About
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nation’s leading professional organization for communications professionals. With more than 30,000 members across 400 chapters, PRSA supports lifelong learning, professional development and community for those in public relations, media, marketing, and communications roles.
PRSA Greater Fort Lauderdale represents more than 110 professionals and students throughout Broward County and surrounding areas from Dania Beach to Weston and Parkland. Our members are communications leaders working in corporate, nonprofit, government and agency settings across 17+ industries.
Our Mission
To advance the public relations profession and support communicators at every career stage by offering local connection, education, leadership opportunities and community.
Members enjoy:
- Leading-edge monthly programs and seminars
- Networking events
- Recognition and awards for outstanding achievements
- Annual awards celebrating the community’s achievements
- Opportunities to get involved and advance your own professional interest

The possibilities are endless with PRSA Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
We encourage our members to continue their professional development in the industry and to build on their degrees and experience by becoming Accredited in Public Relations. The PRSA’s APR program will set you apart from your peers, and reflect the expanding and progressing public relations industry standards and practices. To learn more, visit our APR Accreditation.
Ethics
We strive to uphold the strong core values and ethical practices of public relations. To do so we follow principles outlined by the PRSA Code of Ethics. As a PRSA member ethical practice is the most vital obligation. The code aids in providing support for members on avoiding malpractice.
PRSSA
Our chapter fully supports the Nova Southeastern University, our official PRSSA chapter, and Florida International University’s chapter. We want to provide upcoming professionals in the field with the proper tools and guidance to uphold our ethical principles and standards.
Our Leadership
PRSA Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Board of Directors is made up of a diverse body of professionals drawn from many different backgrounds throughout Broward County. To contact our Officers or Board members, please send an email to president@prsaftl.org.
Committee Members
Professional Programming
Rachael Lobeck
Community Programming
Madeline Gonzalez
Ciera Campbell
Kylie Rodriguez
Communications Committee
Claudia Ruiz Levy
Patti Thornton
Demi Bakatselos
Bella Giaquinto
Kimberly Aldunate
APR Committee
Jill Conway
Membership Committee
Randi Bayroff
Jill Randolph
Sydney Freeman
Get Involved With PRSA Greater Fort Lauderdale – Join a Committee
Committees are the backbone of our chapter. Through each committee, our members improve their skills and practice of public relations by developing new and exciting programs.
No experience? No problem! Committees are a great opportunity to try something new. Many of our committees offer virtual volunteer opportunities.
President
The President serves as the chief leader and strategic representative of the PRSA Group. This role provides vision, direction, and oversight to ensure the chapter fulfills its mission, delivers value to members, and operates efficiently. The President presides over meetings, supports all board activities, and serves as the liaison between chapter, local partners, the Sunshine District and PRSA national.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and facilitate monthly board and chapter meetings
- Provide guidance and support to all committee chairsÂ
- Oversee strategic planning and annual goal setting
- Serve as the spokesperson for the chapter at events and in the community
- Ensure compliance with PRSA guidelines and chapter bylaws
- Support sponsorship efforts and community partnerships
- Mentor and prepare the President-Elect for transition
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Time Commitment:
2-4 hours weekly
(Heavier time commitment during major events and planning season)
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Skills Needed:
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Experience in PR, communications, or related field
- Strategic thinking and team management
- Comfortable with public speaking and decision-making
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Benefits:
- High visibility and credibility within the local PR community
- Valuable leadership and board governance experience
- Expanded professional network
- Recognition at chapter and potentially national level
- Ability to set the direction and tone for the local chapter
President-Elect
The President-Elect is a leadership-in-training role designed to support the current President and prepare for a smooth transition into chapter leadership. This role focuses on learning the ins and outs of chapter operations, building strong relationships with board members and the PRSA community, and being a steward of the chapter’s future. While not required to lead a major initiative, the President-Elect may do so if the opportunity aligns with their strengths and chapter needs.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Actively support the President in strategic planning, meetings, and chapter operations
