Archived news - Pikes Peak Chapter, Public Relations Society of America

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Julie Armstrong Passes Accreditation Exam
Chapter member Julie Armstrong, APR, a visiting assistant professor of communications at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, recently passed PRSA’s APR examination and is now an accredited member of the Society.  She joins 22 other Pikes Peak Chapter members who have earned their APRs.

Julie, who resides in Colorado Springs, has been teaching at St. Edwards University for more than a year.  She also serves as the faculty advisor for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter there.  During the 2017 Spring semester, she was selected as one of two faculty members to journey to Angers, France, to teach at the Université catholique de l’Quest for the St. Edwards Study Abroad Program.  While there, she will teach Global Health Communication, Presentational Speaking and Introduction to Communications.

Prior to moving to Austin, Julie was a visiting assistant professor of mass communications for three years at Colorado State University-Pueblo.  Before becoming a professor, she spent 25 years in healthcare marketing communications for hospital systems in Texas, Louisiana and Colorado.  She served as director of marketing communications for Penrose-St. Francis Health Services here for the final 10 years.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and a master’s degree in communications from Trinity University, also in San Antonio.

Accreditation is the mark of distinction for public relations practitioners who have demonstrated their commitment to the profession and its ethical practice.  It also certifies that Julie has demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to effectively practice PR in today’s competitive environment.
PRSA members interested in accreditation should contact the chapter accreditation chair, Fred Morgan, APR, Fellow PRSA, at 488-8352 or [email protected].  He will be offering a six-week APR workshop for serious candidates in March.

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JP Arnold Passes Accreditation Exam
by Fred Morgan, APR
Johnpaul (JP) Arnold, APR, communications manager for AspenPointe, successfully passed PRSA’s APR examination late last month and is now an accredited member of the society.  He joins 22 other Pikes Peak Chapter members who have earned their APRs.
Born in Vicksburg, Miss., and raised in DeValls Bluff, Ark., JP graduated from DeValls Bluff High School and from the Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications.  He later earned a master’s degree in mass communications from Middle Tennessee State University. He is married and has a daughter, Olivia, nine, and a son, Isaiah, who is six years old.

A retired U. S. Army major, JP started his military career as a signal officer in 1994, but joined the Army public affairs community in 2007 and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Ky., and Iraq.  He later worked in Army advertising and marketing as a program manager, and as the website and social media manager, and communications planner for I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, near Seattle, and in Afghanistan.  He retired from the Army in 2014 and joined AspenPointe in March 2015. 

When asked why he decided to pursue PRSA accreditation, JP said, “I pursued the APR because I wanted to learn and challenge myself as an Army public affairs officer transitioning into a new area of PR.  Some aspects of military public affairs transfer nicely, while some new strategies and tactics are now available or more important in a nonprofit behavioral health environment.” 

Accreditation is the mark of distinction for public relations practitioners who have demonstrated their commitment to the profession and its ethical practice.  Earning his APR designation also certifies that JP has demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to effectively practice PR in today’s competitive environment.  Only about 19 percent of PRSA’s 22,000+ members have earned this honor. 

​PRSA members interested in accreditation should contact the chapter accreditation chair, Fred Morgan, APR, Fellow PRSA, at 488-8352 or [email protected].  He offers a six-week APR workshop for serious candidates after the first of each year.
NOTE:  Follow JP’s story about how he successfully transitioned from the military to the civilian world on PRSA’s website (Jobcenter) using the link below: https://www.prsa.org/Jobcenter/military/military_transition_success_stories/John_Paul_JP_Arnold_APR

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Pikes Peak PRSA Chapter Seeks Nominations for Industry Awards Submission Deadline TBDHonor a professional you respect, and whose work has made a difference for public relations, by nominating them for a Pikes Peak PRSA Award.
Lifetime Achievement AwardName:  The Pinnacle Award
Given for:  Outstanding lifetime achievement in the field of public relations
Nomination Criteria:

1. Nominees must be member in good standing of PRSA and the Pikes Peak Chapter in any membership category
2. Nominees must have a minimum of 20 years experience in the field of PR
3. Nominees must have made significant contributions to the chapter in a leadership position
4. Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional professional capability during their career
5. Nominees must have contributed to the advancement of the profession through their work
6. Nominees must exhibit personal and professional qualities that make them role models for other PR practitioners

Those interested can view the nomination process here.
Community Leader AwardName:  The Vista Award
Given for:  Outstanding use of public relations in supporting the citizens of El Paso County
Nomination Criteria:

1. Nominees must not be serving in the field of public relations
2. Nominees’ personal and professional contributions must have significantly served the best interests of El Paso County residents
3. Nominees’ public relations practices must have played a major part in these contributions
4. Recipients may only receive one award during their lifetime

Those interested, can view the nomination process here.
For questions on submitting nominations, or about the awards, please contact Awards Chair Keri Funkhouser - [email protected] or or 719.785.9218.
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​Board Approves Bylaws Changes
by Fred Morgan
The new Pikes Peak Chapter board of directors approved changes to its chapter bylaws during its first meeting of the year.  Changes included:

• The right to serve as a professional advisor to a Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter was changed from a requirement to be accredited to those members who have five years of public relations experience and/or are accredited.  This brings our local policy into compliance with national PRSA policy.

• The chapter’s Leadership Assembly Delegate was changed from a non-voting to a voting member of the board.  This change reflected the fact that this position is an elected verses an appointed member of the board.

• A new requirement was established that candidates for chapter president must have been a member of PRSA for at least three years.  This ensures a minimum level of chapter experience before taking over our top leadership position.

• A new standing committee, community outreach, was established.  The community outreach chair manages the chapter’s bro bono public relations support to non-profit community organizations.

Updated chapter bylaws will go into effect once approved by the PRSA national board of directors.

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Pikes Peak PRSA Chapter Seeks Nominations for Industry Awards Submission Deadline October 31, 2014Honor a professional you respect, and whose work has made a difference for public relations, by nominating them for a Pikes Peak PRSA Award.
Lifetime Achievement AwardName:  The Pinnacle Award
Given for:  Outstanding lifetime achievement in the field of public relations
Nomination Criteria:

1. Nominees must be member in good standing of PRSA and the Pikes Peak Chapter in any membership category
2. Nominees must have a minimum of 20 years experience in the field of PR
3. Nominees must have made significant contributions to the chapter in a leadership position
4. Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional professional capability during their career
5. Nominees must have contributed to the advancement of the profession through their work
6. Nominees must exhibit personal and professional qualities that make them role models for other PR practitioners

Those interested can view the nomination process here.
Community Leader AwardName:  The Vista Award
Given for:  Outstanding use of public relations in supporting the citizens of El Paso County
Nomination Criteria:

1. Nominees must not be serving in the field of public relations
2. Nominees’ personal and professional contributions must have significantly served the best interests of El Paso County residents
3. Nominees’ public relations practices must have played a major part in these contributions
4. Recipients may only receive one award during their lifetime

Those interested, can view the nomination process here.
For questions on submitting nominations, or about the awards, please contact Awards Chair Barry Grossman– [email protected] or 719.488.5908.

