NEW YORK – September, 5 2024 — Industry veteran Gary Sheffer will be recognized for his lifetime of leadership and contributions to the communication profession by being inducted into the Page Hall of Fame during the Page Annual Conference on September 23. Gary’s distinguished career spans over 40 years in journalism, government, academia, and corporate communication, most notably serving as head of communications and public affairs at GE, where he advised top executives and influenced critical business strategies.
During his 16-year tenure at GE, including 13 as Chief Communications Officer, Gary demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transparency, ethical leadership and the public interest, earning him deep respect from colleagues and industry peers. His efforts helped GE navigate complex global challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, the Fukushima nuclear incident, and the Hudson River cleanup. Sheffer’s ability to listen to and engage with diverse stakeholders, from government agencies to senior journalists, ensured that GE’s actions were aligned with public expectations and ethical standards. His efforts contributed to GE’s consistent high ranking on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies list and the Financial Times’ Most Respected Companies list during his tenure.
“Gary’s influence on the communications profession is profound. His unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership set a standard that has inspired countless professionals, including all of us who worked with him in GE,” said Russell Wilkerson, Head of Communications, Sunnova Energy. “Gary’s ability to guide organizations through complex challenges while maintaining a calm and steady hand is a testament to his exceptional character and expertise. His legacy at GE and beyond continues to shape the way we think about corporate communications.”
Beyond his corporate achievements, Sheffer has made substantial contributions to the communication profession through leadership roles in several esteemed organizations. He served as chairman of the Arthur W. Page Society, was a board member of the Institute for Public Relations and serves on the board of the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication.
As a professor at Boston University, Sheffer has continued to shape the next generation of communicators. In 2021, he was named teacher of the year by the Boston University College of Communication. At GE, he developed the Communications Leadership Development Program, recruiting and nurturing top talent from leading academic institutions. His mentorship has produced numerous communications leaders who now helm functions at Fortune 500 companies, including 15 who were previously in the GE team and are now members of Page. This is a testament to his dedication to fostering excellence in the field.
“Throughout his career, Gary has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Page Principles,” said Maril Gagen MacDonald, founder and CEO of Gagen MacDonald and chair of the Page Honors Committee. “His induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his lifetime of service to the communications profession. His leadership, wisdom, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on our field, and his contributions will be felt for generations to come.”
The Page Society Hall of Fame celebrates those who have made a significant impact on the communication profession through their leadership, dedication to the Page Principles, and lasting influence on business strategy and policy. Gary Sheffer joins a distinguished group of professionals, including Ginger Hardage, founder of Unstoppable Cultures; Madan Bahal, co-founder and managing director of Adfactors PR, India’s largest and most recognized public relations firm; PR Pioneer and Civil Rights Leader Ofield Dukes; and Maril Gagen MacDonald, founder and CEO of Gagen MacDonald.
For more information or to register (members and qualified guests only) for the Page Annual Conference, please see here.
About Page
Page is the premier global professional association for senior strategic communication leaders. The organization brings together the world’s best communicators to become stronger leaders by learning together, helping each other, imagining a better future for corporate communication and bringing that future to life.
This elite community includes the chief communication officers of leading global companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies; the CEOs of public relations firms and other companies that serve the strategic communication function of major corporations; and distinguished educators at leading business and communication schools. Membership is selected through peer nomination only, with strict nomination criteria. For more information, visit www.page.org.
