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Meet the Board: David Boman, Co-Director of Programs

Tell us about yourself and your current role

For the last two years, I have been based in Mountain View working on (and helping build!) a Global Public Affairs team at a growing Medtech company that is a pioneer in surgical technology. My specific areas of focus have included managing PR activities in our Asia-Pacific markets as well as developing strategies to navigate public policy issues that affect the business globally. My career focus has always included strong ties to Asia, and I have been fortunate to have a chance to work on the ground in most of the countries in the region at one point or another, as well as enjoy stints living and working in China and Hong Kong.  

How did you get into PR?

My career started with an international public policy and government relations focus, which can often run parallel to or be integrated into in-house PR activities under a public affairs umbrella. I got my start working at an industry association in Seattle that focused on helping multinational companies get involved in global discussions on public policy and build partnerships with governments. Initially I collaborated with PR firms on retainer to monitor press activity around trade policy discussions unfolding in Washington DC and Asia, and coordinate PR activity at summits and conferences to create opportunities for our corporate partners. This evolved into an in-house role on PwC’s Asia Marketing and Communications team in Hong Kong, where we oversaw integrated marketing, public policy and PR campaigns focused on a topics such as economics, urbanization and international trade.  

What do you love about PR?

I like work that is dynamic, cross-disciplinary and intellectually challenging. Understanding complex topics associated with public policy and international business, and how to apply PR skillsets to communicate about them in a dynamic region like Asia keeps me on my toes and pushes me to keep learning and evolving. In house PR also allows you to have opportunities to work with other parts of the business, and there is nothing I enjoy more than being part of diverse team.  

Why are you in PRSA-SF? What do you feel the benefits have been for you? 

It has always been important to me to connect with like-minded professionals who can give me some new perspective as well as sharpen my leadership skills outside of work. I am also passionate about supporting upcoming professionals, and as a recent transplant to the Bay Area, I wanted to get to know the community. PRSA has given me an opportunity to accomplish all of these things! 

What are you hoping to accomplish during your year as director of programs with PRSA-SF? 

Overall my goal is to organize programs that create value for members – giving them a channel to learn more about the industry, expand their networks and have fun in the process! I am also looking forward to expanding my horizons by organizing panel discussions focused on topics that are new to me and outside my career comfort zone.   

What's one piece of advice you wish you would have known when you started out in PR?

Always look for ways to get involved, challenge yourself and grow outside of the office. I am strong believer in the idea that you need other people and a supportive community to meet your full potential. Finding mentors, volunteering and just getting involved in organizations like PRSA can be personally and professionally rewarding, often in ways you don’t expect.    

What are some of your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

Currently my husky mix takes up a lot of my spare time, but I love to hike, travel and get out on the water in a paddleboard or kayak when I have the chance. I am also extremely food motivated – love discovering new recipes and restaurants with cuisines from all over the world, and I eat all the spicy food I can get my hands on.