John J. Lewis
Vice President of Public Affairs
Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO)
1) Why did you join PRSA?
I had spent most of my career in the financial services industry but made a transition four years ago into healthcare and began my current position in January 2009. I was looking for an organization for healthcare communicators and someone directed me to PRSA's Health Academy.
2) How long have you been in the PR field?
About 12 years and eight as a journalist prior to that.
3) What skills are required to do your job?
Translating complex subjects into easy-to-understand concepts. I think
this is the essence of PR in most contexts, but especially when dealing
with scientific topics and attempting to explain policy positions.
4) What's your greatest career achievement?
I don't focus on one particular shining moment but rather take great
pride in the fact that I have had success in a variety of disciplines
ranging from journalism to corporate communications to investor
relations to running my own agency. Now, for the first time, I am
working in an association environment and really enjoying it.
5) Where would you like to see yourself in five years?
A successful author, relaxing on the beach in Kitty Hawk, NC.
6) How do you begin each day?
Coffee, Morning Joe, Mike & Mike, Washington Post and email.
7) What's your dream job?
Commissioner of the PGA Tour.
8) Who's your role model, and why do you admire him/her?
I had two major professional influences on me. I had a boss who
possesses a really rare ability to be a good businessman and a good
journalist at the same time. I had another colleague who showed me how
PR and advocacy can really be integrated to bring value to a business.
I am still very close to both of them and they are great people in
addition to being very good at what they do.
9) What's the last book you read or movie you saw?
"The Given Day" by Dennis Lehane, an amazing writer. Currently reading
"One Minute to Midnight" about the Cuban missile crisis. A compelling
book.
10) Tips for maintaining the elusive work/life balance?
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