Author: Sarah Hattman

PR People: Mary Alice Rose

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Mary Alice Rose

Job title and function: I’m an associate consultant on APCO Worldwide’s digital strategy team where I work with clients to develop, launch and optimize their digital strategies and programs. My role involves juggling many components, including strategy, creative project management, analytics, reporting, content management, digital advertising, research and community management.

Most rewarding thing about working in PR today: Organizations are facing more complex challenges than ever before in our current landscape—combine that with a digital environment and consumer behaviors that are constantly changing, and you’ve got a job that always keeps you on your toes. That’s what I love about the work I do. I’m always learning and facing new challenges.

Craziest/most challenging thing you’ve done in PR: It’s so difficult to pick just one! I would say helping to launch a national nonprofit in about a four-week timeframe. This included developing a digital strategy, creating social media channels, drafting website copy, coordinating partnerships, securing top-tier media, writing social content for celebrities/athletes and going through the Q&A process for both a website and a photo tool. It was certainly a fast-paced project, but I had the opportunity to work with an amazing cross-office team at APCO that pulled it off flawlessly.

Advice for new PR pros: Never stop learning and striving to make your work better. Whenever possible, collaborate with others who have a different background and perspective than you. You’ll see things from a different angle, and it will strengthen your work. It could even help you avoid some serious pitfalls.

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Sarah Hattman, APR is president-elect for the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America and has been working in PR since she left television news. She grew up in North Carolina and was excited to move back to her home state in 2012 and then join Clairemont Communications, a Raleigh PR agency. 
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PR People: Kim Strazisar

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Kim Strazisar

Job title and function: I wear many hats. I do everything from client networking and proposal writing to strategy and implementation of public relations, social media, email marketing campaigns and web design solutions. I have also started training courses to give small business owners a helping hand with their social media. Ultimately, my job is to listen to my clients and then develop and execute the best plan to help get their voices heard and their objectives met.

Most rewarding thing about working in PR today: Despite the rapid changes in technology and media, ethical PR strategy and tactics still get results. A news release helped a client raise money for charity. A broader social media strategy helped a client gain more customers. Letters to legislators helped a client get a law passed. A newsletter helped a client educate and retain its members. As a PR pro, there is nothing more rewarding for me than the satisfaction of helping a client reach their goals through communications.

Craziest/most challenging thing you’ve done in PR: One of my craziest adventures was while I worked for The Rossman Group (now Truscott Rossman) in Lansing, Mich. My client, The Michigan Oil and Gas Association, hired us to promote The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. One summer, I organized press conferences at several sites across the state. It was just me in my little Honda at these remote locations with limited cell service. Never before in a traditional press conference did I have to direct news trucks down unnamed back roads, schlep podiums out to swampy bird sanctuaries, or ask participants to do their best to talk over the bugling elks standing in the reserve behind them. It was crazy, but it was worth it as the client got great coverage for the program and my work on that campaign won our firm the Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America’s “Best In Show” award that year.

Advice for new PR pros: First, always do quality work. Then…

1) Connect with other PR pros. I met amazing friends and colleagues through the Central Michigan chapter of the Public Relations Society of America’s New Professionals group. We supported each other through the highs and lows during the first years of our careers. Fifteen years later, we are scattered across the country but we’re still cheering for each other’s accomplishments on social media and answering each other’s calls for help or advice.

2) Become a member of a public relations trade association, society, meetup, or club. I am a member of the North Carolina Chapter of Public Relations Society of America (NCPRSA). Membership is the key to continuing your professional development and finding future job opportunities.

3) Find a mentor. Seek out someone that you trust and respect who will answer your questions and guide you through managing workflow, navigating office dynamics and working with clients – all skills that will help you move to the next level.

4) Speak Up! It’s always better to ask for help, than to make a mistake – especially when dealing with the media. But if and when you do make a mistake, admit it, fix it and learn from it – quick!

Are you interested in being featured in “PR People?” Send us a message on Facebook to share your story!

Sarah Hattman, APR is president-elect for the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America and has been working in PR since she left television news. She grew up in North Carolina and was excited to move back to her home state in 2012 and then join Clairemont Communications, a Raleigh PR agency. 
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PR People: Anna Menagias

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Anna Menagias

Job title and function: I’m a communications analyst at Kimley-Horn, where I focus on social media, events, website content, culture initiatives, internal stories and public relations.

Most rewarding thing about working in PR today: I love the variety of projects in PR, but what I’m most passionate about is advocating for a client or cause. I’m fortunate to work with a group of talented and caring people (we were named one of PEOPLE’s 50 Companies That Care this year), so it’s very rewarding to see them recognized by others outside of the firm.

Craziest/most challenging thing you’ve done in PR: I used to worked in nonprofit event management and helped plan a gala themed after “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory“— complete with a larger-than-life boat, six-foot tall lollipops and about a lifetime’s worth of candy. It’s all in the details!