- Attend all board and chapter meetings to stay informed and engaged
- Begin identifying and cultivating future board members for the following year
- Build relationships with current board members, volunteers, and community partners
- Represent the chapter as needed in the President’s absence
- Optionally lead or assist with a key project or event, if beneficial to the chapter
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Time Commitment:
1-3 hours weeklyÂ
(Occasional increases during planning or transitions)
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Skills Needed:
- Strong interest in growing as a leader
- Willingness to learn and take initiative
- Organized, reliable, and collaborative
- Background in PR, communications, or a related field
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Benefits
- Mentorship and preparation for chapter leadership
- Opportunities to shape the future direction of the organization
- Deeper connection with PRSA peers and professionals
- A runway to lead with confidence and continuity
Immediate Past President
The Immediate Past President serves as a key advisor to the current President and board, offering historical perspective, continuity, and guidance based on previous leadership experience. This role supports strategic decision-making, mentors new board members when needed, and helps ensure the chapter remains aligned with its long-term vision and values.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Provide historical context and continuity for board decisions and strategy
- Serve as a sounding board and advisor to the President and President-Elect
Support leadership transition by sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned - Participate in board meetings and planning sessions, as availability allows
- Assist with special projects or chapter initiatives when needed
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Time Commitment:
1-2 hours per month
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Skills Needed:
- Previous service as chapter President
- Strong understanding of chapter operations, culture, and strategic goals
- Ability to offer thoughtful, balanced guidance
- Desire to support leadership development within the board
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Benefits
- Continued connection to the chapter and professional community
- Opportunity to shape the long-term legacy of the chapter
- Low-pressure leadership role with high impact through mentorship
- Recognition as a valued leader and contributor to chapter success
Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for the financial integrity of the chapter. This role manages all chapter funds, prepares budgets, issues payments, and provides regular financial reporting to the board and membership. The Treasurer ensures compliance with all financial policies and plays a key role in maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Receive and deposit all chapter funds into our bank account
- Issue receipts and make authorized disbursements with proper approval from the President or Board
- Prepare and maintain the annual chapter budget in coordination with the President
- Present regular financial reports during board meetings
- Distribute scholarship, reimbursement, or vendor checks as needed
- Render an annual financial report to the chapter membership
- Maintain organized and accurate financial records for reference and audit purposes
- Ensure timely renewals for any required filings, registrations, or accounts
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Time Commitment:
2-3 hours per month
(Additional time during budgeting season or when coordinating payments for large events)
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Skills Needed:
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Experience with budgeting, accounting, or financial management
- Familiarity with Google SheetsÂ
- Dependable and discreet with sensitive financial information
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Benefits
- Strengthen skills in budgeting, accounting and nonprofit financial management
- Gain experience in board leadership and strategic decision-making
- Build connections with local communications professionals and community partners
- Play a critical role in ensuring the chapter’s stability and growth
- Develop transferable skills in financial reporting, compliance and transparency
Secretary
The Secretary helps keep the board organized, informed and running efficiently. This role is responsible for sending meeting agendas and calendar invites in advance, ensuring quorum is met for official business and helping the board stay aligned with Robert’s Rules of Order. The Secretary may also take notes or minutes during meetings and serve as a gentle timekeeper or reminder when conversations go off track. In the future, this role will expand to include oversight of the chapter’s job board.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Send meeting agendas and calendar invites prior to monthly board meetings
- Track RSVPs and confirm quorum at the start of board meetings
- Be familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order and help apply them during meetings
- Take notes or minutes as needed and share any follow-up actions