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Three Pass Accreditation ExamBy Fred Morgan, APR, Fellow PRSA, Chapter Accreditation Chair 
Three members of the Pikes Peak Chapter passed the tough PRSA APR examination earlier this month and are now accredited members of the Society. They include Patrice Lehermeier, APR; Nikki Richardson, APR; and Cheron Cole, APR. Nineteen of 67 active chapter members have earned their APRs – a total of 28 percent.
Patrice Lehermeier is a senior public affairs specialist with Colorado Springs Utilities and has 15 years experience delivering strategic, results-based communications. She currently works on projects that frequently include field operations, customer service, conservation and environmental stewardship. She also served in a crisis communications role during the 2012 Waldo Canyon and 2013 Black Forest Fires.   
Prior to utilities, Patrice was director of communications for USA Cycling and worked for NBC Olympics at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. She’s a certified FEMA advance public information officer, and earned a PRSA Colorado Silver Pick Award for publications excellence.
 Originally from San Diego, she currently resides in Pueblo West after living 14 years in Colorado Springs. Patrice earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California-Davis and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder.
Nikki Richardson has had a diverse, seven-year public relations career working at an agency, a nonprofit, a public utility and a national association.  She currently serves as the associate director of reputation management for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Her primary responsibilities include coordinating opinion leader outreach, facilitating tours and workshops for key industry stakeholders, leading sustainability communication efforts and assisting with proactive media relations. She also serves as the editor of Beef Issues Quarterly, a journal providing trends intelligence to help guide the beef industry’s planning and issues management efforts.
Born and raised in Tulsa, Okla., Nikki graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. She was selected the outstanding graduate for the MPA program at UCCS and was also a 2012 Colorado Springs Business Journal Rising Star.     
Cheron Cole is a public affairs specialist for Colorado Springs Utilities. In her two and a half years in the utilities industry, she has helped manage digital communications, employee communications, safety communications and customer publications.
Prior to working for utilities, Cheron served four years as a marketing account manager in the outdoor and recreation industry for Camping World in Lincolnshire, Ill. She also worked as a public relations writer for Brigham Young University-Idaho university relations and was a public relations intern for Richter7, a full-service communications agency in Salt Lake City.
Cole received her bachelor’s degree in communications from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2007, where she also served as her Public Relations Student Society of America chapter president. She serves on the Springs Utilities Giving Campaign committee, participates in the employee volunteer organization and is fundraising for World Vision’s New York City Marathon team, which she plans to run in November. Originally from Chicago, Cheron has lived in Colorado Springs for two and a half years. She is married to Dr. Richard Cole, a clinical psychologist. They are expecting their first child in June.
Accreditation is the mark of distinction for public relations practitioners who have demonstrated their commitment to the profession and its ethical practice.  Earning their APR designation also certifies that Patrice, Nikki and Cheron have demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to effectively practice PR in today’s competitive environment. There are approximately 5,000 accredited members within PRSA and its eight partner PR organizations. Nineteen percent of PRSA’s national membership is accredited.


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Chapter Member Earns Top CSU-Pueblo AwardA member of the Pikes Peak Chapter was honored with a top Colorado State University-Pueblo faculty award April 28. 
Julie Armstrong, a visiting assistant professor of mass communications/ Center for New Media, received the 2013-14 Students’ Choice Award for Outstanding Faculty Member. The award is presented annually for “outstanding service and transformative leadership to students of CSU-Pueblo.”  The award recognized her “…outstanding service, guidance, advocacy and leadership that has transformed the lives of numerous students at Colorado State University-Pueblo.”
Julie teaches courses with an integrated communications emphasis, including public relations writing, public relations case problems, advertising writing, advertising strategy, integrated communications campaigns, introduction to integrated communications, healthcare communications and advertising sales lab.  She’s been teaching full time at CSU-Pueblo for the past two years.
Prior to becoming a professor, Armstrong spent 25 years in healthcare marketing communications in hospital systems in Texas, Louisiana and Colorado. She served as director of marketing communications for Penrose-St. Francis Health Services here for the final10 years. She’s also a small business owner, having owned a Jenny Craig Weight Loss franchise for the past seven years.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and a master’s degree in communications from Trinity University in San Antonio. 
Julie says that she was totally surprised when she was announced as the award winner, having not been told in advance that she had been nominated by several students or was a finalist. “This award means the world to me – more than any other award I have received,” she said.
Submitted by Fred Morgan, APR, Fellow PRSA


