The UW Department of Communication is proud to announce Rita Brogan (BA, 1972; MA, 1975) as our 2012 Distinguished Alumna. Ms. Brogan will deliver the keynote address at our Graduation Celebration on June 7. The event is a celebration for the family and friends of graduating students. We are honored to have Ms. Brogan address the class of 2012.

Rita is President and Chief Executive Officer of PRR, Inc., a strategic communications and marketing agency founded in 1981 to advance the environment, community and human health. Since purchasing PRR in 1989, she has built the business into a national practice, with corporate offices in Seattle and Washington, D.C. Key to PRR’s success has been its multi-disciplinary approach—merging sound research, incisive strategy, sensitive outreach, and high impact creative services to change minds and behavior. Rita’s ability to synthesize complex information into clear decisions and actions combines with an ability to provide leadership and vision in the context of collaboration. Prior to joining PRR, she was the Superintendent of Public Transportation Development at Seattle Metro and served as chief land use advisor to King County Executive Randy Revelle. In her more than 35 years of professional experience, Rita has a long history of public and civic service, having served on numerous boards and commissions spanning the fields of human services, environment, transportation, civil rights, research and education. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Downtown Seattle Association, and on the boards of Crosscut, the UW Graduate School and the Seattle Chinatown/International District PDA. Brogan holds a Master of Arts degree in communication theory and methodology and a Bachelor of Arts in editorial journalism, both from the University of Washington, Department of Communication.