- Keep the board on track during meetings with reminders or nudges if necessary
- (Future) Maintain and update the chapter’s job board postings
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Time Commitment:
2-3 hours per month
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Skills Needed:
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Strong written communication skills
- Comfortable with sending calendar invites and Google Docs
- Interest in light governance and keeping people on task
- (Future) Willingness to learn simple website updates (training to be provided)
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Benefits
- Strengthen organizational and leadership skills by keeping a board running smoothly
- Gain experience in nonprofit governance and Robert’s Rules of Order
- Develop transferable skills in scheduling, documentation and time management
Programming Chair
The Programming Chair is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing engaging chapter events and activities throughout the year. This role works closely with the board to develop programs that align with the chapter’s mission, enhance member engagement and provide valuable educational and networking opportunities. The Programming Chair represents the chapter externally, building connections with venues, speakers, professionals and the local community to grow the chapter’s presence in a positive way. A friendly demeanor, strong network or the desire to build one and a professional approach are key to success in this role.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and organize chapter programs, workshops, networking happy hours and other events in collaboration with the board and committee members
- Coordinate event logistics including venues, speakers, materials and technology needs
- Build and maintain relationships with community partners, venues, speakers and industry professionals
- Share confirmed event information with the Communications Chair so they are able to promote events to members and the public
- Maintain an annual calendar of events for the chapter
- Manage the event budget in coordination with the Treasurer
- Ensure programs align with chapter goals and membership interests
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Time Commitment:
1-2 hours weekly  Â
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Skills Needed:
- Friendly and professional demeanor with a passion for connecting people
- Large professional network or interest in building one
- Ability to work collaboratively with volunteers and guest speakers
- Creative thinking for event ideas and themes
- Comfortable with public speaking or facilitating discussions
- Dependable and able to meet deadlines
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Benefits:
- Gain hands-on experience in event planning, budgeting and logistics
- Strengthen leadership skills by guiding a committee and collaborating with the board
Expand your professional network by connecting with speakers, venues and industry leaders - Showcase your creativity through event design and programming ideas
- Play a visible role in growing the chapter’s presence in the local community
- Meaningful role which is able to bring people together for meaningful experiences and connections
Programming Committee
The Programming Committee supports the Programming Chair in creating and delivering engaging events and activities for the chapter. Committee members help brainstorm ideas, coordinate logistics and ensure programs run smoothly, providing members with valuable educational, networking and social opportunities.
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Key Responsibilities:Â
- Assist in planning and organizing chapter programs, workshops, and events
- Help secure venues, speakers and event materials
- Support day-of event operations, such as setup, check-in and clean-up
- Contribute ideas for new and innovative programming
- Promote events to members and encourage participation
- Gather and share attendee feedback for continuous improvement
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Time Commitment:
4 hours per month
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Skills Needed:
- Willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Ability to self start alongside taking ownership of tasks assigned to you
- Good communication and organizational skills
- Creativity in generating event ideas
- Reliability in fulfilling assigned tasks
- Positive attitude and enthusiasm for member engagement
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Benefits:
- Lower time commitment than Chair position while still contributing meaningfully to the chapter’s success
- Build event planning, coordination and communication skills
- Expand your professional network by working with speakers, venues and community partners
- Gain behind-the-scenes insight into how successful programs and events are run
- Collaborate with a fun, supportive team while learning from experienced chapter leaders
- Opportunity to test out leadership and event planning skills before stepping into a chair role in the future
Communications Chair
