Committees

PRSA committees support the local chapter in many ways, such as coordinating events, awarding scholarships, supporting member communications, and connecting professionals with one another.

Being active on committees not only helps to support the local chapter, but is also an excellent opportunity for networking within the local public relations community.

Accreditation Committee
Chairs: Jan Gusich and Barbara Hatala
Helps to monitor the local process for professional interested in pursuing their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).

Business & the Media
Chair: Erinne Dyer
Helps develop programs designed to educate PR professionals on the business-oriented media.

Cleveland Rocks Awards Committee
Chair: Lisa Foster and Kelly McGlumphy, APR
Supports PRSA Cleveland’s annual awards program. For more information, see the awards page.

Healthcare Special Interest Group
Chairs: Megan Pruce & Amy Martin
Offers healthcare-specific workshops and events that offer education, networking and professional development for strategic communicators and future leaders in this industry.

Hill, Lightouse and Young Awards Committee
Chair: Barb Paynter, APR
Supports the local chapter’s three signature awards. For more information, see the awards page.

Internship Committee
Chair: Emily Lauer, APR
Connects aspiring public relations professional with opportunities in Cleveland to allow students to gain experience and to aid career exploration. For more information, see the internship page.

Masters Committee
Chair: Emily Vincent
Supports programming for those members of the local chapter with extensive credentials and experience.

Multicultural Committee
Chair: Kelly Banks, APR
Develops multicultural programs within the chapter, encourages multiculturalism within the local PR community, as well as a multicultural perspective for local members.

Professional Development Events Committee
Chair: Kate Eidam
Supports programming that provides continuing education and skills training for members.

Publicity, Website and Member Communications committees
Chair: Amy McGahan
Develops communications and publicity to help communicate with local members and to help publicize the chapter’s efforts and benefits.

Recruitment and Retention Committee
Chair: Anthony Santana, Brian Newbacher
Develops programs designed to recruit and retain local chapter members.

Scholarship Committee
Chairs: Hallie Fisher and Heather Kessen
Coordinates the PRSA Scholarship program which supports education for public relations careers in Greater Cleveland.

Sponsorships Committee
Chairs: Janet Cannata, APR and Allen Pfenninger, APR
Solicits support for the chapter’s programs through the development of contributions from agencies, corporations and private individuals.

Student Day Committee
Chairs: Allison Peltz and Christina Klenotic
PRSSA Liason: Carrie Kandes
Supports the chapter’s annual Student Day activities.

Young PRos
Chair: Kira Hennessey, APR
Encourage activities and provides networking opportunities for chapter members with seven or year’s less experience.