Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Orlando Area Chapter welcomes new board of directors, featuring Central Florida communication professionals
ORLANDO, FLA (September 7, 2023) — The Orlando Area Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) installed a new board of directors on Tuesday. These communications professionals come with a wide range of knowledge and leadership across industries, including financial services, government and public affairs, education, hospitality and more.
The following individuals will hold office for a term of one year, which began September 1, 2023:
- President – Valerie Moses, MBA, senior relationship manager at Addition Financial
- President-Elect – Roy Reid, APR, CPRC, MCPC, senior fellow at Stockworth Institute
- Immediate Past President – José Luis Dieppa, external communications manager at AdventHealth
- Treasurer – Sarah Kelliher, public relations strategist at Curley & Pynn
- At-Large – Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC, vice president of public relations at Universal Orlando Resort
- At-Large – Katherine Crnkovich, APR, CPRC, chief communications officer at Seminole County Public Schools
- VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Mandy Kimmer, APR, CPRC, public information officer at Orange County Government
- VP of Programming – Lauren Falcone, director of marketing and public relations at BrandSafway
- VP of Programming – Juliette Gebken-Mayi, APR, owner at JGM PR
- VP of Membership – Jennifer Marcial Ocasio, director of communications at Orlando Economic Partnership
- VP of Membership – Leanora Minai, executive director of communications at Duke University
- VP of Communications (Email) – Mark Richardson, manager of public relations, media relations and institutional communications at Seminole State College of Florida
- VP of Communications (Social Media) – Sade Teel, fire public information officer at City of Orlando
- VP of Communications (Web) – Jennifer Vasbinder, public relations coordinator at Universal Orlando Resort
- VP of Creative Development – Leilani Vaiaoga, communication coordinator at MetroPlan Orlando
- VP of Credentialing – Jessica Bohlman, APR, corporate communications manager at Travel + Leisure Co.
- VP of Student Outreach – Teresa Suits, communications specialist at DUDA
- VP of Partnerships – Julia Amorim, marketing content specialist at Auritas
Throughout the year, the FPRA Orlando Area Chapter hosts monthly professional development programs and networking events to help members grow in their careers, develop new skills and gain industry-wide recognition for their innovative campaigns. In August, FPRA Orlando was recognized by the FPRA State Association with six awards, including Chapter of the Year and President of the Year (José Luis Dieppa).
“FPRA Orlando is proud to support our members no matter where they are on their career paths,” said Valerie Moses, incoming president. “From professional development programs to credentialing opportunities, we aim to enhance the public relations industry in our region and serve as a valuable resource for communications practitioners.”
In addition to the board installation, the chapter recognized three of its members for their contributions to the organization over the past board year. The Dr. Bob Davis “Unsung Hero” Award was presented to Ali Beemer, APR, and Cynthia Velasco. Julia Amorim received the Member of the Year Award.
FPRA Orlando will host its next professional development program on Wednesday, September 27, at 11:30 a.m. at the Darden Restaurant Support Center, with a focus on investor relations.
About The Florida Public Relations Association
The Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. The organization’s 16 professional and 14 student chapters provide professional development, networking and recognition opportunities for over 1,200 members across the state. FPRA is the nation’s oldest public relations organization, established by Lt. Col. John Dillin, APR, CPRC in 1938. For more information, visit www.fpraorlando.org.
