Aspiring to pursue what she describes as new adventures, former Director of Public and Media Relations Marsha Pitts-Phillips announced her retirement from Greater Twin Cities United Way capping just over a decade of leadership in communications, public and media relations service with the nonprofit. Her tenure included serving as a strategic communications advisor, and community and organizational counselor.
proclamation as Marsha listens. Credit: (Photo courtesy of Greater Twin Cities United Way)
In front of colleagues, family and friends at her Tuesday May 30th retirement party, she received a proclamation read by Twin Cities Black Journalists chapter president, Maria Reeve, that cited Marsha’s many accomplishments: Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges proclaimed May 30, 2017 as “Marsha Pitts-Phillips Day” for her years of “professionalism in the industry, respected community leadership, grace, kindness and devotion to her family.”
Marsha’s United Way career highlights include securing unprecedented media coverage during the nonprofit’s Centennial year in 2015; leading implementation of the partnership between United Way, the Star Tribune and U.S. Bank for the annual essay contest for elementary school-aged children; the establishment of annual meetings for United Way’s executive leadership with the Pioneer Press and Star Tribune editorial boards; communications collaborations with several Twin Cities organizations and government entities in the aftermaths of the 2007 35W Bridge collapse and the 2011 north Minneapolis Tornado; the annual Minnesota Hunger Initiative’s Walk to End Hunger, the production of the TPT-PBS documentary Nourishing Lives, Ending Hunger and several community relations initiatives.
“Marsha elevated Greater Twin Cities United Way’s profile during her 11 years by contributing insights, providing unwavering support of our organization, and her deep commitment to equity. She was a colleague and a mentor to many. Although her retirement is well-deserved, she will be greatly missed,” said Sarah Caruso, president and CEO of Greater Twin Cities United Way.
In addition to her work at United Way, Marsha’s professional affiliations include the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Minnesota PRSA, the National Association of Black Journalists Media-Related Professionals (NABJ), the local NABJ chapter Twin Cities Black Journalists, and the National Black Public Relations Society. Marsha said she plans to continue her service on the Martha Ripley Memorial Fund Advisory Board and as an Associate Minister at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis; her new adventures include completing a journey she began many years ago — acquiring her Master in Theological and Religious Studies; and securing an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). She also plans to devote more time to her family and her favorite hobby — gardening.
Information provided by the Greater Twin Cities United Way.