PRSApdx

About PRSApdx

Serving 256 public relations professionals in Oregon and Southwest Washington, the chapter supports lifelong professional development and honors excellence in public relations.

In 2020, PRSA’s Portland Metro Chapter will be the premier organization for professional communicators in Oregon and Southwest Washington and a best practice model for other chapters and PRSA National.

More than one-fifth of Portland Metro Chapter members have earned Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), the profession’s only national post-graduate certification program. Six chapter members have been elected to the PRSA College of Fellows, considered the pinnacle of a professional career.

The Portland Metro Chapter is led by an all-volunteer board of professionals from across the region. Signature events include the annual Spotlight Awards, honoring excellence in public relations, and the Communicators Conference, held in partnership with the Oregon-Columbia chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators.

The Portland Metro Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is one of 111 PRSA chapters across the country.

What is public relations?

“Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”
-Public Relations Society of America


From its foundation in the early 20th century, Public Relations has evolved over decades, adapting to the rapidly shifting landscape of technology as well as preferences and tastes of society. While the world of PR grows more and more intertwined with other “communications” functions, such as advertising, marketing and promotion, it remains at its core a two step process:

The proactive sharing of information from an organization with its publics.
The proactive gathering of feedback from publics which to be shared with an organization.

PRSApdx through the years

For six decades, the PRSA Portland Metro Chapter has served Public Relations professionals across the metropolitan area.

Take a look back at how our chapter has grown and evolved, with a sincere thank you to Barbara Kerr, APR, Fellow PRSA, and 2014 PRSA Portland President who compiled all of these incredible historical resource : https://www.calendrier-scolaire.education

Our Leadership

The Portland Metro Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) serves public relations professionals throughout the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington. With more than 200 members, our chapter is one of the most active in the nation.

The chapter is led by dedicated volunteers who serve on our Board of Directors. Elections are held at our annual meeting in November. The new board is installed in January, serving a one-year term which expires in December. If you are interested in serving on the board, we would love to hear from you.

Presidents Council

The list of men and women who have served as Portland Metro Chapter Presidents is a who’s who of public relations professionals in our region.

Many of our past chapter presidents provide expertise and support through our Presidents Council. The Presidents Council members are:

Code of Ethics

PR Professionals practice their craft, guided by a carefully crafted code of ethics. This code is designed to ensure that our work fairly, accurately and knowledgably serves both our employing organization and the public we wish to reach.

The PRSA Code of Ethics

As public relations professionals, we are expected to conduct our affairs openly and honestly, and in the best interest of those who are impacted by the actions of our clients or employer. But how are our actions perceived by those publics, and how do we address those perceptions and meet expectations?

PRSA’s Board of Ethics and Professional Standards released the 20th Ethical Standards Advisory ESA-20 (September 2015) focused on Ethics and Social Media – and for the whole month of September we’ll be leading a discussion around the challenges we face each day as professional communicators. Listen to panelists representing corporate, agency and association clients as they offer insights gained on the front lines of public relations practice.

Bios:

Moderator:

Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA, Associate Professor, Communication/Public Relations, Curry College; Member, PRSA Board of Ethics & Professional Standards

Presenters:

Emmanuel Tchividjian, Senior Vice President and Ethics Officer, Ruder Finn

Jennifer Ortiz, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Ethics and Compliance Initiative

Marlene Neill, APR, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media, Baylor University; Member, PRSA Board of Ethics & Professional Standards

Social Handles/Hashtags:

(hashtag #PRethics; All times Eastern)

Sept. 1: 3 p.m. w. Ragan.com (@RaganComms)
Sept. 8: 9 p.m. w. PRSSA (@PRSSANational)
Sept. 15: 9 p.m. w. PR Student Chat (@PRStudChat)
Sept. 16: 9 p.m. w. PRSA New Pros (@PRSANewPros)
Sept. 17: 8 p.m. w. AEJMC-PR Division (@AEJMC_PRD)
Sept. 24: 3 p.m. PRSA Ethics Month Chat (@PRSA)
Sept. 30: 3 p.m. PRSA & SPJ (@SPJ_Tweets)

Chapter Presidents

Founded as the Columbia River Chapter, the Portland Metro Chapter of PRSA is proud to salute the outstanding professionals who have served as our chapter presidents.

Board of Directors

The PRSA Portland Metro Chapter is governed by a team of dedicated volunteers that serves as the board of directors. Each position is elected for one year. Board members serve from January through December.

