Doug Simon
Doug Simon

D S Simon Media CEO Doug Simon has stepped down as president-elect of Public Relations Society of America's New York chapter.

Simon, who declined to give reasons for his resignation, wishes "the chapter the best moving forward and expects to be a resource for them in the future."

Sharon Fenster, of Fenster Communications, is president of the PRSA chapter. "We wish Doug Simon well," she said via an email. She declined to say who will step up to Simon's post.

Simon did issue an email warning to PRSA/NY leadership. It reads:

"I understand that the fact that I’ve resigned is public record. Any information beyond that to be shared should be consented to by me. I have copied my attorney on this e-mail. If anything is released or communicated beyond that which is defamatory in nature, I may have no other choice than to pursue legal action. Otherwise, I wish you continued success."

At the June 14 Big Apple Awards gala, Simon presented the award for best media coverage of the PR industry to this publication. Publisher John O'Dwyer accepted the award.

Simon said it was "a humbling moment in his career to deliver the award to a vital industry publication," according to the PRSA/NY release.