Monthly Newsletter - December 2024

Celebrating a Year of Connection and Growth

with PRSA Southern Arizona

by PRSA Southern Arizona Board President Laura Kruszewski

This year was a busy one for the PRSA Southern Arizona Chapter! We hosted six live webinar programs, delving into relevant topics like Upholding the Truth: Strategies to Counter Misinformation, The Latest in AI, and Leading with Inclusion. We also held three mixers this year, collaborating with the University of Arizona PRSSA Chapter for one and AAFTucson for another, providing great opportunities to connect and network.

Our annual IMPACT Awards had the highest attendance in recent years and saw a record-breaking number of award entries! Additionally, we kept members informed and connected through monthly newsletters that highlighted member benefits, news, and updates.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue the momentum with a lineup of dynamic programs and networking opportunities in 2025. Thank you for your dedication and contributions that made this year unforgettable!

Welcome 2025 PRSA Southern Arizona Board of Directors

Thank you to all members who elected the PRSA Southern Arizona Chapter’s incoming board of directors for 2025! These board members will start their new term on Jan. 1, 2025:

President: Laura Kruszewski, MBA (Chapter officer)

Immediate Past President: Sheila Storm, APR

President-elect and Communications Chair: Elise Brown (Chapter officer)

Secretary: Stephanie Doster (Chapter officer)

Treasurer: Mitch Zak (Chapter officer)

Programs Co-chairs: Melissa Martinez, APR and Amy Randall-Barber

IMPACT Awards Co-chairs: Joe Barrios and Carrie Gurenlian

Membership Chair: Tom Baca

Social Media Chair: Romi Carrell Wittman

Western District Liaison/PRSA Leadership Assembly Delegate: Jessa Turner

APR Chair (Accreditation in Public Relations): Sheila Storm, APR

Ethics Chair: Vacant *

Sponsorship Chair: Vacant *

*Help us fill these open positions! Contact Chapter President Laura Kruszewski today if you are interested!

Building Your Crisis Response Plan:

Expert Insights & Real-World Lessons

Tuesday, January 28

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Zoom Webinar

In today’s fast-paced media environment, effective crisis communication is essential for protecting an organization's reputation. Join Linda Welter, APR, Chief Executive Officer of the Caliber Group, as she reviews the critical elements of crafting a comprehensive crisis response plan. Through a real-world case study, Linda will showcase what strategies lead to success. Walk away with actionable strategies to prepare your organization to navigate crises with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Registration details coming soon!

Registration for the PRSA Western District Conference is Open!

February 24-26, 2025

PRSA-LA chapter will be hosting the prestigious 2025 Western District Conference. Mark your calendars for February 24-26 and join us at the iconic Sheraton Universal Hotel, the “Hotel of the Stars” in Universal City, California. This 4-star hotel is conveniently located within walking distance from Universal Studios Hollywood, CityWalk, Warner Brothers Studio, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Bowl, and downtown Los Angeles, making it the perfect central hub for all your sightseeing adventures.

Get ready to gain insights from industry leaders, network with PR professionals, and elevate your career with access to cutting-edge sessions and expert speakers.

Learn More!

Get Early Bird Pricing for ICON 2025

PRSA is excited to share the news that ICON 2025 will be taking place in Washington, D.C., from October 28-30. Join your peers in the nation's capital to network and learn from outstanding thought leaders and top industry figures.

More Details

Make use of your PRSA member benefits all year long!

Making holiday travel plans? Don't forget to use your PRSA member discount to save money on car rentals with Avis or Budget and on hotels with HotelEngine and Wyndham.

Prep for more savings in 2025 by downloading the PRSA Member Benefits Savings Guide to review all the benefits of your membership.

Looking ahead: New PRSA programs for 2025

February: Workshop, Going Strategic: The Essentials of Strategic Communication s (save by registering by Jan. 10).

March-April: New certificate program, Public Affairs: Practical Skills for Communicators

Welcome New & Returning Members

A warm welcome to these new Chapter members:

Chris Stoller

Arizona Director

LS2 Group

Priya Jandu

Communications Coordinator

Literacy Connects

Rachel C. Mindell

Content Marketer

Freelance

Kathrine Dela

Communications Specialist

Hudbay Minerals

And thanks to these renewing members:

Carrie Gurenlian

Senior Marketing Communications Manager

Sundt Construction

Jessa B. Turner

Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Tech Parks Arizona

Courtney Pulitzer

PR Director

Sandoval Creative

Misti Nowak

Communications & Marketing Administrator

Town of Oro Valley

Send us your news!

New job or position? A recent honor? Share your news with your Chapter members!

Send your info with your name, position, and place of employment to: info@prsatucson.org.

Connect With Us!

Be sure to like, follow and connect with PRSA Southern Arizona on social media, where you'll find the most up-to-date information on our Chapter, district and PRSA National. Make sure to stay in the loop by giving PRSA Southern Arizona a thumbs up, a follow, and a connection on social media! Dive into the latest updates and help us spread the word about our exciting programs, events, and news by sharing our posts far and wide! Let's build a vibrant community together!

Local Job Bank

PRSA Southern Arizona maintains a comprehensive list of PR, communications and marketing job opportunities.

If you're looking for a new opportunity or would like to list a position, visit our job bank or email your job posting to info@prsatucson.org.

PRSA Tucson Job Bank