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Pikes Peak Chapter Presents Two Top Awards at Jan. 23 Meeting
The Pikes Peak Chapter presented its two highest awards during the January 23 luncheon meeting.  The chapter’s Vista Award recognizes the outstanding use of public relations by a community leader in supporting the citizens of El Paso County.  And the Pinnacle Award recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement in the field of public relations by a senior chapter member.
The Gazette editor Joe Hight received the 2013 Vista Award for effectively using PR tools and practices to keep the citizens of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region up-to-date on the issues so important to their safety, happiness and understanding.  Since becoming Gazette editor in November 2012, Hight has continued to demonstrate innovative management techniques and effectiveness as a communicator.  The Gazette has improved significantly due to his leadership, insight and attention to community needs, interests and desires.  And by creating an atmosphere of transparency, he as already earned the support and confidence of many community members.
Barry Grossman, APR, received the 2013 Pinnacle Award for continuing to distinguish himself during a 37-year PR career that Included positions of increasing responsibility with the U. S. Air Force, the U. S. Space Foundation, PRACO Public Relations and Advertising, and the CH2M HILL transportation business group.  Since 2009, he has been a principal and senior public involvement consultant with Bachman Public Relations here.
Barry joined PRSA in 1995 and was accredited in public relations in 1997.  He has held wide variety of board positions with both the Pikes Peak and Colorado Chapters, and served as the Pikes Peak Chapter president in 1998.  He retired from the Air Force in 1992.
Submitted by Fred Morgan


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Pikes Peak Chapter Member Selected to Lead Air Force Public Affairs 
A member of PRSA’s Pikes Peak Chapter has been selected to lead the Air Force worldwide public affairs program.  Colonel Kathleen Cook, currently director of public affairs for Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB, will replace Brig. Gen. Les Kodlick as Air Force director of public affairs following Kodlick’s retirement on Feb. 28.
 In announcing the move to the Air Force public affairs community, General Kodlick said, “Colonel Cook is a superlative PA who is well respected around the Air Force and across the career field; her leadership and command experience are downright impressive.  She has led at the joint, major air command and wing levels, and commanded at the group and squadron level.  Many of you will be interested to know that she started her career as an enlisted airman musician trumpet player.  How cool is that?” 
General Kodlick served as Air Force Space Command director of public affairs here from July 2006 to December 2007.  He also served as chief of public affairs for the 21st Space Wing at Peterson from 1991 to 1994

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PRSA to Senate: Don’t Use the PR Industry as A ‘Punching Bag' — 'Roll Call' Op-EdMarch 16, 2012
From PRSA: http://media.prsa.org/article_display.cfm?article_id=2528
 
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) had an op-ed published March 15, 2012, in the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call expressing its concerns with a Senate investigation into the federal government’s use of public relations and advertising services. 
 
In the opinion piece, PRSA Chair and CEO Gerard F. Corbett, APR, Fellow PRSA, urges Senator Claire McCaskill (D–Mo.) and Senator Rob Portman (R–Ohio), who are jointly leading the investigation, to avoid actions that might diminish or severely restrict the government’s use of approved public relations and public affairs contractors.
 
The op-ed accompanied letters PRSA sent to Sens. McCaskill and Portman regarding the role and value of public relations to the federal government and its citizens....
 
Follow the story and read more Roll Call Op-Ed piece at PRSA!
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PRSA Pikes Peak Chapter Elects Board of Directors for 2012Colorado Springs, CO (January 23, 2012) - The Pikes Peak Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is starting off the 2012 year with a newly-elected board of directors.  

Newly-elected President, Keri Funkhouser of Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs, follows in the footsteps of immediate past president, Joe Swaty.  The following members have been elected to the PRSA Pikes Peak Chapter Board of Directors:

President-Elect - Leanna Kelton, Harrison School District 2 
Vice President / Program Chair - Dana Chippindale, ENT 
Treasurer - John Leavitt, APR, City of Colorado Springs 
Secretary - Kevin Porter, AspenPointe
Membership Chair, Director at Large - Susan Presti, Colorado Springs Utilities
Accreditation Chair, Director at Large - Fred Morgan, APR, Fellow PRSA, Retired
Ethics Chair, Director at Large - Mike Pierson, Air Force Space Command  

The Pikes Peak Chapter of PRSA serves the cities of Colorado Springs and Pueblo as well as smaller communities and a number of major military installations in the Pikes Peak region. Members engage in study, research and discussion of public relations issues and the techniques of public relations practice, enjoying increased job satisfaction through enhanced skills, contacts and employability. Maintaining the highest quality of service and unquestioned standards of ethical conduct are keystones of the Pikes Peak Chapter.