The Communications Chair is responsible for overseeing and planning strategies for email and social media communications, as well as creating event pages on the website for all chapter events. This role works closely with the board to elevate the chapter leadership's communication and engagement with chapter members and future members to build a more engaged network while working toward the overall chapter goals.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Own monthly social media content calendars and assign tasks throughout the communications committee members
- Build out email communications strategies for all chapter events and any other one-off communication asks from the board
- Write and/or review all social media copy and review all graphics before publishing
- Write and/or review all email communications before scheduling
- Create event pages on the chapter website for all chapter events
- Conduct interviews with chapter members and board members at chapter events
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Time Commitment:
1-3 hours weekly
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Skills Needed:
- Highly organized with the ability to manage a team of committee members
- Collaborative working within the Communications Committee as well as with the rest of the board members and committees
- Copy writing and editing
- Creative and strategic with a willingness to try new tactics to reach our audience and achieve the chapter goals
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Benefits:
- Build a professional portfolio of social media, email marketing and web content
- Gain leadership experience by managing a committee and collaborating with the board
- Strengthen skills in copywriting, editing and digital strategy
- Play a central role in shaping the chapter’s public voice and brand presence
- Expand your network by connecting with members, industry professionals and community partners
- Stay ahead of trends in communications, marketing and member engagement
- See your work directly impact chapter growth and member participation
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee supports the Communications Chair in planning and executing all chapter communications. Members collaborate to brainstorm creative strategies for social media and email campaigns, assist with graphic design, video editing, copywriting and help maintain clear and engaging communication with chapter members.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Write and publish monthly social media copy
- Assist with email copywriting and scheduling as needed
- Create social media assets, including graphics, videos, and stories
- Post live stories on chapter social channels during events
- Capture photos and videos at chapter events
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Time Commitment:
3-4 hours per month
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Skills Needed:
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to adapt and adjust strategies quickly
- Graphic design and/or video creation skills
- Copywriting skills
- Reliable in meeting deadlines and communicating proactively about potential delays
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Benefits:
- Gain hands-on experience creating social media, email and multimedia content
- Build skills in graphic design, video creation and copywriting
- Work collaboratively with a creative, supportive team
- Expand your professional network by engaging with chapter members and event attendees
Learn how to adapt communications strategies in real time
Contribute to the chapter’s growth and member engagement
APR Chair
The role of the chapter APR chair is to help inspire greater participation in the APR process, deliver targeted support for candidates and build a culture of excellence that drives meaningful results.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Actively participate in Greater Fort Lauderdale chapter board meetings and membership events, including the annual planning retreat
- Attend the national APR chair quarterly virtual meetings
- Market the APR program to members of the Greater Fort Lauderdale chapter
- Recruit APR candidates
- Train and support registered candidates from the Greater Fort Lauderdale chapter
- Coordinate panel presentations and ensure evaluations are submitted to the national office promptly
- Share CEU professional development opportunities with chapter APRs to help them maintain their accreditation
- Evaluate and improve the program regularly
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Time Commitment:Â
4-5 hours per month
(Additional 3 hours when a candidate is ready to be scheduled for and complete their panel presentation)
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Skills Needed:Â
- Should have earned and maintained their APR
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Benefits:Â
- Earn 3 CEUs for each year of service as APR chair.
- Earn .5 CEUs for hosting virtual or in-person information sessions to market the program.
- Gain personal and professional satisfaction from stewarding candidates through the preparation process.
- Stay up-to-date on RPIE case studies and various PR topics.
- Network with professional, like-minded PR colleagues.
Membership Chair
Description: The Membership Chair is responsible for overseeing the chapter's membership activities, ensuring chapter members receive the full value of their PRSA membership, and promoting the chapter's mission and goals.