Advice for new PR pros: Don’t be afraid to try new things! PR is an expansive field, so diversify your skill set, take on new opportunities, find what you’re passionate about and go for it!

Are you interested in being featured in “PR People?” Send us a message on Facebook to share your story!

Sarah Hattman, APR is president-elect for the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America and has been working in PR since she left television news. She grew up in North Carolina and was excited to move back to her home state in 2012 and join Clairemont Communications, a Raleigh PR agency. 
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PR People: Kim Morris

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Kim Morris

Job title and function: Independent PR practitioner and communications strategist. I work with organizations to discover what truly makes them different through a process that combines the best of public relations, branding and marketing. Then, I promote what they do through a strategy of best public relations practices. I think of it as connecting the dots. I most enjoy creating content that makes a brand, a cause or a person shine.

Most rewarding thing about working in PR today: For me it’s about creating awareness for things I believe in; finding my own link between purposeful work and purposeful living. Whether it’s about global food security and sustainable food production representing Bühler, medical education and research that improves healthcare representing UNC’s School of Medicine or helping The Blood Connection keep the public eye on the community blood supply, being able to communicate authentically helps me keep the focus real.

Craziest/most challenging thing you’ve done in PR: Working on the Volvo GM Heavy Truck account, I once got behind the wheel of a big rig to understand payload, aerodynamics and the lure of the open road. I got the nickname Overdrive. Another time—long before Blue Apron reinvented dinner—I helped Rich-Seapak introduce a seafood meal kit to food editors in test markets. I drove around Washington, D.C. to deliver “Shrimp Sensations” with a bottle of wine and loaf of bread. Later, representing the Doncaster brand, I coordinated press previews for seasonal collections during New York’s Fashion Week (7th on Sixth). All were fun efforts that generated lots of great media coverage.

Advice for new PR pros: Commit to a daily habit of writing to clarify your thinking and keep you thinking about your audience. Always keep your eye on results and be sure to seek out a mentor. No matter what age you are, there will always be something to learn. Finally, step outside your comfort zone. For me, travel experiences have always provided the best comparison points—helping me read between the lines and understand different perspectives for communicating.

Are you interested in being featured in “PR People?” Send us a message on Facebook to share your story!

Sarah Hattman, APR is president-elect for the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America and has been working in PR since she left television news. She grew up in North Carolina and was excited to move back to her home state in 2012 and join Clairemont Communications, a Raleigh PR agency. 
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PR People: Travis Bullard

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Travis Bullard

Job title and function: I am a director with APCO Worldwide, a global communications consultancy. In this role, I get to work with a variety of clients around the world, around the U.S. and here in North Carolina. Our Raleigh office is one of the fastest growing offices in our global network, and I get to lead a team of communication professionals to build APCO’s global, regional and local offering in corporate, public affairs and strategic communications.

Most rewarding thing about working in PR today: I’m fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s biggest and most innovative companies, and I’ve always found it rewarding to help people and organizations share their stories and build relationships.

Every company, at some level, has a purpose. How well an organization is able to communicate that purpose with its key stakeholders — including employees, customers, partners and investors — is critical. As PR professionals, we get to help drive that focus on communicating an authentic purpose.

Our work impacts bottom lines, creates and protects jobs, defines issues important to society, improves workplaces and communities, gains visibility for and gives voice to those who may not typically be heard and much more. Simply put, our work is impactful, meaningful and can either help solve a problem or help create an opportunity.

Craziest/most challenging thing you’ve done in PR: The great thing about PR is the opportunity to mix a little crazy with the ordinary. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to watch the start of the Spanish Grand Prix from inside the Ferrari Formula One garage, get iPhone tips from Steve Wozniak, ski indoors in Dubai, run into Bono at the World Economic Forum in Davos, walk along the Great Wall of China and rebuild a school in Thailand.

I’ve also been fortunate to work on some complex and challenging projects. One of my favorite experiences was launching GlobalFoundries in 2009 as a joint venture between Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Mubadala Development Corporation of Abu Dhabi. Starting as a spinoff of AMD, GlobalFoundries quickly developed into one of the largest and fastest growing semiconductor technology companies in the world with manufacturing campuses in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Advice for new PR pros: It’s all about relationships. I’m not referring to that old adage, “it’s who you know.” I’m referring to the fact that life is about building positive relationships. If you keep that as your North Star everything else tends to fall into place.

Be sure to remember that your clients are people. Obviously you’ll get to know their business or product and goals very well, but take the time to get to know them on a personal level. Some of my favorite people in the world are clients I’ve gotten to know over the years. Not only are they great friends, but knowing them on a deeper level is really beneficial in helping their business or product succeed.

Are you interested in being featured in “PR People?” Send us a message on Facebook to share your story!

Sarah Hattman, APR is president-elect for the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America and has been working in PR since she left television news. She grew up in North Carolina and was excited to move back to her home state in 2012 and join Clairemont Communications, a Raleigh PR agency. 
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