Biography
Helen Ostrowski is partner and CEO of Porter Novelli. With more than 35 years of experience in public relations, Helen has handled public relations programs for major companies, working closely with CEOs and senior management to position their companies to various constituencies.
Helen’s previous roles at Porter Novelli include president of the Americas, regional director of the Eastern region, and general manager of the agency’s flagship office in New York.
Helen joined Porter Novelli in 1993 to head up the health care division, which represents many of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, including Merck, Wyeth and GlaxoSmithKline.
Helen began her career in the public affairs division of American Cyanamid Corporation, where she advanced through a series of public relations positions in media relations, shareholder relations, and employee and management communications. She then joined Schering-Plough Corporation, where she handled management and employee communications for the company, helping a new senior management team reposition the company. She was subsequently promoted to public relations manager of the company’s international pharmaceutical products division. Prior to joining Porter Novelli, Helen was president of Wang Associates Health Communications.
Helen is a graduate of New York University, where she earned her B.A. A member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Counselor’s Academy, Helen is also past president of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association and a past Board member of the New York chapter of PRSA and Women Executives in PR. She was named an Inside PR All-Star in health care in 1996 and received the John W. Hill award in 1999 from PRSA-NY for her service to the profession.
She currently serves on the board of trustees for the Arthur W. Page Society and on the board and executive committee of the Council of PR Firms, where she is chair-elect for 2005. Helen writes and speaks frequently on public relations trends and issues.