AKCG President and Owner Chris Lukach, APR, accepted Rowan University’s 2018 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the University’s commencement ceremony. The award, which honors alumni who exemplify Rowan’s tradition of excellence, symbolizes Lukach’s years of service to the South Jersey and Philadelphia communities, as well as to the public relations industry.
Since 2004, Lukach has not only helped shape the region’s public relations industry, but the business community at large. In more than 14 years with the firm, Lukach served as vice president and chief operating officer of AKCG before taking over as president and owner in 2017. His innovative ideas and a knack for trend-spotting in rapidly evolving media and communications landscapes have helped him cement AKCG as a leading high-level crisis communications consultancy.
Lukach is a member of the International Public Relations Exchange, a leading international network of firms. Because of these international partnerships, he has directed crisis communications response for clients on five continents.
In addition to his crisis counseling, Lukach has spoken to more than 40 organizations and universities about social media, media relations, crisis communications and spokesperson techniques.
He continues to give back to both his alma mater and the industry. He is dedicated to helping communications students and practitioners in the Philadelphia area through discussions about professional development, leadership and ethical responsibilities within the industry.
Lukach has demonstrated commitment to his colleagues and the communications field through his involvement with several professional organizations and advisory councils. In 2017, he joined the board of directors of WHYY, Inc., where he helps steer the organization’s overall strategy, emphasizing its commitment to civic dialogue. Lukach also served as president of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) in 2011 and has remained active ever since.
Throughout his career, he has earned recognition from numerous publications and professional organizations:
- SJ Biz Magazine’s “20 Under 40,” honoring the next generation of South Jersey’s top professionals and those men and women under the age of 40 who have been changing the face of the local business community
- Rowan Magazine’s inaugural “40 Under 40” list, which recognizes the uniqueness and impact of achievements in the professional’s field
- PPRA “Fast-Track” Award, which recognizes a professional who exemplifies the organization’s vision for the future
- Rowan University Public Relations Student Society of America Hall of Fame