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Key Responsibilities:Â
- Receive weekly membership reports from National and access chapter roster information using prsa.org’s volunteer tools
- Report to the Board monthly about new and dropped members, membership totals, prospective members, group memberships, and membership trends
- Motion the board to set the desired chapter membership dues level every year before the deadline
- Manage the chapter's membership program, including recruitment, retention, and engagement activities, sharing any membership drives from National, District, and fellow chapters
- Lead the chapter’s efforts to retain and recruit members, ensuring representation and inclusion of diverse members
- Act as a chapter ambassador for members and prospective members, promoting the chapter's values and services
- Follow up with National Membership Helpdesk on behalf of membersÂ
- Coordinate new member socials or events as appropriate
- Oversee Membership Committee, directing efforts to welcome new members to the chapter via email or phone
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Time Commitment:Â
4-5 hours per month
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Skills Needed:
- Strategic thinking
- Data analysis, forecasting and goal setting
- Social skills to interact with members and prospective members
- Attention to detail and follow up with professionals from diverse backgrounds
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Benefits:
- Know the names and backgrounds of every chapter member and prospective member
- Learn directly from fellow professionals about the trends driving members to PRSA
- Be the first person most new members will interact with
Membership Committee
Procure direction from Membership Chair to ensure consistent member outreach, ensuring all new members are welcome into the chapter, prospective members are informed of the benefits of joining the chapter, and all recruitment and engagement activities are carried out.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Send welcome email within the month of every new member joining the chapter, following email template
- Keep welcome email template updated with the latest board and program information
- Conduct calls with new members, dropped members, and member groups relevant to chapter’s activities and goals  Â
- Carry out member engagement activities as determined by the chapter board
- Provide member information to board as required, using National Member Directory and Chapter Volunteer Tools
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Time Commitment:
1-2 hours per month
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Skills Needed:
- Data search and analysis
- Email/Phone pitching
- Writing and editing
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Benefits:
- Help the board connect with every chapter member and prospective member
- Learn the inner workings of the chapter and prepare for PRSA leadership
- Be the first person most new members will interact with
Assembly Delegate
Each PRSA chapter designates one delegate per 100 members to serve as the liaison between the chapter members and PRSA leadership. The delegate attends the PRSA Leadership Assembly and votes on behalf of the chapter.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prior to the annual Leadership Assembly, review all national board nominations and proposed bylaw amendments
- Attend the Leadership Assembly, typically held in person before ICON and cast votes on all matters before the Assembly
- Provide updates to the chapter board on pending Assembly issues
- Gather and consider member feedback to ensure votes reflect the majority opinion of the chapter
Time Commitment:
1 hour monthly
(Additional time before Leadership Assembly– once a year. Participate in training beforehand, typically 2 hours and the full day of Leadership Assembly)
Skills Needed:
- Understanding of PRSA’s national structure
- Familiarity with Robert’s Rules of Order and parliamentary procedures
- Ability to engage with members and represent the chapter’s collective viewpoint
Benefits:
- Gain insight into PRSA leadership, governance and national priorities
- Build connections with delegates from across the country
- Participate in ICON and hear presentations from PRSA leadership
- Earn leadership credits toward your APR maintenance or other PRSA professional development goals
PRSSA Liaison
Description:
Serve as the primary bridge between NSU’s PRSSA chapter and the PRSA Greater Fort Lauderdale chapter. Strengthen relationships, create professional opportunities for students, and collaborate on events, communications, and member engagement initiatives.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain a pipeline for PRSSA members to transition into PRSA membership after graduation
- Coordinate student participation in PRSA events, including volunteering, networking and professional development
- Partner with PRSA’s social media team to cross-promote events, share chapter news and highlight member accomplishments
- Identify and recommend qualified PRSSA members for internship and job opportunities with PRSA member businesses
- Facilitate guest speaker exchanges between PRSA and PRSSA to provide mutual value and career insights
- Establish a mentorship program connecting PRSSA students with PRSA professionals
- Create collaborative campaigns or content to increase visibility for both chapters
- Gather feedback from students on PRSA programming to help refine offerings for emerging professionals
- Build relationships with local PR agencies, corporations and nonprofits through PRSA connections
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Time Commitment:
2–4 hours per month,Â
(Additional time during major PRSA events or collaborative initiatives)
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Skills Needed:
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Networking and relationship-building
- Social media content creation and coordination
- Organizational skills for event planning and follow-up
