Members of the Central West Coast (CWC) Chapter of the FPRA gathered today for a luncheon at Flemings Steakhouse to congratulate the 2008-2009 CWC Board of Directors for an outstanding job last year, and to welcome the new Board members. When today’s event didn’t go quite as planned with a slightly delayed lunch serving, we just gave out the raffle prizes first! And we had that few extra minutes to chat and network a little longer. Lanette Hart, APR, CPRC, FPRA State President & V.P. of Global Marketing & Corporate Affairs for Bank of America, travelled from Jacksonville to swear in the new board and help CWC celebrate the conclusion of a successful year.
A favorite tradition, the Passing of the Gavel, followed with the presidential gavel passed by former CWC chapter presidents progressively from the President of the 1996 chapter, up to our new President, Emily Sperling. As the gavel was passed, each of our former presidents recalled chapter awards they received during their presidential tenure. They offered words of wisdom for Emily, as well as encouragement for all FPRA members.
• Cheray Keyes-Shima, APR, CPRC- President, 1996-1997. Cheray recalled saying to her Immediate-Past President, “Help me not to screw up. We have such a strong chapter!” Her chapter was awarded Financial Management of the Year. Cheray says becoming President was the second best decision she’s made in her career. The best thing, she says, was joining the FPRA.
• Christopher Carroll, APR, CPRC- President 1998-1999. Christopher’s advice to Emily was to delegate. He said that was probably the one thing he did not learn his year as President. Christopher was awarded President of the Year.
• Ginya Carnahan, APR, CPRC- President 1999-2000. Ginya has been a member of the FPRA in four different chapters. “It has been the glue in my professional life,” she said. To those new in the organization, she said, it is the finest place to be to move towards professionalism and network with some truly great people.
• Terri Behling, APR- President 2000-2001. Terri encouraged all members to stay involved and actively participate in the FPRA.
• Jennifer Moss, APR, CPRC- President 2002-2003. Jennifer has been involved with the FPRA in many different ways on many different levels, and she recently achieved her CPRC accreditation. The FPRA is “very near and dear” to her heart.
• Erin McLeod- President, 2003-2004. The chapter won the Spirit of FPRA award while she was President. She is very pleased to see that our chapter won the award again. While President, the chapter was also awarded Financial Management of the Year and the Newsletter award. “I would encourage anyone who hasn’t participated on a committee or on the Board level to do that,” she said.
• Tom Nunan, APR- President 2006-2007. Tom says he has enjoyed every minute of being an FPRA member and being actively involved on the Board.
• Dee Zulauf, APR- President 2007-2008. She recalls her year as President and said, “We spend the year exploring new emerging technology. This chapter has been really successful.” Dee has been a member of FPRA since the late 1970s and it has been phenomenal for her professional career.
• Finally, as Debby Steele, President 2008-2009, passed the gavel to Emily Sperling, she had some heartfelt comments for the chapter, and for Emily. “I’ve been a member for about 10 years. It’s absolutely been the best experience I’ve ever had. The professional development opportunities are awesome. Having friends that are in the same field you are in is invaluable. Emily is going to do a great job!”
The new Board of Directors (2009-2010) :
President: Emily Sperling, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
President-elect: Julie Platt, APR, Suncoast Blood Bank
Immediate Past-president: Debby Steele, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Vice President of Finance: Elise Lipoff, Willis A. Smith
Vice President of Membership: Andrea Glatfelter, Clarke/Eric Mower
Vice President of Communications: Suzanne Dameron, Aspire Green Branding & Social Marketing
Vice President of Professional Development: Sally Hill, Suncoast Workforce Board
Vice President of Website Communications: Susie Bowie, Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Vice President of Media: Tricia Lewis, Consultant
Vice President of Accreditation: Maura Howl, Manatee Technical Institute
Director of Administration: Kyla Yeager, SunTrust Bank
Director of Emerging Communications: Lynn Hobeck Bates, John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art
Director of Community Services: Mischa Vieira-Kirby, YMCA
Director of Image: Pam Watts, Comcast Spotlight
Director of Sponsorship: Tricia Foster, Levin Tannenbaum
Director of Special Events: Peg Palmer, Senior Friendship Centers
On behalf of the entire CWC chapter, we are excited and proud of our new Board of Directors. Congratulations! And we look forward to another outstanding year, with Emily Sperling presiding!
Posted by Heather Ripley
Great job on the blog post, Heather! I always feel inspired to see the passing of the gavel & hear words of wisdom from witty, talented and friendly presidents from FPRA past. Love the support of this group & appreciate every opportunity. We love you, Debby! And we love you, Emily! Let's go for another awesome year.
Posted by: Susie Bowie | August 20, 2009 at 01:58 PM