Contact:    
Erin Garcia
PR Chair
719-393-4921                        
[email protected]

Keri Funkhouser
President
719-635-4483

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Branding Curator Team Awards Brand Logo Design ContractLogo Concepts to Undergo Further Refinement with Creative DirectionColorado Springs, Colorado – February 3, 2012 – After presentations on Wednesday, February 1 from four local design firms, the Branding Curator Team has selected a single firm to continue development of an identity mark for Colorado Springs. 

The original community brand and logo debuted in November 2011 to mixed feedback, initiating a collaborative process and open dialogue between the Branding Task Force and the creative community. A Branding Curator Team was formed to oversee creative development of a new logo by a local design firm.  

Upon review and deliberation of the submitted concepts, the Curator Team awarded Fixer Creative Co. the contract to create the community logo. The Curator team expressed its appreciation for the diversity of work and effort put forth by all four firms. In the end, Fixer Creative’s presentation, thought process and direction captured the essence of the brand strategy and had all the elements necessary for a successful logo. “Their process, background work and execution were very well done, and the concepts show great promise. We feel this collaboration will provide the best result,” states Curator Team member and CSK Group Principal & CEO Steve Maegdlin. 

While Fixer Creative Co. has been chosen to develop the new logo, their concepts will go through further exploration and refinement. Christopher Schell, Vice President of Design Rangers and leader of the Curator Team seconds, “we have a solid foundation in Fixer Creative’s approach and further refinement will only strengthen the final design.” Therefore, it was decided not to post the work for public feedback until revised concepts are presented to the Curator Team. The process and timeline of public input will be determined when final options are ready to be unveiled.

The Curator Team’s next step will be to provide clear direction to Fixer Creative Co., helping them to further develop the concepts they submitted. Schell continues, “We are still on track to make a decision this spring. Due to the nature of this collaborative process, there are no clear guidelines. We are all working diligently to promote creative solutions that are a strong reflection of the entire community and all its stakeholders.” 

The task force invited local designers to submit proposals in early January. The Curator Team, consisting of marketing, branding, strategic planning, business development and graphic design experts throughout the region, reviewed the proposals and narrowed down the field of local designers from 27 to 4: Mary Cukjati of Cukjati Brand Development + Creative, Troy and Sara DeRose of Fixer Creative Co., Carol Stephenson of River Rat Design and Greg Barrington of Barrington Design Studios.

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PRSA Initiative to Define Public Relations 
From the PRSA National  Website - http://prdefinition.prsa.org/
As part of its mission to advance the public relations profession and professional, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has introduced a new initiative to modernize the definition of public relations and increase its value. As the digital age has caused significant shifts in how organizations communicate internally and externally, a question frequently asked by the public, media and practitioners is, “What is public relations?”
PRSA has set out to answer this question.
PRSA’s “Public Relations Defined” initiative will utilize a collaborative, industry-wide effort to develop a modern definition for the new era of public relations.
At PRSA’s new blog, “Public Relations Defined,” public relations professionals are invited to share their insights and perspective on what defines the modern practice of public relations.
As part of a special “Definition of Public Relations Summit” held in September in New York, PRSA partnered with the following organizations to provide input and support:

• Public Relations Student Society of America
• Chartered Institute of Public Relations
• Arthur W. Page Society
• International Association of Business Communicators
• Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management
• Institute for Public Relations
• International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC)
• Canadian Public Relations Society
• Word of Mouth Marketing Association
• Hispanic Public Relations Association
• National Black Public Relations Society

Why Update The Current DefinitionRecent discussions, blog posts, tweets and mainstream articles have suggested that (1) public relations professionals (and, thus, the audiences we serve) continue to struggle with the question: “What is PR?”; (2) many industry professionals are unhappy with the current definitions; and (3) no one definition is considered “the” de facto industry definition.
PRSA’s definition of public relations was last updated in 1982. In the past 10 years, PRSA has convened two special committees to explore modernizing the definition of public relations. The 2003 PRSA Committee to Define Public Relations agreed to a new definition (see below), though it was never formally adopted by the Society.
Recommended definition from the 2003 PRSA Committee to Define Public Relations:
Public Relations is the professional discipline that ethically fosters mutually beneficial relationships among social entities.
There is a modern dynamic at work, as well. Changes in technology have created a new set of expectations with regard to who should “own” the definition. Professionals from all corners of the public relations industry seem to want greater involvement and ownership with how their work is defined. They don’t want to live by someone else’s definition; they want something they can own.
Representative Sample of Current DefinitionsA Google search on “definition of PR” yields more than 64,000 results; some of the more prominent definitions include:

• PRSA: “Public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.”

• Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS): “Public relations is the strategic management of relationships between an organization and its diverse publics, through the use of communication, to achieve mutual understanding, realize organizational goals, and serve the public interest.” (Flynn, Gregory & Valin, 2008)

• Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR): “Public relations is about reputation — the result of what you do, what you say and what others say about you. Public relations is the discipline which looks after reputation, with the aim of earning understanding and support and influencing opinion and behaviour. It is the planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between an organisation and its publics.”

• “Effective Public Relations” (Cutlip, Center and Broom): “Public relations is a management function that establishes and maintains mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and the publics on whom its success or failure depends.”

• Paul Holmes/Holmes Report: “Public relations is the business of helping organizations create policies, craft messages, and engage in conversations that enhance the relationships between the organization and its key stakeholders in order to maximize the benefits of those relationships to both parties.”

• Dictionary.com: “The actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc.”

• Merriam-Webster: “The business of inducing the public to have understanding for and goodwill toward a person, firm, or institution.”

Sample Industry and Mainstream Media Commentary

• From Jayme Soulati’s “Help PRSA Define Public Relations”: “Sadly, the current Public Relations Society of America website adopted a definition of PR in 1982, and it has never changed! (Do you realize this definition below pre-dates the fax machine?) In my post, I called upon PRSA to update the definition (others agreed), and here’s what the highly confusing explanation states: ‘Public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.’”

• From HeidiCohen.com’s “31 Definitions of Public Relations”: “Say PR, as in public relations, particularly during a conversation about marketing and/or social media, and participants are liable to have vastly different perspectives on the topic.”

• From The Economist (“Rise of the Image Men,” Dec. 16, 2010): “After a century of spinning, PR Man remains uncertain of his proper role. Is he a master manipulator? Is he the devil’s advocate (as long as Satan pays his fees)? Or is he a benign bridge-builder between the corporate world and the public?”

• From Jack Shafer at Slate.com (May 13, 2011): “Most PR campaigns are ‘smear campaigns.’ … “Every reporter approached by PR firms knows that the primary focus of PR firms is to push lies. If PR people were being paid to push the truth, they’d be called reporters.”

What the Future HoldsTopics such as the definition of public relations tend to be cyclical, though there may be cause to believe that industry interest in this topic is continuing unabated. One reason is that the discussion has moved beyond public relations professionals to include professionals from other communications disciplines, as well as media, bloggers and other industry influencers.
Questions to Consider

• What is public relations?
• How has public relations changed in the past 20-30 years, and how have these changes affected its overall scope and value?
• How has public relations remained the same since that time?
• How would you define public relations?
• How would your clients, employers or employees define public relations?

How can I participate?Add your voice to the discussion of the modern definition of public relations by submitting a comment to the “Public Relations Defined” blog.
How Will A New Definition Be Developed?Once submissions have closed, a PRSA Definition Task Force will evaluate the final word-cloud results and craft three possible definitions, based on the results. Those definitions then will be presented to the profession for a vote on PRSA.org, and PRSA (and, we hope, others) will formally adopt the “winning” definition and use it in all communications moving forward.
Need Help?

• If you have any questions or need assistance with your entry, please contact Keith Trivitt.
• Check the “Public Relations Defined” blog for more information and updates.

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2012 Dues Increase 
The BasicsWhat was passed?
The Leadership Assembly, a group of delegates appointed to represent the interests of all PRSA members, voted to increase the cost of PRSA dues in the regular membership category by $30. The proposal passed by a nearly 4-to-1 margin (209-to-53). It is the first time in 10 years that PRSA has increased the cost of membership.
For more information on the dues increase, including frequently asked questions, visit the National PRSA website at 2012 Dues Increase.
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Chapter Member Fanning Passes APR Exam
Dec. 6, 2011
Paul Fanning, APR, public relations and legislation administrator for the Board of Water Works of Pueblo, successfully passed the PRSA APR exam Nov. 19, 2011, and is now an accredited member of the Society.  He is the 20th chapter member to earn this important credential.

