In 2011, I served as president of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). With nearly 200 members, it is one of Florida’s largest professional organizations for public relations practitioners, serving members representing corporations, nonprofits, agencies, municipalities, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and non-profit organizations.
The organization focuses on advancing the PR profession and educating the PR professional. I was honored to have the opportunity to serve the chapter, and my fellow PR practitioners. I'm happy to reflect on a successful year:
- Grew chapter membership by 18 percent
- Invested in members by offering four scholarships to the 2011 PRSA International Conference
- Supported seven chapter members in pursuing their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
- Created a YouTube channel to share key learnings from professional development
- Launched new website with upgraded features and interactivity
I'm thankful for the support of the 12 Board members and 20+ committee chairpersons and members who contributed to the Chapter's successes. The Board and committees manage the most valuable chapter benefits - monthly continuing education programs, an annual media roundtable with FPRA, a daylong PR seminar, special interest groups and a bi-monthly newsletter, to name a few. Their dedication and determination keeps the all-volunteer organization vibrant and successful.
Just a few days ago, I passed the gavel to Angela Walters, marketing manager for Hillsborough Community College. I look forward to seeing her lead the chapter to new heights while preparing for the PRSA District Conference, sunshine2012, in June.
A version of this post first appeared in the PRSA Tampa Bay Chapter newsletter in early December 2011.