2016 Chapter Leadership

President, Chief Executive Officer and Leadership Assembly Delegate – Mark Mohammadpour, APR
President-Elect, Leadership Assembly Delegate and Chief Development Officer – Colby Reade, APR
Immediate Past President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer – Taraneh Fultz, APR
Secretary and Chief Operations Officer – Erin Merz, M.A., APR
VP Public Relations and Chief Communications Officer – Noelani Baker
VP Member Relations and Chief Relationship Officer – Jean Kempe-Ware, APR
Chief Advocacy Officer – Tracey Lam, APR
Leadership Assembly Delegate – Madeline Turnock, APR
Dir. Career Development – Kathy Hubbell, APR, Fellow PRSA
Dir. Development – Beverly Brooks
Dir. Events – Becca Sterbenz
Dir. Recognition – Prapat “Jojoe” Nujoy
Dir. Service – Julie Williams, APR
2015 Chapter Leadership

President, Chief Executive Officer and Leadership Assembly Delegate – Taraneh Fultz, APR
President-Elect and Leadership Assembly Delegate – Mark Mohammadpour, APR
Immediate Past President – Barbara Kerr, APR, Fellow PRSA
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer – Patti Atkins, APR
Secretary and Chief Operations Officer – Chris Benware, APR
VP Professional Development and Chief Development Officer – Sylke Neal-Finnegan, APR
VP Public Relations and Chief Communications Officer – Colby Reade, APR
VP Member Services and Chief Relationship Officer – Dave Thompson, APR
Leadership Assembly Delegate – Jenna Cooper, APR
Dir. Development – Beverly Brooks
Dir. Recognition – Noelani Baker
Dir. Events – Megan Bauer
Spotlight Awards Ceremony Committee Chair – Alison Attebery
Communicators Conference Committee Chair – Stephanie Koenig
2014 Chapter Leadership

President – Barbara Kerr, APR
Pres-Elect – Taraneh Fultz, APR
Immediate Past President and Assembly Delegate – Amber Lindsey, APR
Secretary – Gina Williams
Treasurer – Tom Unger, APR, Fellow PRSA
VP – Member Services – Bela Friedman
VP – Member Communications – Colby Reade, APR
VP – Professional Development – Julie Williams, APR
VP – Public Relations – Mark Mohammadpour, APR
Director-at-large – Conferences – Russell Yost, APR
Director-at-large – Spotlights – Mary Ann Albright
Director-at-large – New Professionals – Ian Bragg
Director-at-large – Master Minds – Carol Fenstermacher, APR
Director-at-large – Sponsorships and Assembly Delegate – Dave Thompson, APR
President’s Council Chair and Assembly Delegate – Dianne Danowski Smith, APR, Fellow PRSA
APR Coordinator – Chuck Williams, APR
New Pros Coordinator – Ryan O’Leary
Volunteer Coordinator – Chris Benware, APR
2013 Chapter Leadership

President – Amber Lindsey, APR
Pres-Elect – Barbara Kerr, APR
Immediate Past President – Jenna Cooper, APR
Treasurer – Taraneh Fultz, APR
Secretary – Jessica Lyness
VP – Prof. Development – Julie Williams, APR
VP – Member Services – Karen Read, APR
VP – Public Relations – Brad Hilliard
VP – Mbr. Communication – Mary Keith
Dir. #1 – Sponsorships – Dave Thompson, APR
Dir. #2 – Conf./Events – Carissa Sauer
Dir. #3 – New Professionals – Grady Locklear
Dir. #4 – Master Minds – Mike Riley, APR
Dir. #5 – Volunteers – LeAnn Gentry
Dir. #6 – Spotlights Co-Dir. – Noe Baker
Assembly Delegate – Madeline Turnock, APR
Assembly Delegate – Chuck Williams, APR
2012 Chapter Leadership

President – Jenna Cooper, APR
Pres-Elect – Amber Lindsey, APR
Immediate Past President – Dave Thompson, APR
Treasurer – Joan Barnes, APR
Secretary – Mary Keith
VP – Prof. Development – Kali Bean
VP – Member Services – Beth Heinrich, APR
VP – Public Relations – Julie Yamamoto, APR
VP – Mbr. Communication – Barbara Kerr, APR
Dir. #1 – Sponsorships – Taraneh Foster, APR
Dir. #2 – Conf./Events – Brad Hilliard
Dir. #3 – New Professionals – Gretchen Brandtjen
Dir. #4 – Senior Members – Ann Jansen
Dir. #5 – Volunteers – Carissa Sauer
Dir. #6 – Spotlights Co-Dir. – Amy Rosenberg
Assembly Delegate – Tom Unger, APR, ABC
Assembly Delegate – Chuck Williams, APR
2011 Chapter Leadership

