Not every career in public relations starts with a plan. For JMAC PR Founder John McCartney, PR was a happy accident that slowly bloomed into a purpose. Over time, one thing became clear: relationships would be at the heart of everything he built. From nurturing a values-driven team at JMAC PR to mentoring peers through PRSA, John’s career has been defined by the connections he’s cultivated. As part of this month’s focus on community, here’s how his journey reflects the impact of showing up, giving back, and growing together.
Turning Serendipity Into Strategy
As an undergraduate journalism student, John first landed a part-time role at a small Manhattan PR agency assembling press materials and managing media lists. After a brief stint as a weekly newspaper reporter, earning more income led him back to PR, where he discovered a professional calling.
Lessons Learned from PRSA
John credits massive professional development to his nine-year involvement with PRSA. His initial engagement began in the San Francisco chapter as he sought to integrate into the Bay Area’s PR community. Later, serving in a leadership capacity in Los Angeles, he embraced PRSA not just for networking but as a platform to educate, mentor, and advocate within the industry.
John keeps in mind two lessons from the experience. First, community is born from relationship-building grounded in gratitude and generosity. Rather than transactional networking, he emphasizes proactive outreach: starting conversations, offering support where you can.
Second, professional associations like PRSA serve a dual role: they enrich participants personally and reinforce collective standards in public relations. John has participated and learned from these communities to elevate JMAC’s brand, influence its internal culture, and help shape the next generation of PR professionals.
Building the JMAC Community
Community extends far beyond industry events—it’s embedded into JMAC PR’s operational model. The agency fosters a workplace culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing through unique benefits: biweekly coaching sessions, flexible perks like birthday time off, DoorDash credits, and even festival tickets. These measures, along with a reputational focus on delivering strategic results, led to recognition on Ragan’s list of Top Places to Work in PR.
This approach demonstrates John’s conviction that agencies should offer supportive ecosystems for both staff and partners. By valuing the interconnectedness of wellbeing, creativity, and performance, JMAC aims to establish a signature identity in a competitive market.
Advice for Emerging Professionals
Just getting started in PR? John advises new professionals to be intentional from the get-go (his own introduction to the field notwithstanding). Relationship-building should begin with a genuine interest in others and a willingness to offer help. John encourages new professionals to stay curious: follow media trends, study how stories are shaped, and pay attention to who’s being quoted and why. Joining professional communities like PRSA can accelerate learning and open unexpected doors. For those serious about a future in PR, these habits form the foundation of both personal growth and long-term success.
