one of only two women admitted to Dalhousie University Law School in 1947. While there she met the love of her life, Dr. Saul Green, and left her studies to marry him and raise their four children in Halifax, where she and Saul were founding members of Shaar Shalom Synagogue.
In the 1960s, she began part-time studies with an insatiable appetite for learning that led to a Diploma of Journalism from the University of King’s College (1965), and later to a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Diploma in Public Administration from Dalhousie University. Even in her 90s, Roselle continued her commitment to life-long learning by taking university courses and studying violin.
She began her PR career in the ‘60s in the Information Office at Dalhousie University, and subsequently set up her own PR consulting agency in Halifax. From the outset, she became involved locally with her professional association, APRS. The formation of the Atlantic Public Relations Society in 1957 (later to become CPRS-NS in 1977) set the stage for a greater understanding and professional development of PR practice in the region. While APRS grew in the 1960s there were few female members, until the late Helena Whyte and Roselle were warmly welcomed and joined the Society. Roselle brought an academic and research-based approach to advancing the role and activities of APRS and contributed significantly to expanding its professional development program. Roselle was the first woman member of APRS to be awarded the accredited APR designation, 1971-72.
That same approach of Roselle’s was evident when, in 1985, she wrote a working document for CPRS national entitled “Putting Needs Analysis to work in 1985 and Beyond”. This was an important contribution to the body of knowledge for the practice of public relations in Canada. For her work, Roselle was awarded the President’s Medal in 1987, which referenced her “distinguished and dedicated service to the Society”.
Roselle was honoured for her contributions many times over the years. APRS gave her the Lawrence J. Doucet Award in 1970-71 for her work as chair of a program that featured six lunchtime case studies. Over the years, her spirit of caring and giving also came through by hosting PD planning sessions in her home, complete with treats, as those who attended recalled. CPRS-NS made her a Life Member, and she received the Progress Club Award of Excellence in Communications and Public Affairs.
After her husband died and as a memorial to him, Roselle created an annual lecture series, in partnership with Shaar Shalom Synagogue, to explore aspects of Judaism, medicine, and humanitarianism. These presentations are held at the University of King’s College, and the university inducted her into the Order of the Ancient Commoner in 2014, and in 2015 awarder her a Doctor of Civil Law (Honoris Causa) degree for her lifelong contributions to learning, communications and community.
Those who have been privileged enough to call her friend and colleague will miss her greatly, and our own PR society has lost a long time supporter and Life Member.
Special Recognition: Shelley Murphy
At our Annual General Meeting on May 21, 2025, we celebrated Shelley Murphy with a special recognition award for her incredible impact in the public relations field.
Shelley recently retired from her role as faculty and program lead for the public relations program at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). Over the last 19 years, she has dedicated much of her professional and personal life to building the program.
Shelley has a long and distinguished career in public relations, including roles at the IWK Health Centre, Mayo Clinic, Maritime Life, and as an independent consultant. Throughout her career at NSCC, Shelley mentored hundreds of public relations students, staying in touch with many long after graduating. She encouraged students to join the IABC and CPRS boards as student board representatives and always emphasized the importance of supporting the industry.
Through hard work and dedication, Shelley built the reputation of the public relations program brick by brick. The program is well-respected among employers, and the graduates are thriving in all facets of public relations locally, nationally, and internationally. In retirement, Shelley still accepts “coffee dates” with students, peers, and employers alike, offering general communications advice, career guidance and often life advice.
Shelley, thank you for your lasting impact on our field. We hope you have a fantastic retirement – and some more coffee dates in the future!
Pictured L to R are: Sarah Manley Robertson, President; Shelley Murphy; Alison MacDonald, Member; Allison Currie, Former Board Member.
Master’s student Dina Sallam receives 2025 CPRS Nova Scotia Student Award
HALIFAX, May. 22, 2025— The Canadian Public Relations Society Nova Scotia (CPRS-NS) proudly recognized Dina Sallam as the recipient of the 2025 CPRS Nova Scotia Student Award. Sponsored by Prospect Strategies Ltd., the award was presented May 21, at the CPRS-NS Annual General Meeting in Dartmouth.
Dina Sallam is a Master of Public Relations student at Mount Saint Vincent University, in Halifax. Originally from Egypt, she brings a unique blend of global experience and strategic insight to the field of public relations (PR). Before pivoting to public relations, Dina built a career of more than 10 years in logistics, international trade and customer success, holding roles at global organizations across continents and sectors.
“I chose PR and communications as my future career and area of study because I enjoy learning new things, especially about human experiences,” explained Dina in her application for the award. “What excites me the most about PR are the dynamism, the opportunity to tell stories and the idea of being a bridge between an organization and its audiences.”
Dina’s transition to public relations reflects her passion for strategic communications, storytelling and relationship building. She is dedicated to applying her diverse background to the communications field and is committed to making a meaningful contribution through both academic and professional excellence.
“By offering this award, we aim to encourage emerging practitioners and remind them that our profession thrives on fresh ideas and perspectives,” said Dawn Delaney, CPRS-NS Awards Chair. “Dina’s application stood out for her thoughtful articulation of what public relations means to her, showing a commitment to continuous learning fueled by deep self-awareness and purpose. We are proud to support Dina’s journey.”
The 2025 CPRS Nova Scotia Student Award included a cash prize and mentorship from Prospect Strategies Ltd.
“I sponsored this award because I believe that mentorship creates momentum,” stated Sarah L Manley Robertson, President and Founder of Prospect Strategies Ltd. “Mentors were a critical part of my career path and remain vital even now, as a solo entrepreneur in public relations and communication. I look forward to mentoring Dina and supporting her as she blazes her path in this fascinating and critical field.”
Students enrolled in a post-secondary public relations or corporate communications or related program in Nova Scotia were invited to apply for the 2025 Student Awards earlier this spring.
About Prospect Strategies Ltd.
Prospect Strategies is a corporate, executive, and business communications advisory, founded by Sarah L. Manley Robertson, SCMP®, Prosci®, ABC to collaborate with you in a hands-on approach to helping you tackle your toughest challenges, build sustainable positive workplaces, and elevate leadership effectiveness. Together, we will challenge convention and uncover possibility. As a former corporate executive, Sarah knows what it takes to lead through complexity: whether it’s mergers & acquisitions, culture shifts, crises, or transformation at scale. She’s advised 20+ C-suite leaders across sectors like pharma, healthcare, QSR, and global standards. Behind the scenes, she helps bold leaders cut through the noise, elevate their impact, and communicate with purpose. Learn more at our website: Prospect Strategies.
About CPRS Nova Scotia
CPRS Nova Scotia is a member society of the Canadian Public Relations Society, a non-profit professional society for the public relations profession in Canada. CPRS NS has served public relations practitioners in the province since 1957 and is one of 13 member societies across Canada. For more information about CPRS Nova Scotia, including our activities and events, visit: www.cprsns.com
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For more information, please contact:
Dawn Delaney, CPRS-NS Awards Chair
cprsnovascotia@gmail.com