President – Dave Thompson, APR
Pres-Elect – Jenna Cooper
Treasurer – Joan Barnes, APR
Secretary – Beth Heinrich, APR
VP – Prof. Development – Kali Bean
VP – Member Services – Barbara Kerr, APR
VP – Public Relations – Julie Ma
VP – Mbr. Communication – Jamie Godfrey
Dir. #1 – Sponsorships – Taraneh Foster, APR
Dir. #2 – Conf./Events – Mary Keith
Dir. #3 – New Professionals – Julie Williams
Dir. #4 – Senior Members – Dianne Danowski Smith, APR
Dir. #5 – Volunteers – Al Sigala
Dir. #6 – Spotlights Co-Dir. – Amber Shoebridge
Assembly Delegate – Darcie Meihoff, APR
Assembly Delegate – Tom Unger, APR, ABC
2010 Chapter Leadership

President – Dave Thompson, APR
Pres-Elect – Sara Wurfel, APR
Immediate Past President – Tom Unger, APR, ABC
Treasurer – Joan Barnes, APR
Secretary – Tara Taylor, APR
VP – Prof. Development – Jenna Cooper
VP – Member Services – Sylke Neal-Finnegan, APR
VP – Public Relations – Lance Kissler
VP – Mbr. Communication – Jamie Godfrey
Dir. #1 – Sponsorships – Carey Kerns
Dir. #2 – Conf./Events – KJ McAllister
Dir. #3 – New Professionals – Julie Ma
Dir. #4 – Senior Members – Therese Lang
Dir. #5 – Volunteers – Kali Bean
Dir. #6 – Spotlights Co-Dir. – Dianne Danowski Smith, APR
Assembly Delegate – Darcie Meihoff, APR
Assembly Delegate – Madeline Turnock, APR
2009 Chapter Leadership

President – Tom Unger, APR, ABC
Pres-Elect – David Thompson, APR
Immediate Past President – Darcie Meihoff, APR
Treasurer – Sara Wurfel
Secretary – Kimberly Myers
VP – Prof. Development – Taraneh Foster, APR
VP – Member Services – Julie Reed, APR
VP – Public Relations – Therese Lang
VP – Mbr. Communication – Jamie Godfrey
Dir. #1 – Sponsorships – Kelly Stoner
Dir. #2 – Conf./Events – Joan Barnes
Dir. #3 – New Professionals – Christy Leung
Dir. #4 – Senior Members – Mike Riley, APR, PRC
Dir. #5 – Volunteers – Jenna Cooper
Dir. #6 – Spotlights Co-Dir. – Stefanie Stockton
Assembly Delegate – 1 year – Dianne Danowski Smith, APR
Assembly Delegate – 2 years – Madeline Turnock, APR
2008 Chapter Leadership

President – Darcie Meihoff, APR
Pres-Elect – Tom Unger, APR
Treasurer – Sara Wurfel
Secretary – Joan Barnes, APR
VP – Prof. Development – David Thompson
VP – Member Services – Emily Taylor
VP – Public Relations – Kimberly Myers
VP – Mbr. Communication – Amber Lindsey
Dir. #1 – Sponsorships – Julie Reed
Dir. #2 – Conf./Events – Taraneh Foster
Dir. #3 – New Professionals – Stefanie Stockton
Dir. #4 – Senior Members – Krista Hildebrand
Dir. #5 – Volunteers – Kelly Stoner
Dir. #6 – Spotlights Co-Dir. – Paulette Peynet
Assembly Delegate – 1 year – Patricia Atkins, APR
Assembly Delegate – 2 years – Dianne Danowski Smith, APR
Immediate past President, Assembly Del.-3 years/Spotlights Co-Dir. – Madeline Turnock, APR
2007 Chapter Leadership

President – Madeline Turnock, APR
Pres-Elect – Darcie Meihoff, APR
Treasurer – Tom Unger, APR
Secretary – Bekki Witt
VP – Prof. Development – Dave Thompson
VP – Member Services – Lisa Sherwin
VP – Public Relations – Kelly Stoner
VP – Mbr. Communication – Lise Harwin
Dir. #1 – Sponsorships – Julie Reed
Dir. #2 – Conf./Events – Taraneh (Foster) Fultz
Dir. #3 – New Professionals – Noe Baker
Dir. #4 – Senior Members – OPEN
Dir. #5 – Volunteers – Stacy Kean
Dir. #6 – Spotlights Co-Dir. – Sara Wurfel
Assembly Delegate – 1 year – Mike Riley, APR
Assembly Delegate – 2 years – Patti Atkins, APR
Assembly Del.-3 years/Spotlights Co-Dir. – Dianne Danowski Smith, APR
North Pacific District Chairperson – Christina Ragsdale, APR
Accreditation – Mara Woloshin
Communicators Conference – Taraneh (Foster) Fultz
Ethics Officer – Monique Barton
Administrator – Janet George
IABC Liason – Abigail Dougherty
AMA Liason – Kevin J Hohnbaum
2004 PRSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 7/21/04