- Professionalism when representing both chapters
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Benefits:
- Exclusive networking with PRSA professionals and industry leaders
- Priority access to internships, job leads and mentorship opportunities
- Enhanced leadership, communication, and project management skills
- Increased visibility within the local PR community
- Opportunity to shape the professional pipeline for emerging PR talent
By-Laws Committee
This short-term By-Laws Committee will review the chapter’s By-Laws, which have not been updated since 2015 and recommend revisions to ensure they reflect our current needs and future goals.This committee’s input will help shape the foundation of our chapter, creating guidelines that support growth, inclusivity and innovation.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Review existing By-Laws for accuracy, clarity and relevance
- Recommend updates to align with best practices and chapter vision
- Collaborate with other committee members to ensure diverse perspectives are considered
- Submit proposed revisions for board and PRSA Nationals approval
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Time Commitment:
1-2 hours per month
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Skills Needed:
- Ability to read and interpret organizational documents
- Strong attention to detail
- Open-mindedness and willingness to consider new approaches
- Collaborative mindset and respect for differing viewpoints
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Benefits:
- Directly impact the future structure and success of the chapter
- Gain insight into how professional organizations operate
- Build relationships with members across different industries and experience levels
- Develop leadership and governance skills
Sponsorship Chair
The Sponsorship Chair plays a key role in building and maintaining strong relationships within the local community to secure a variety of sponsorships that support chapter initiatives. This role requires creativity in identifying partnership opportunities and a strategic approach to matching sponsors with chapter programs. The Sponsorship Chair works closely with the Treasurer, Programming and Communications Chairs to ensure sponsor needs are met and that the chapter delivers on its commitments. As this is a foundational role, the Chair will shape how the chapter approaches sponsorships moving forward.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Identify, cultivate and secure sponsorship opportunities that align with chapter goals
- Build and nurture relationships with local businesses, organizations and potential partners
- Collaborate with Treasurer, Programming and Communications Chairs to align sponsorship packages with event and communication plans
- Manage sponsor agreements and track fulfillment of promised benefits throughout the year
- Ensure clear communication between sponsors and chapter teams to maintain strong partnerships
- Develop strategies to grow sponsorship revenue sustainably
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Time Commitment:
2-3 hours per month
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Skills Needed:
- Strong relationship-building and networking skills
- Creative and strategic thinking to identify and develop sponsorship opportunities
- Attention to detail for managing agreements and deliverables
- Effective communication and collaboration with multiple teams
- Dependability and organizational skills to follow through on commitments
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Benefits:
- Develop valuable community connections and partnerships
- Gain experience in fundraising, negotiation and relationship management
- Play a crucial role in supporting chapter programs and growth
- Build leadership skills by shaping a new, impactful role within the chapter
- Enhance your professional profile as a connector and collaborator
Ethics Chair
As a new and evolving role, the Ethics Chair will build the foundation for keeping ethics at the heart of our chapter’s culture. This role serves as the chapter’s ethical compass—offering guidance on ethical questions, promoting integrity and fostering a strong sense of professionalism. The Ethics Chair will collaborate closely with the Programming Chair to develop and lead engaging events during Ethics Month, while also providing resources, talking points and content to the Communications Committee to keep ethics visible throughout the year.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as a confidential resource for chapter members and leadership on ethical concerns or dilemmas
- Develop and share ethics-related resources such as talking points, social media posts and newsletter content with the Communications Committee
- Partner with the Programming Chair to plan and lead Ethics Month programming
- Promote ethical standards and best practices across chapter communications and initiatives
- Collaborate with the board to embed ethical considerations into chapter activities
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Time Commitment:
1-2 hours per month
(Additional time during and leading up to Ethics Month in September)
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Skills Needed:
- Strong understanding of PRSA Code of Ethics and ethical principles in communications
- Good judgment and discretion in handling sensitive issues
- Ability to communicate ethical concepts clearly and engagingly
- Comfortable leading discussions and educational sessions
Collaborative and approachable with members and leadership
Entrepreneurial mindset to build and shape a new role
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Benefits:
- Shape the foundation of an important, high-impact chapter role
- Deepen your expertise and leadership in ethics within public relations
- Build meaningful relationships by supporting members with ethical guidance
- Gain experience in program development and member education
- Establish yourself as a trusted advocate for integrity and professionalism










