What is it like to make the career transition from journalist to PR professional? Join us for a panel discussion with journalists now working in public relations. We’ll hear their insights and experience of what it’s like to be on this side of the pitch. The conversation will be led by our fellow member Deirdre Childress Hopkins, Senior Director of Communications at Temple University (who once was a journalist with the Philadelphia Inquirer). Please send your questions ahead of time to [email protected].

*We are offering a special Buy One, Bring One for Members – bring a colleague or friend who might be interested in this program and potentially membership. Use code "FRIEND" - all caps.

Panelists to date (more will be added as confirmed)

• Bryan Buttler, Bryan Buttler Media Relations (formerly with Philadelphia Magazine)
• Leslie Patterson-Tyler - VP, Program Communications and Partnerships Kimmel Cultural Campus (formerly w/Fox29)
• Ronica Cleary, Cleary Strategies (formerly Political Reporter for FOX DC)
• Solomon Leach, Communications Manager at Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity at City of Philadelphia (Formerly Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphia Metro)
• Kenneth Hilario, Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy (formerly Philadelphia Business Journal and more)

About the speakers:

Bryan Buttler: Bryan’s work in communications has led him to the classroom (he teaches college courses on mass media, LGBTQ+ exposure in the media, and business/technical workplace communications), the newsroom (his work has been featured in Philadelphia Magazine, OUT Magazine, and others), and public relations. He’s the founder of his own boutique PR firm that specializes in media relations strategies for entertainment, arts, and lifestyle clients. Some notable clients that Bryan has lead efforts for include the Kimmel Cultural Campus, Cirque du Soleil, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, Baltimore Center Stage, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, and others. 

Bryan is particularly interested in how lifestyle and entertainment communications can intersect with the community, and he’s proud of his efforts with such organizations like Chocolate Ballerina Company, Theatre Horizon (soon to be featured on an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show), and Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities. 

He’s also a regular presenter at a variety of organizations on the intersection of arts and commerce and LGBTQ+ workplace/classroom inclusion practices. Follow him on Instagram @bbmediarelations

Ronica Cleary: Ronica Cleary launched Cleary Strategies to provide public relations, media placements, & crisis management to leaders and corporations. Cleary Strategies' clients can be seen in broadcast, heard on podcasts & radio, and found in print. Past placements include ABC World News Tonight, Fox News, CNBC, Cheddar, Bloomberg, Forbes, Fox Business, Entrepreneur, GLAMOUR, countless local programs, and many, many more.

Prior to launching Cleary Strategies, Ronica had a successful career in television journalism where she reported on programming that aired in some of the most competitive media markets in America: New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Most recently she worked as a White House Correspondent for Fox 5 in Washington, DC, and hosted a Sunday morning political talk show, "Fox 5 On The Hill." During her time as a journalist, she also reported on presidential campaigns, Capitol Hill, multiple Governors, and elections at every level of government. Beyond politics, she has reported on everything from challenging topics like the heroin crisis and crime to the light and fun like making cocktails and puppy spas!

Ronica is on the Board of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association where she is serving as Treasurer during the 2022/2023 calendar year. She is committed to service in her industry and to giving back along the way.

Kenneth Hilario: Kenneth Hilario brings a wide range of skills to Ceisler Media as Senior Account Executive. He is a strong writer, having spent time as a professional journalist. He is adept at managing social media accounts and developing creative content strategies. He is proficient as a photographer, videographer and marketing strategist. 

​Before joining Ceisler Media in 2021, the Temple University graduate worked as a content specialist for En Route Marketing in Philadelphia. There, he used his leadership and creative talent, handling every aspect of content for his accounts, including Chestnut Hill Business District, Franklin Square and Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., the largest Chinese lantern festival producer in North America.

​Prior to En Route, Kenneth was a staff reporter for the Philadelphia Business Journal, covering the hospitality and tourism and marketing communications industries in the metropolitan area.

Solomon Leach: Solomon Leach (he/him) is currently Communications Manager for the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity at the City of Philadelphia. Previously, he served as Director of Communications and Research for City Councilmember Cherelle Parker. 

Prior to crossing over into public relations, Solomon worked as a print reporter for 10 years across multiple newspapers, including the Philadelphia Daily News, Metro Philadelphia, and the Delaware County Daily Times. 

He has a BA degree from Temple University. Outside of work, Solomon has served as Local Pastor of Fifth Tabernacle Beth El in Atlantic City, NJ, for six years and enjoy spending time with his wife, Articecia, and their three children

Leslie Patterson-Tyler is the Vice President of Program Communications and Partnerships for The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. In her role she provides overall leadership and management of communication strategies for Broadway, KCP, Education, and Fundraising programs. Leslie also oversees social media and content creation for Campus programming. Additionally, Leslie identifies strategic partnerships with external groups, companies, organizations, and individuals that support the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

Leslie Patterson-Tyler is also the co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of Tyler Made Media, LLC., a multi-media consulting company that assists faith-based groups, non-profits, and small businesses tell their stories. 

She transitioned to PR from a very successful career as a television news executive having worked in commercial newsrooms across the country for more than 20 years. Leslie Patterson-Tyler’s passion to make a difference is not limited to her own professional career. She has taken that same drive to make a difference throughout her community, serving in many meaningful capacities. She has become a “go-to” person in the health and education arenas in Philadelphia in helping to spread messages to various constituencies.

Leslie is a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and studied in the Graduate School at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Leslie recently earned a Diversity & Inclusion Certification from Cornell University and is also a distinguished McCormick-Tribune Fellow and a Fellow of Leadership Philadelphia Class of 2011. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, The Philadelphia Black Public Relations Professionals, Philadelphia Public Relations Association, Philadelphia Public Relations Association, The Links, Incl, Delaware Valley (PA) Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Rho Theta Omega Chapter. Leslie and her husband, Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D., live in the Philadelphia area with their children. In her spare time, she enjoys, cooking, traveling to new places, and exercising.