President – Katlin Smith, APR
President-Elect – Patti Atkins
VP, Professional Development – Kelley Egre
VP, Member Communications – Darcie Meihoff, APR
VP, Member Services – Madeline Turnock, APR
VP, PR for PRSA – Lise Harwin
Treasurer – Emily Taylor
Secretary – Holly Dotin, APR
At-Large – Nicole Andergard
At-Large – Chastell Ely, APR
At-Large – Lisa Sherwin
At-Large – Doug Babb
At-Large – Dianne Danowski-Smith, APR
Assembly Delegate – Macy Guppy, PhD, APR
Assembly Delegate – Timm Locke, APR
Assembly Delegate – Scott Simms, APR
Immediate Past President – Olga Haley, APR
Chapter Administrator – Cathie Locke

APR Credential

Accreditation in Public Relations: the mark of distinction for public relations professionals

In 1964, the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential was established to recognize practitioners who have mastered the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to develop and deliver strategic communications. More than 50 years later, the APR remains the recognized gold standard for the profession.

Earning the APR credential proves that you have successfully demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities to practice public relations effectively in today’s complex communications environment.

Accreditation in Public Relations: the mark of distinction for public relations professionals
In 1964, the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential was established to recognize practitioners who have mastered the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to develop and deliver strategic communications. More than 50 years later, the APR remains the recognized gold standard for the profession.

Earning the APR credential proves that you have successfully demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities to practice public relations effectively in today’s complex communications environment.

PRSA Portland Accredited members celebrate the 50th anniversary of the APR credential
Accredited members from throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington celebrate the 50th anniversary of the APR credential at the 2014 Spotlight Awards Ceremony

Accreditation in four steps
The Accreditation process can be summarized in four steps. It is important to review resources available for all four steps, starting with the process chart, before pursuing APR.

Review and complete the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations Application.
Prepare and sit for a Readiness Review.
Study for and complete the computer-based examination.
Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through maintenance.
Professional development to support you in your journey
Local training: Join the PRSA Portland APR cohort program
PRSA Portland Metro Chapter is recognized nationally for its commitment to the APR. The chapter provides a preparation course for member candidates at no charge. Each cohort, facilitated by past presidents Patti Atkins, APR, Mara Woloshin, APR, Fellow PRSA, and Chuck Williams, APR, generally begins in late January or early February, are held on Saturdays and run approximately eight weeks. Participation is voluntary and confidential.

Download Free APR Study Guide (PDF).
APR Sample Test.
Recommended texts
Self-paced and individual learning
Individual members who wish to study for the APR examination on their own may request to be matched with an Accredited Chapter member who will serve as a mentor and coach. Please contact our Accreditation team at apr@prsapdx.org for support.

Additional resources to support self-paced professional development:

APR Professional Development offered by PRSA.
APR Online Study Course
In their words: what the APR means to members
This is the place to learn more about your fellow PRSA Portland members. Find out what they’re up to, learn how getting their APR has impacted their careers and discover what they like about being part of PRSA.

Jean Kempe-Ware, APR
What did the APR mean to you before you started the process?
Jean: I viewed APR as the “stamp of approval” for our profession … a bit like CPA for accounting or AIA for architecture. To me, it signified the highest level of professional experience, knowledge, skills, ethics and accomplishment.

What did you learn about yourself as a professional during the APR process?
Jean: I learned that …

I’m a “learning junkie.” I get excited when I learn something new or when I can apply a past experience to a new concept or model. It’s so much fun. For example, I found myself going around the office enthusiastically drawing Lang Lang’s model of Public Opinion Process to show colleagues how their work fit the model perfectly.
Integrity is paramount.
I love research.
My brain still works. Even though it’s been many years since I attended college, I can still learn and memorize new material. I can still pass a test.

What should anyone interested in earning their APR keep in mind before starting the process?
Jean: The process takes thought, and it takes time. You can’t just “wing it.” You need to set aside study-time. But the process is well worth the time. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to meet our bright, multi-talented PRSA colleagues.

Taken from the January 14, 2014 PRSA newsletter; interview conducted by Mark Mohammadpour, APR.

