[2] Following her 1944 graduation from the University of Alabama, she moved to Chicago in 1947 and began an unsuccessful career in radio broadcasting.

[2] Through her radio broadcasting career, Plank was able to meet her first mentor, Duffy Schwartz, one of the city's only female executives.

Through Schwartz, Plank was first introduced to public relations when she was recommended to work a temporary position for a non-profit organization.

Following her brief stint at AT&T, Plank transferred to Illinois Bell (now SBC Communications Inc.) and became the head of a staff of a 102-person department, directing external affairs.

[2] On the difficulty of the situation, Plank stated that "we had a couple of years to break up the world's largest corporation and prepare it without a single missed step.

[1][7] Its mission is to "help develop and recognize outstanding leaders and role models in public relations.

Every April since 2017, the Plank Center hosts a #BetsyPlank Day competition, challenging PRSSA chapters across the US to implement coordinated social media campaigns.

[2] During her speech for the Alexander Hamilton award in 2000, Plank stated, "Public relations is fundamental to a democratic society where people make decisions in the workplace, the marketplace, the community and in the voting booth.

Its primary mission is to forge responsible relationships of understanding, trust and respect among groups and individuals – even though they often disagree.

[1] Plank was the first woman elected by Public Relations News readers for the title of Professional of the Year in 1979.

[2] As a social activist, Plank traveled to Alabama in 1965 to participate in the final part of the Civil Rights March from Selma to Montgomery.

[1] Following her husband's death in 1990, she spent many summers on the Yearling in the harbor, talking with friends and feeding the ducks.