David Finn Day Celebrated with Mayoral Proclamation Honoring PR Pioneer

Celebrating David Finn Day

On January 28, 2025, New York City’s Mayor's Office made a significant proclamation—declaring this date as David Finn Day. This proclamation celebrates the remarkable contributions of David Finn, a pioneer in the public relations (PR) industry and the founder of the independent communications agency Ruder Finn.

David Finn’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the PR world. Over the years, Ruder Finn has grown into one of the largest independent PR firms globally, playing a major role in shaping the communications landscape. Recently, the agency received accolades, ranking in the Top 10 of PRovoke's Global Creative Index and being listed among Observer's PR Power List 2024.*

In honor of this special day, Ruder Finn has donated a David Finn Archive to the Museum of Public Relations, located in New York City. This museum is noted for preserving the rich history of the PR industry. The archive comprises a collection of original documents, including speeches, articles, photographs, and artwork from David Finn’s prolific career. Through this gesture, Ruder Finn aims not only to commemorate Finn's contributions but also to enrich the narrative surrounding the evolution of modern public relations.

Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn, emphasized the significance of this donation: "We hope that by donating this selection of David's work... we can help to enrich the narrative of modern public relations and inspire the world to think about 'what’s next.'" David Finn was known for his remarkable ability to see things from others’ perspectives, a skill that informed much of his innovative approach to PR.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1942 to 1945, David Finn returned to New York City, where he founded Ruder Finn with his childhood friend Bill Ruder. Throughout his illustrious career, he advised numerous prominent clients, including notable public figures like Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, as well as artists like Henry Moore, a close friend.

Moreover, David Finn was not only a PR expert but also a talented artist. His efforts bridged the worlds of art and business, which can be seen in the works that comprise the newly established archive. Shelley Spector, Co-founder of the Museum of Public Relations, shared her admiration for Finn: "David had such a profound impact on the communities he engaged with, influencing many lives across various disciplines. We are honored to help preserve his history."

The Museum of Public Relations stands as a unique institution in the PR landscape, featuring over 5,000 artifacts related to the field. It aims to educate and honor the diverse pioneers in public relations, making David Finn’s archive a fitting addition to its collection.

Ruder Finn remains a beacon in the PR world, continuously redefining communications and influencing industry standards since its inception in 1948. With a global reach and a dedication to bold, innovative strategies, the agency serves clients across sectors, including healthcare, technology, and leadership. Ruder Finn’s mission can be summed up as redefining leadership and rethinking customer experiences through insightful communications.

In light of David Finn Day, it is essential to reflect on the impact Finn had not just on the agency but on the entire industry. As Ruder Finn moves forward, it keeps Finn’s values and ethics alive, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations of communications professionals.

To learn more about David Finn and his remarkable journey, visit Remembering David Finn.