PRSA Georgia Pins Four New APRs

PRSA GEORGIA PINS FOUR NEW APRs

ATLANTA – July 6, 2015 – Four members of the Georgia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (prsageorgia.org) were pinned with the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential at the June Monthly meeting. Kristie Benson, Sarah Funderburk, Quiana Pinckney and Melissa Smith were recognized for successfully completing the rigorous APR certification program.

The APR certification program is administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), a consortium of 10 leading industry organizations, including PRSA, and recognizes practitioners who have mastered the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to develop and deliver strategic communications.

Kristie Benson, APR, is Manager of PR & Media Relations for AGL Resources, a Fortune 500 energy services holding company. Benson previously worked for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and DeKalb County government. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Winston-Salem State University and a master’s degree in Public Communications from American University.

“The APR process was difficult but rewarding. It challenged me in ways I could never imagine,” said Benson. “This journey stretched me both mentally and physically, making me a better public relations practitioner. Achieving this accomplishment is a great source of pride for me.”

Sarah Funderburk, APR, is Account Director and Partner at SPR Atlanta, where she leads the Commercial Real Estate practice and writes a weekly real estate column for The Atlanta 100. Funderburk co-chairs the PRSA Georgia Membership Committee and is an active member of Junior League Atlanta, along with several other community organizations. She received her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Auburn University.

“Earning my APR is a major milestone in my career, and I’m proud to be included in this elite group of practitioners,” said Funderburk. “The process has reinvigorated my methods and ignited my desire to promote a recognized standard in our industry.”

Quiana Pinckney, APR is the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at HD Supply, one of the largest industrial distributors in North America. Pinckney previously managed public relations strategy for Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLC, a national labor and employment law firm. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and master’s degree from George Washington University.

“Earning my accreditation has been a rewarding and challenging experience,” said Pinckney. “Going through the process has made me a better practitioner, strengthening my knowledge, skills and commitment to our profession.”

Melissa Smith, APR, is Public Relations and Communications Manager for Carvel Ice Cream, where she develops and manages strategies for all external, internal and social media channels. Before joining Carvel, she was a Marketing Specialist with WIKA Instrument Corporation. Smith has served on the Real World PR Collegiate Conference Team for four years and will co-chair the 2016 conference. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Political Science from Georgia State University.

“Earning my accreditation has been the most rewarding and challenging step I’ve taken in my career,” said Smith. “The APR process has strengthened my ability to provide PR counsel and provides me with invaluable experience and tools for my career.”

PRSA Georgia (prsageorgia.org) consists of more than 900 professionals throughout Georgia. Its mission is to enhance the profession, provide continuing education and offer networking opportunities for its members. The chapter hosts monthly meetings and seminars, an annual conference and the annual Real World PR Collegiate Conference.

The chapter includes eight special interest groups (Corporate and Employee Communications, Healthcare, Independent Counselors, Leader Board, Nonprofit, Technology, Travel and Tourism, and Young Professionals). It also supports 10 PRSSA (student society) groups at the following colleges: Berry College (Rome), Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta), Columbus State University (Columbus), Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville), Georgia State University (Atlanta), Georgia Southern University (Statesboro), Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw), Savannah State University (Savannah), University of Georgia (Athens), and University of West Georgia (Carrollton).