Tim Strickland, APR is the Director, System Communications at PeaceHealth in Vancouver, Wash. and is in charge of driving its system communications strategic plan. A “Recovering Journalist,” Tim joined the region last year, following Health Care PR roles in Michigan, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Tim, you have been a member of PRSA since 2000. How has PRSA impacted you as a professional?
PRSA affirms my crazy ideas and gives me the courage to implement them! It’s given me exposure to the PRSA Health Academy. I’m a part of its Executive Committee and it’s great exposure to great thinkers in the Health Care PR field.

You have been in the Health Care field for more than 15 years. Talk about some of the key changes you’ve seen in PR and where we as a profession need to go.
In the past, Health Care lagged behind in PR innovation, but today I’m happy to report that health care is catching up. It’s been fascinating to see the decline of efficacy in traditional advertising. It’s less effective than ever and now we’re seeing that it’s imperative to work together in building a truly integrated marketing/PR program. Everything we do has to have a synergetic approach and a strong cross-promotional strategy between advertising and PR.

In our world, providing meaningful and reliable digital interactions will be important to our patients. We’ll see a greater emphasis on personalized portals for individuals, with greater demand for transparency related to quality, safety, available procedures and services, and pricing. Health care PR professionals have to be prepared for these present and future realities.

Ultimately, though, everything we do has to be about the audience and not about the organization.

You’ve been in Clark County for a few months now. What’s your perception of the area so far?
What I’ve learned is that Clark County is a vibrant, fast growing community that is richly prepared for innovation. I expect that PR will have a growing role to play in Clark County as time rolls forward. [Ed Note: We couldn’t agree more!]

When Meeting Tim at Future Events, Ask Him About…:
… life as a Mormon! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a great PR approach and a sense of humor. When the decidedly irreverent “Book of Mormon” musical hit Broadway, the Church took it all in stride. In fact, theatre patrons saw ads in their programs that read, “You’ve seen the play, now read the book!”

College of Fellows

The College of Fellows: the pinnacle of a professional career

Barbara Kerr, APR, Fellow PRSA, and David Remund, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, are two of the newest members of the PRSA College of Fellows. They are among 15 PRSA members who were approved by the PRSA Board of Directors for acceptance into the organization’s prestigious College of Fellows in 2015.

“Each year, we are honored to review the extensive and impressive careers of candidates for the PRSA College of Fellows, and are reminded of the hard work it takes to achieve excellence and longevity in the public relations profession,” said PRSA 2015 National Chair Kathy Barbour, APR. “I thank each and every new Fellow for their dedication to the profession and to the Society.”

These distinguished Chapter members have been inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows:

Dianne Danowski Smith, APR, Fellow PRSA; Vice President, Publix Northwest PR & PA;
Kathryn D. Hubbell, APR, MS, Fellow PRSA; Owner, Adscripts, Inc. & Adjunct Professor, Marylhurst University;
Barbara Kerr, APR, Fellow PRSA; Chief Communications Officer, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation;
David L. Remund, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA; Assistant Professor, University of Oregon;
Tom Unger, APR, ABC, CTM, Fellow PRSA; Regional Communications Manager, Wells Fargo; and
Mara Woloshin, MA, APR, Fellow PRSA; Principal, Woloshin Communications 2.0
Oregon members of the College of Fellows also include Louis Capozzi, APR, Fellow PRSA, adjunct professor at Baruch College in Bend; John Charles Mitchell, APR, Fellow PRSA, adjunct assistant professor at the University of Oregon in Eugene; and Joette Getse Storm, APR, Fellow PRSA, of Bend.

Founded in 1989, the College of Fellows is a community of less than 350 senior PRSA members who have successfully advanced the public relations profession and distinguished themselves through their leadership in the public relations industry.

In order qualify for admittance into the College of Fellows, the public relations practitioner or educator must have at least 20 years of experience, hold the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential and have demonstrated exceptional capability and accomplishment in the practice or teaching of public relations. College of Fellows members also must exhibit personal and professional qualities that make them role models for other practitioners or educators. Less than two percent of PRSA members are accepted into the College of Fellows.

To learn more, contact us.

Contact Us

PRSA Portland is managed by an all-volunteer team of professionals practicing public relations in the Portland Metro region. For general inquiries, please use the contact form below, and a member of our team will respond within 48 to 72 business hours.

Want to reach us via snail mail? Send correspondence to PRSA Portland Metro Chapter, PMB #111, 5331 SW Macadam Ave., Suite 258, Portland, OR 97239.

Want to join? Please email membership@prsapdx.org.

Are you a member of the media? Please email comms@prsapdx.org.

Interested in sponsoring one of our programs or events? Please contact sponsorships@prsapdx.org.

Do you want to partner with us on an event? Please email events@prsapdx.org.

Looking to volunteer? Please email volunteers@prsapdx.org.