Monthly Newsletter - March 2026 | |
Patrick McNamara
Board Secretary
In this month’s Meet the Board feature, we’re highlighting Patrick McNamara, board secretary for the PRSA Southern Arizona Chapter.
Patrick is communications manager for the Pima Association of Governments, the Tucson metro region’s federally recognized metropolitan planning organization. In this role, he works with a team to develop campaigns and create communications that highlight and explain the work of PAG and the Regional Transportation Authority. His work includes newsletters, news releases, email campaigns, social media and video content, as well as editing staff-produced reports.
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Before joining PAG, Patrick was a communications specialist with Pima County, supporting the public works and elections departments. Earlier in his career, he spent more than a decade in print journalism covering local government and the business community for publications including the Arizona Daily Star, Tucson Citizen, The Explorer and Inside Tucson Business.
Meet the Board
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Welcome New and Reinstated Members
Please join us in welcoming our new and reinstated PRSA Southern Arizona members! We’re excited to have these talented communicators as part of our chapter and look forward to connecting at upcoming programs and events:
- Jessie Allen
- Logan Burch-Buus
- Gina Compitello
- Kelly Adams Keller
- Marie Chantale Maltais
- Mitch Zak Mieczyslaw
- Andy Ober
- Craig Reck
- Michelle Valenzuela
- Romi Carrell Wittman
Welcome to the PRSA Southern Arizona community!
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PRSA Tucson Coffee Meetup
Mar. 10, 2026 | 7:30 –8:30 a.m. | Cartel Roasting Co.
Join us for our next casual, in-person PRSA Tucson Coffee Meetup. These drop-in gatherings are all about connection — no agenda, no program, just great conversation with fellow communicators. This month’s light discussion theme is Writing & Storytelling, with prompts to spark idea-sharing. Stop by for a few minutes or stay the whole hour.
Sign up for the PRSA coffee meetup
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Navigating Public Opposition
Mar. 31, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Online-Zoom
Public engagement is essential — and it can be challenging. In this Lunch & Learn, Melanie Lawson, Public Outreach Director at the Pima Association of Governments, will explore how public engagement can shift into opposition and what communicators can do to build trust before conflict arises. Attendees will gain insights into fostering transparency, navigating community concerns, and turning potential backlash into productive dialogue.
$5 for Members | $15 for Non-Members | Free for Students
Register now and learn how to engage communities effectively.
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| 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. | | |
AI Pulse: March Briefing
Mar. 9, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
5 Ways to Think Like a Reader
Mar.12, 2026 | 3:00–4:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Mar.17, 2026 | 3:00.–3:45 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Mar.18, 2026 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Mar. 25, 2026 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
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PRSA FutureCon 2026 will take place May 14 in New York City, bringing together communications professionals to explore emerging trends shaping the future of public relations. The one-day event will feature sessions on AI, digital innovation and the evolving role of communicators.
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ICON 2026 will take place October 18–20 in Orlando, Florida, uniting thousands of PR and communications professionals for PRSA’s largest national conference. Attendees can expect high-impact keynotes, diverse breakout sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities designed to inspire new ideas and support long-term career growth.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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