Celebrating a Woman Owned Business: The Women Who Shaped PCI
Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the leaders, changemakers and trailblazers whose contributions have shaped organizations, industries and communities. At Public Communications Inc. (PCI), it is also an opportunity to reflect on our own history and the women whose leadership helped transform the agency into the woman-owned business we are today.
PCI was founded 63 years ago by Jim Strensky. About eight years later, he invited Dick Barry to join the business, and Dick eventually became president and CEO when Jim retired in 1998. For nearly 40 years, PCI operated as a male-run firm.
The Shift Toward a Woman Owned Business
That began to change when Dorothy Pirovano, a journalist from the Daily Herald in the Chicago suburbs, became a shareholder in the company. It was the first time a woman held ownership in the firm, a pivotal moment in PCI’s history and an important step toward a new era of leadership.
In 2006, Dorothy became CEO, marking another milestone for the agency. Under her leadership, PCI became a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, a distinction we are proud to hold to this day.
Dorothy’s leadership helped usher in a broader evolution at the firm. Among the principals during that time was Ruth Magallan, who also brought a journalism background from the Daily Herald before transitioning into public relations. Jill Allread joined PCI 30 years ago after a career in journalism that included serving as city editor of the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. Together, these women brought sharp news judgment, strong writing and strategic thinking to the firm’s work and future.
The Legacy That Shaped PCI Today
What began as a male-run PR firm ultimately became a women-owned agency led by professionals with deep experience in journalism and communications. That transformation was not just a change in title or ownership structure. It reflected the strength of women’s leadership and the value of diverse perspectives in shaping a company’s direction and culture.
Eleven years ago, Jill Allread became CEO of PCI, continuing the legacy established by Dorothy and the other women who helped redefine the firm. Today, PCI continues to build on a foundation of strategic counsel, trusted relationships and impactful communications.
This Women’s History Month, we are proud to honor the women who helped shape our agency’s story. Their leadership helped move PCI forward, and their legacy continues to guide who we are today as a woman owned business.
