Maryland's Merged PRSA Chapter Is a Model for Trade Groups

Professional associations rarely admit that two half-full chapters are worse than one full one. The Public Relations Society of America just did. On October 29, 2026, Abel Communications said its chief executive and founder, Greg Abel, would lead the PRSA Maryland Chesapeake chapter, formed by folding together the organization's Maryland and Central Chesapeake chapters. Members and boards of both groups approved the combination, as did PRSA's national leadership, and it took effect immediately, according to the announcement distributed by PR Newswire.

That is the right call, and other trade groups serving small professional services firms should copy it. Duplicate boards, duplicate dues notices and duplicate event calendars consume the volunteer hours of people who already run agencies for a living. Pooling them buys something members can actually use.

The test is the calendar, not the merger. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2026, the chapter plans monthly virtual sessions with industry figures, monthly in-person coffee gatherings hosted at member workplaces, and visits to local news organizations every other month. Abel said the combined group intends to deliver "high-quality and consistent programming" for members.

Consistency is the hard part. The board draws from agencies, higher education, public media, philanthropy and advocacy groups, and members are being asked to staff three committees. If those seats fill, the merger works; if they do not, consolidation only moves the shortfall.

This story was first reported by PR Newswire.