Paul is a Pueblo native who attended Southern Colorado State College (now Colorado State University – Pueblo) and the University of Wyoming before receiving his bachelor’s degree in theater from California State University, Fullerton.  After working for 13 years in commercial television production, he served eight years in curriculum and communications (ultimately as director of communications) for the Wichita, Kan., Public Schools prior to returning to Pueblo.  He has been employed by the Board since early 2003.

He has been active in PRSA’s Pikes Peak Chapter for several years, serving as a director-at-large and committee chair.  He’s been a core group member of Pueblo’s Risk Communications Network since 2005, and serves on the public relations committee of the Front Range Water Council.  A member of the Colorado Water Congress, Paul serves on that organization’s state affairs, federal affairs and communications committees.

Paul chairs the communications committee of the Rocky Mountain Section of the American Water Works Association.  He’s also a certified leadership development program (DuPont) trainer and certified diversity trainer.  
When asked why he decided to pursue accreditation, Fanning said, “I came to the profession of public relations through a diverse combination of education and work life experiences that did not include formal PR training.  And, although the public relations work I have performed has been highly valued by leadership and other members of the organizations I have served, I wished to gain a strong underpinning of established PR theory and practice.  The knowledge, skills and abilities I have acquired through preparation for accreditation have enhanced my effectiveness and will continue to do so in the future.”

Paul is married to the former Sylvia Huber; the couple have three adult children, Aaron, Sean and Colin.

Accreditation is the mark of distinction for public relations practitioners who have demonstrated their commitment to the profession and its ethical practice.  Earning his APR designation also certifies that Paul has demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to effectively practice PR in today’s competitive environment.  Only about 25 percent of PRSA’s 21,000+ members have earned this honor.

PRSA members interested in accreditation should contact the chapter’s accreditation chair, Fred Morgan, APR, Fellow PRSA, at 719-488-8352 or [email protected].  He plans to offer a six-week APR workshop for serious candidates after the first of the year.
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Chapter Member Named VP Strategic Marketing, Communications
Dec. 3, 2011
Johnny Rea was recently named Centura Health’s South State Hospital Group (SSHG) Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Communications.  He has been a member of PRSA’s Pikes Peak Chapter since 2007.
Johnny joined Centura Health and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services in 2007, serving as the Manager of Marketing and Public Relations, and then later the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications. 
In his new role, Johnny will oversee all media, associate and community relations; crisis communications; brand management; strategic marketing; service line development; and social media initiatives for Centura’s hospitals in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Canon City.  He will collaborate with Group leadership in aligning strategic marketing and service line development plans with the overall SSHG vision and goals to build profit and volume while promoting brand integration and consumer awareness. 
Prior to joining Centura Health, Johnny enjoyed a distinguished, 24-year career with the U.S. Air Force, directing global public relations, marketing and strategic communications throughout the U.S., Europe, the Pacific, and the Middle East. He has routinely worked with CNN, FOX News, USA Today, National Public Radio, New York Times, NASCAR, Major League Baseball, and the National League Football. 
He led communication efforts during the Global War on Terror at the largest air base in Qatar, and began a new Air Force communications office in Kuwait.  Johnny directed the Air Force’s outreach campaign following Hurricanes Rita and Wilma in Florida, and facilitated international media coverage into war-torn Sarajevo during the U.S. delivery of humanitarian aide to refugees. 
Johnny has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College and is a Distinguished Graduate from the DoD Public Affairs Officers Course. 
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Chapter Marks Nine Years Support to Crisis Communication Group
Nov. 18, 2011
During the past nine years, the Pikes Peak Chapter has developed and continued a partnership with a community group dedicated to improving communication during a community-wide crisis.  
In January 2002, the chapter board of directors was approached by Steve Berry, APR, the administrator of the Colorado Springs Crisis Communications Network (CCN), to see if PRSA might be interested in taking on the continued development of the group as a long-term project. 

