Anne Sceia Klein, a public relations powerhouse in the Philadelphia region for more than five decades, has passed away at the age of 83. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Gerhart (Jerry) Klein.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Annenberg School of Communications, Anne served in public relations posts for Girard Bank and Sun Oil Co. before founding her own PR consulting firm, Anne Klein Communications Group, in 1982. A counselor to top management, she was recognized as an expert in strategic planning, crisis and issues communications and community outreach.

Anne was recognized with numerous awards for her outstanding achievements and contributions to her profession and to business. In 2004, Anne was inducted into the Philadelphia Public Relations Association's Hall of Fame, and in 2006 she was inducted into Rowan University's Public Relations Hall of Fame. In 2017, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philadelphia chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. In 2018, she received the Lifetime Legacy award from SJ Magazine as a Woman of Excellence. In 2014, she was selected as a Brava! Award winner by SmartCEO and in 2012 she was named a Woman of Distinction by Philadelphia Business Journal. NJ Biz honored her in 2007 as one of New Jersey's Best 50 Women in Business. That same year, Anne was named Woman Business Owner of the Year by the Southern New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. The New Jersey chapter of PRSA recognized Anne's tireless devotion to excellence and mentoring of young professionals with its 2002 Public Relations Professional of the Year Award. In 2001, she received the Maxine Elkin Award from the Philadelphia chapter of PRSA, honoring her leadership, professionalism, integrity, volunteerism, creativity and commitment; and in 2003, she received the chapter's DeAnn White Award for community service. The Philadelphia chapter of Women in Communications honored Anne in 1998 with its highest honor, the Sarah Award, for her creativity and professional achievements. In 1993, she was named a Woman of Achievement by Kappa Delta, a national collegiate sorority. In 1991, she was elected to membership in the distinguished PRSA College of Fellows in only the second year of its existence.

In addition, under Anne's leadership, her firm won dozens of awards for excellence in public relations. She is the author of chapters in several books, gave numerous speeches and wrote countless articles on public relations. She has been listed in Who's Who in Public Relations and in Marquis' Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the Media and Communications, Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in Finance and Industry, and Who's Who in the World.

Long active in student education programs, Anne was the professional advisor for more than 30 years to the Rowan University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. In 1987, the chapter renamed its student-run public relations agency in her honor. Later that year she was named Outstanding Professional Advisor by the national PRSSA organization, and in 1988 the Philadelphia chapter of PRSA named her the first recipient of the Anthony J. Fulginiti Award for outstanding contributions to education. In 2001, in recognition of her 25 years of service, the Rowan chapter established the Anne Klein graduation award for professionalism.

An active volunteer for nearly 17 years with the American Heart Association, Anne was a past chair of the Central-Southern New Jersey AHA Board and served on the Executive Leadership Team of the Go Red for Women campaign where she inaugurated the Red Tie Brigade and chaired the Red Dress Circle. In 2015, she and her husband, Jerry, received the inaugural Heart of South Jersey Award from Go Red for Women.

Anne was a long-time member, and former secretary and board member, of Philadelphia's Forum of Executive Women. In addition, she served for many years on the "Take the Lead" corporate fundraising committee for the Girl Scouts of Greater Philadelphia. She also served as an active member of the marketing committee of the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey and on the Environmental Improvement Committee and Regional Issues Taskforce of the PENJERDEL Council.

Anne earned her accreditation in public relations (APR) in 1972. She served the Philadelphia chapter of PRSA as president; Mid-Atlantic District chairperson; four terms as an assembly delegate; and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Counselors Academy, an organization that represents the CEOs of public relations firms throughout North America. Anne also was a two-term president of Public Relations Professionals of Southern New Jersey and served as its chairperson for nearly 10 years. She was also an active member of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association. She received recognition for 50 years of membership from both PPRA and PRSA.

After running her firm for 35 years, Anne retired and sold the business to employee Chris Lukach, who continues the firm as AKCG. In retirement, Anne wrote two books: "On the Cusp: The Women of Penn '64" and "Finding Your Career Niche: Conversations About Women & Business." "On the Cusp" focuses on the lives of 19 groundbreaking women of the Penn class of 1964 who chose career paths in chemical engineering, architecture, law, computer programming and other careers not typical for women in the 1960s. "Finding Your Career Niche" is about helping women find their business careers. Both books are available on Amazon.com.

Born in Philadelphia, Anne grew up in Hammonton, N.J. After their marriage, Anne and Jerry moved to Mount Laurel, N.J. For the last 34 years, they have lived in Medford, N.J.

Relatives and friends are invited to attended Anne's visitation, Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 9:30-10:45am at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish-St. Joseph Church, corner of French & Third Street Hammonton, NJ 08037. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am. Burial will be held privately.

In kind remembrance of Anne, donations may be made in her memory to CurePSP at https://www.psp.org/.