Florida Public Relations Association Installs New Board of Directors

Sept. 30, 2011 - PRLog -- The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) welcomes the 2011-2012 board members while extending its gratitude to the outgoing board for their excellence in service.

The 2011-2012 chapter theme, “Beyond Words,” will challenge its members to build strong community relationships.  The chapter will offer a diverse array of programming rooted in public relations core principals and emerging trends.

Carla Ulakovic will serve as the organization’s president for the next twelve months. Ulakovic is Community Project Specialist at the East County Water Control District, where she focuses on public relations and grant writing. She holds a Master of Arts degree in communications/advertising from Bond University in Queensland, Australia and a Bachelor of Science in public relations from the University of Florida.

Ulakovic is has been an active member of the Florida Public Relations Association (http://www.fpraswfl.org) since 2007. In 2009, she was named “Rising Star” for the Southwest Florida Chapter.

She takes the place of Pamela Nulman, APR, CPRC who will continue on the board
as immediate past president.

Helping to foster understanding of public relations, the following members were named to the 2011-2012 FPRA Board of Directors: President, Carla Ulakovic; President-elect/Membership Chair, Jessica Clark, APR; Secretary, Laura Puerto; Treasurer, Michelle Nagel; Vice President of Member Relations, Melissa Simontis, APR; Vice President of Professional Development, Kate Gooderham, APR, CPRC; Vice President of Communications, Kirsten O'Donnell; and Vice President of Community Relations, Tiffany Esposito.

The Leadership team includes: Accreditation Chair, Kara Winton, APR, CPRC; Education Chair, Phyllis Ershowsky, APR, CPRC, Hospitality Chair, Beckie Reeves; Newsletter Chair, Brian Hamman; Programs Chair, Merrilu Bennett; Website Chair, Katie Meckley; Social Media Chair, Samantha Scott, APR; and Media Relations Chair, Gail Dolan.

Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization in the country. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. For more information on the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA and membership, please visit the chapter's website:  http://www.fpraswfl.org .

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The Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to programs and activities that enhance the success of public relations professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades Counties.