• When did you join the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce: August 2009
• Education/Background: BA in Communication and Information Sciences from The University of Alabama: Advertising & Public Relations major, Political Science minor
• Why did you join FPRA:  I joined FPRA to build relationships, further develop communications skills and idea share techniques to implement and improve public relations within my career.
• What is the most challenging part of your job: The most challenging part of my job is remembering the big picture. The planning and execution of events and publications are important but keeping the big picture in mind is necessary so we don’t become too caught up with details.
• What is the most enjoyable part of your job: I would say the most enjoyable part of my job is the opportunity to meet new people. Each day, we have business owners, community leaders, community members, volunteers and tourists from all over the world coming in and out, so it’s fair to say there is never a dull day here at the chamber!
• What are your hobbies/interests: I love children and being with my family, volunteering, playing tennis, bike riding, designing cards, reading and traveling.
• Family Info: I live in Cocoa Beach with my amazing husband Jonathan.

• When did you join RCRA: January 2011
• Education: Actually, I was a psychology major, with minors in English and sociology.  I graduated with a BS in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.
• Background: Primarily legislative; I worked for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 12 years. I began my career there right out of college as a communications specialist, was promoted to legislative research analyst and then served as executive director for the Children & Youth Committee.  From there, I went on to lobby in the private sector, which is what I was doing when I relocated to Florida five years ago.  Since moving here, I’ve worked for the Florida House of Representatives and also served as a contractor for the External Relations Directorate at Kennedy Space Center.  Public relations has undoubtedly been a fundamental aspect in every position I’ve ever held!
• Why did you join FPRA:  The organization provides Invaluable opportunities for professional development and networking. Also, having lobbied for a non-profit trade association, I realize the value of being actively engaged with an organization, as well as the multitude of resources that are offered through membership.
• What is the most challenging part of your job:  Any time I have to deal with budgeting issues (I’m not fond of numbers!).
• What is the most enjoyable part of your job: I administer a grant program for the City, as well as an advertising campaign, for our local merchants.  Reaching out to our community business owners and chatting with them about their projects and generating interest in what the City offers is very rewarding.  I enjoy the outreach and interaction.
• What are your hobbies/interests:  Graphic design, walking, elliptical training
• Family Info: Married, with two cats that are more spoiled than most children! But I moved to Florida to be closer to my parents, who reside in Cocoa Beach.

• When did you join ELC: August, 2010
• Education/Background:  BA, English and MPA, both from FSU, plus a nearly complete Master of Appalachian Studies from Appalachian University in Boone, NC. Almost 30 years in PR, marketing, fundraising, grant writing, and nonprofit management, including arts, education, and conservation organizations.
• Why you joined the FPRA:  To personally connect with other professionals and to build relationships to further the mission of my organization
• What is the most challenging part of your job:  Managing people and mastering the new media
• What is the most enjoyable part of your job:  Building relationships and knowing I am making a difference in the quality of life in my community
• What are your hobbies/interests:  Cycling, running, swimming, gardening, traveling
• Family Info: Two children: 19 year old son and 17 year old daughter

• When did you join VNACT: June 2007
• Education/Background: East Carolina University – 1996 – BA in Communications Concentration in Public Relations
• Why you joined the FPRA: Career growth What is the most challenging part of your job: Effectively communicating to all of our publics
• What is the most enjoyable part of your job: Using my creativity
• What are your hobbies/interests: I’m a sports fanatic, and love spending time in the Florida sunshine Family Info: 2 children, Justin 12 and Lauren 9

When did you join VNATC:  August of 2006

Education/Background:

• APR, Earned in March, 2011 
•  M.A., Publications Design, University of Baltimore
•  B.A., English; Minor, Technical Writing; Penn State University

Why you joined the FPRA:  To ensure I stay educated and informed about current and emerging trends, strategies, and tactics in the Public Relations profession.

What is the most challenging part of your job:  Always remembering that Public Relations is a process…not an event, a publication, or a website. The busier we become, the easier it seems to forget how important it is to focus on the process.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job:  Working with an incredibly talented team of communications professionals.

What are your hobbies/interests:  Sailing, running, bicycling, reading.

Family Info:  I live in Sebastian, Florida, with my wife, Britt; daughter, Nora; son, Clark; and three cats.

• Education/Background:  2003 – AA from FSU, 2006 – Bachelor’s in Organizational Communications, with a Minor in Marketing from UCF
• Why did you join FPRA?  To build relationships with others in the Public Relations field, as well as become more educated on certain topics  
• What’s the most challenging part of your job?  Keeping everyone happy. I’ve realized you just can’t make everyone happy, but you can sure try.
• What’s the easiest part of your job?  Interacting with all of the wonderful people & businesses and of course enjoying all of the events
• What are your hobbies/interests? Spending time with family, going to the beach, scrapbooking, playing basketball & softball
• Family Info: A 2 year old son named Vann Marley, engaged to Josh Montano, he has his own business —  Florida Architectural Foam Services — no date set yet for the wedding. 2 brothers and a sister, her Dad lives in Satellite Beach and is a retired Merchant Marine and her Mom lives in Merritt Island with her own business, Concierge Professionals.

Darlene Hight and her son Vann Marley

Your Company:  Brevard Family Partnership

Your Title: Public Relations Coordinator

Education/Background:  AA in general studies from BCC, BA in Sociology from UCF (2007), 1 ½ years in PR with Brevard Family Partnership, though always involved in marketing and sales in previous employment. Before BFP I was the Executive Assistant with Indian River Consulting Group from May 2000 through September 2006 where responsibilities included everything from booking travel to coordinating events.

I was born in Buffalo, NY, but raised in Miami. Moved to Melbourne in 2000 and have been loving life ever since.

Why you joined the FPRA:  I joined FPRA to further develop my PR and communication skills as well as network with other PR professionals to share ideas and expand our efforts both professionally and personally.

What’s the most challenging part of your job:  The most challenging part of my job is juggling multiple responsibilities at the same time and assuring deadlines are met.

What’s the easiest part of your job:  Is there an easy part of my job?!  Working with the community and attending community events is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. Connecting with the community is vital to our agency and makes a world of difference to having the community understand who we are and what we do.

What are your hobbies/interests:  Other than work, I am involved in a few activities at church and love to read – not much time for anything else.

Family Info: Husband, Eddie and cat, Faith. My parents live in Palm Bay (came up from Miami after we did) and my brother and his family have lived in Palm Bay for the past 2-3 years.