In addition to always providing professional and talented PR counsel with every project she touches, Ginya Carnahan, APR, CPRC has been an inspiring and patient mentor to emerging communications leaders in our area. She ALWAYS has time to talk and lend a helping hand. Let's find out more about this gem of our local chapter.
Q: What was your first PR job?
My first PR job was a bank teller. Of course it was not called PR and I didn't think of it as PR, but in every sense I was representing the bank to the public. I really enjoyed many aspects of the job--too bad you couldn't make much money at it. It was during this time in my early, early life that I "discovered" PR and went to night classes to get my degree.
Q: What's the single most important thing that will influence or shape the PR profession in the next 5-10 years?
I believe what has always been the most important thing to the profession all along: ethics. As "new media" allow us to connect with and influence the public on many new levels, it becomes more important than ever to keep our practice totally above board and ethical in every way.
Q: Are you the PR person at home too? I am "the PR person" 24/7.
Q: Name a local PR professional you hold in the highest esteem. I am in awe of so many of my peers - Erin McLeod, Chris Carroll, Tom Nunan, Heide Smith, Debby Steele, Jennifer Moss, Patsy Snider. It is impossible to pick one. FPRA has introduced me to literally dozens of talented PR pros. Through all my years in the organization I have watched young practitioners blossom into mature, amazing professionals. People like Tina Haisman and Julie Platt. And I have made good, long lasting friendships with the likes of Rick Oppenheim, Scott Harrington, Ginny Duffey-Troyer. We are all influenced by our cohorts - each of these people has inspired me and challenged me to do and be my best.
Q: How did the APR course change/influence your approach to PR? I took on the APR challenge when I was fairly new to FPRA (back when we all used typewriters!) I thought I was pretty good at my job and had a grasp on the field, but it was only after I went for the APR (APRP back then) that I became really confident in my skills. I don't know that the accreditation has influenced my being hired anywhere along the line - but I know that the process served to cement the basic PR tenets and history in my mind and daily practice. I encourage every 5-year PR veteran to seriously consider this process. It means you are serious about you do.
Q: What lesson(s) learned would you pass on to others in PR today? Shut up and listen. Open your eyes and look. "We" don't know it all and each PR task is a new challenge. PR deserves an in-depth study, otherwise we only frost the cake. PR should be part and parcel of the whole recipe for success. As Yogi said, "You can observe a lot by watching!"
Q: What's the inside scoop about your love for health related PR? I ended up in health-related positions partly by accident and partly by heritage. My first "real" PR job was as a speech writer for the National Association of Broadcasters, as far from "health" as you might get.
My second "real" PR job was a temporary job handling publicity for the opening of a new medical school building at Vanderbilt University (Nashville,TN). I had grown up 1 block form Vanderbilt and was very familiar with the terrain. My mother had worked there as an admitting clerk for many years. When the temporary job was over, they liked my work and invited me to become a staff member in the Office of News and Public Affairs. I worked there five years, loving the challenges of working with brilliant physicians and researchers on the cutting edge of medical break-throughs, while handling many hospital-related crises.
It was during this time that "marketing" was first being introduced to healthcare and it was exciting. This period set the course for my chosen PR applications. I enjoy learning about health and medicine, and have met amazing men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping others. I think some of their good karma is rubbed off on me when I assisted them in their outreach goals and publicity. I feel in some small way, part of the greater good they do for mankind.
Ginya, you always continue to inspire us!
Ginya, I have been so grateful for all of your ongoing support and encouragement! Thank you.
Posted by: Susie Bowie | July 11, 2009 at 05:33 AM
Ginya, I definitely didn't know you as well as I thought I did. How interesting to have your first "real" PR job for the broadcasting association.
Posted by: Suzanne Dameron | July 09, 2009 at 01:55 PM