Masterclass & Meet the Media: Becoming a Trusted Spokesperson
Learn what it takes to earn media trust — and put it into practice. Featuring George Gorman, Jr., Regional Director, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
🎟 Event Details:
📅 Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
🕘 9 a.m.–12 noon
📍 Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, West End 2, Jones Beach State Park
🎫 Scroll down to purchase tickets
This Fair Media Council Masterclass delivers a one-two punch of media-savvy training and direct access to the press. First, veteran communicator George Gorman, Jr. shares candid, insider stories and practical lessons from nearly 50 years representing New York State Parks — managing everything from shark attacks to Ryder Cup crowds to politicians and unruly bosses. Then, you’ll put that knowledge into action during FMC’s exclusive Meet & Pitch the News Media session, where journalists and editors from top outlets listen, respond, and decide if they want your story. Pitch your stories to:
- Carolyn Gusoff, Reporter, CBS New York
- Cecilia Dowd, Reporter, News12
- Joe Silvestri, Producer, Good Day Street Talk, FOX 5 New York
- Keith Lopez, Videojournalist, WPIX
- Sophia Hall, Reporter, 1010WINS
- Terry Sheridan, Senior Director of News and Education, WSHU Public Radio
Sponsored by St. Joseph’s University, Northwell Health, and Protiviti.
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Includes Continental Breakfast
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Complete 4 Masterclasses to Earn FMC Certificate
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Includes Continental Breakfast
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Portion of Ticket Price is Tax Deductible
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Complete 4 Masterclasses to Earn FMC Certificate
What You'll Learn
Part 1: Masterclass — Becoming a Trusted Spokesperson
Discover how to plan press conferences, control the narrative during breaking news, and handle difficult questions with confidence. Learn how credibility is built over time, and how to safeguard it in a single interview.
Part 2: Meet & Pitch the News Media
Your chance to connect directly with working journalists.
You’ll:
- Present your story ideas or organizational initiatives
- Get honest feedback from the media
- Learn what makes a pitch stand out (and what turns reporters off)
- Build authentic relationships that can open doors long after the event
Every FMC Meet & Pitch leads to real coverage opportunities — making this session one of Long Island’s most effective media networking experiences.
About the Speaker
George Gorman, Jr. – Regional Director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
George Gorman has been a dedicated public servant for nearly 50 years, managing 30 million visitors annually to the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. Starting at Jones Beach, he rose through the ranks to oversee 32 parks and 2,300 employees. His focus on customer service, safety, and communications has helped make New York’s parks among the best-run in the nation.
Key Takeaways
- Insider strategies for building media trust
- How to manage crisis situations under pressure
- Proven approaches to planning and executing press events
- What journalists really want — straight from the source
- Live opportunities to pitch your story and refine your message
Who Should Attend
Communications professionals, public information officers, nonprofit and business leaders — anyone who serves as (or aspires to be) the voice of their organization.