Monthly Newsletter - August 2026

Meet the Board

Joseph Barrios

Programs Co-Chair

Joseph serves as a Community Relations Representative for Tucson Electric Power, where he helps strengthen connections between the utility and the communities it serves through strategic outreach and engagement. Throughout his career, he has focused on building meaningful relationships, fostering collaboration and supporting initiatives that make a positive impact across Southern Arizona.

As Programs Co-Chair, Joseph works alongside fellow board members to develop engaging educational and networking opportunities for chapter members. He is committed to creating programs that provide practical insights, encourage professional growth and strengthen connections within Southern Arizona's communications community.

Meet the Board

Member News

Welcome New and Reinstated Members

Please join us in welcoming our new and reinstated PRSA Southern Arizona members Brandon Mejia and Kimberley Hoidal!

We’re excited to have these talented communicators as part of our chapter and look forward to connecting at upcoming programs and events.

Upcoming Events

Monsoon Mixer

Aug. 20, 2026 | 5:00 – 7:00 a.m. | The District Bites and Brew

Celebrate the return of our fall programming at PRSA Southern Arizona's annual Monsoon Mixer! Join communications professionals from across the region for an evening of networking, refreshments and conversation in a casual setting. We look forward to seeing members, prospective members and guests as we kick off another season of chapter programs.

PRSA Tucson Coffee Meetup

Aug. 12, 2026 | 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Roadrunner Coffee - Oro Valley

Please note: This month's Coffee Meetup will take place on Wednesday instead of our usual Tuesday.

Start your morning with coffee and conversation as we reconnect after our summer break. These informal, drop-in gatherings are a great way to catch up with fellow PR, marketing and communications professionals, exchange ideas and build relationships in a relaxed setting. Stop by for a few minutes or stay for the full hour—we'd love to see you there!

Ethics Month Program

Sep. 2026 | TBD | Virtual

September is PRSA Ethics Month, and we're planning a program that will explore timely ethical issues facing today's communications professionals. Stay tuned for more details on this engaging discussion designed to spark conversation and strengthen ethical decision-making in our profession.

PRSA IMPACT Awards

Oct. 2026 | Save the Date

Join us this October as we celebrate the best in public relations, marketing and communications at the 2026 PRSA Southern Arizona IMPACT Awards. This signature event recognizes outstanding campaigns and the professionals behind them while bringing our communications community together for an evening of celebration and inspiration.

PRSA Southern Arizona Program Calendar

Are You a Member Yet?

PRSA membership gives you access to professional development, exclusive resources and a nationwide network of PR pros, plus valuable local connections in Southern Arizona. Join PRSA today and invest in your professional growth.

PRSA Professional Development

PRSA offers a wide range of live and on-demand webinars designed to help you stay current, sharpen your skills and earn professional development credits throughout the year. Members enjoy free or discounted access to timely topics—from AI and digital strategy to measurement and messaging. Browse PRSA’s professional development portal to register and expand your communications toolkit.

Webinars

AI Pulse: August Briefing

Aug. 10, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

Lead on LinkedIn: A Bootcamp for Health Communicators

Aug. 20, 2026 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

Bend. Don't Break: How Adaptability is Redefining the Future of Tech PR

Aug. 25, 2026 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

Influencer & Reputation Management Panel

Sep. 8, 2026 | 3:00–4:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

Conferences & Awards

Join communications professionals from across the country at PRSA ICON 2026, the organization's premier annual conference. Explore emerging trends, gain practical insights from industry leaders and expand your professional network through three days of learning and collaboration.

Tucson 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.

Associate Director of Executive Communications | Office of Research and Partnership

Digital Content Specialist | Town of Oro Valley

Development Director | American Heart Association

Find More at PRSA Tucson Job Bank

Connect With Us

Help keep our chapter connected and informed!

Share your news: Started a new role or received a professional honor? Send your name, title, organization, and a brief update so we can celebrate you in an upcoming newsletter.

Post a job opening: Hiring for a PR, communications, or marketing role—or looking for an intern? Send the position title, employer, and application link to reach qualified professionals across Southern Arizona.

Submit member news and job openings to: info@prsatucson.org

Stay connected between newsletters by following PRSA Southern Arizona on social media for the latest chapter updates, events, and professional opportunities and help spread the word by sharing our posts.

The Southern Arizona Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is the region's leading professional organization serving the communications community. We are advocates for industry excellence and ethical conduct, providing our members with learning opportunities and resources to enhance professional connections and support them through their careers. Visit prsatucson.org to learn more about our upcoming monthly programs, occasional networking mixers, annual events and more. By becoming a member, you will join the ranks of 21,000 other public relations professionals across the country to expand your professional network and to build your knowledge and skills to further advance your career.