Peter Shankman, the PR pro who created media sourcing service Help a Reporter Out, acquired by Vocus in 2010, is leaving the company at the end of March.

Shankman said in a blog post that it's "time for me to do something else" after satisfying the terms of his agreement with Vocus to stay on for two years after the HARO deal.,

"I'll be leaving Vocus at the end of March to pursue a handful of other fun ideas that have been rattling around my brain for a while now," he said, adding that will include consulting (occasionally for Vocus), evangelist positions and pursuing new start-ups.

Vocus chief marketing officer Jason Jue added, "We wish Peter nothing but the best in his new endeavors, and look forward to working with him in the future, as he will continue to provide consulting to Vocus."

Shankman's new book, "Nice Companies Finish First: Why Cutthroat Management is Over and Collaboration Is In," is slated to be released on April 2.