The CCN was formed in April 2001 in response to communication problems associated with several large-scale community emergencies, and to take advantage of the lessons learned during the Columbine High School shooting disaster April 20, 1999, in Littleton, Colo. 
During that crisis, the effective release of timely, accurate information to the public was hindered by a serious lack of coordination among the many agencies responding.  Public relations specialists in these agencies did not know one another and had therefore not trained together to effectively handle such an emergency.

Membership in the CCN is drawn from city and country first responders; other city, county, state and federal agencies; the military; and other service and support organizations (utilities, hospitals, schools, the chamber of commerce, tourism office, Red Cross, etc.).  The group currently has 81 members.  Membership is described as “inclusive” rather than “exclusive.”

Fred Morgan, APR, Fellow PRSA, and 2002 Pikes Peak Chapter President, met with Berry to gather information about the group and to see if it fit with the chapter’s desire to get involved with pro bono community support.  The CCN was having organizational problems and thought that moving its management under the umbrella of an outside professional organization might be a step in the right direction.
At the end of March 2002, Berry invited Morgan and fellow board members Lynne Bliss and Danette Lopez to sit in on a CCN meeting. Members discussed their problems getting organized, their vision of what the group should achieve and their hopes for the future.  The three PRSA members were then asked to make individual written recommendations on how to best address the CCN’s problems and to get the organization moving toward its stated goals.

In early July 2002, Morgan was invited to facilitate a two-hour CCN meeting, during which the group members agreed to the basic framework for a multi-agency crisis communication plan and the supporting plan annexes.  Morgan then used the information developed on flip charts during the meeting to write the Purpose, Background, Objectives and Approach sections of the new plan.  During the next eight months, he led the group meetings, which generated the Public Affairs Actions and Procedures, and Specific Tasks and Responsibilities sections of the plan.  The final plan was approved by CCN members in March 2003.

In February 2003, Berry recommended to the group that PRSA take over management of CCN and asked Morgan to step in as administrator.  He has continued in that role with the help of two other senior chapter members, Chuck Wood, APR, Fellow PRSA, and Don Miles, APR, Fellow PRSA.  Chuck Wood served as CCN administrator during 2004.

The CCN continues to grow with the help of the Pikes Peak Chapter.  Its members meet monthly and are committed to its stated mission: “…to build relationships, provide support and enhance coordination among Pikes Peak-area public information officers, thereby ensuring the delivery of timely, accurate and consistent information to all impacted audiences.” 
If you or your organization would like to participate in CCN, please contact Fred at [email protected].
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Devra Ashby Passes Accreditation Exam
Nov. 10, 2011
Devra Ashby, APR, public information officer for Colorado Springs School District 11, successfully passed PRSA’s APR examination late last month and is now an accredited member of the Society.  She joins 18 other Pikes Peak Chapter members who have earned their APRs.
     
Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Devra graduated from Doherty High School and later from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a bachelor’s degree in communication.  She has been a television anchor and reporter, media specialist and public relations professional in the field’s of healthcare, city government and education. 
Education and working with children are her passions, and she feels very fortunate to work for the same school district from which she graduated.  She is married and has one daughter who is six years old.
     
When asked why she decided to pursue PRSA accreditation, Devra said, “I realized that I needed to get my APR when I noticed that the people I respected most in the field of public relations all had those three letters after their names. It is a distinction that helps validate my career choice, helps guide my ethical decision making and will make me a very well-rounded professional.”
     
Accreditation is the mark of distinction for public relations practitioners who have demonstrated their commitment to the profession and its ethical practice.  Earning her APR designation also certifies that Devra has demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to effectively practice PR in today’s competitive environment.  Only about 20 percent of PRSA’s 20,000+ members have earned this honor. 
     
PRSA members interested in accreditation should contact the chapter accreditation chair, Fred Morgan, APR, Fellow PRSA, at 488-8352 or [email protected].  He plans to offer a six-week APR workshop for serious candidates after the first of the year.