In addition to the benefits provided by the state organization, the Pensacola Chapter of FPRA offers a variety of professional development opportunities on the local level.
Benefits
Monthly meetings and speakers
The Pensacola Chapter meets the third Thursday of each month to hear timely presentations from seasoned public relations practitioners, exchange career experiences, network with fellow public relations practitioners and conduct general business.
Networking
The chapter offers quarterly opportunities to network in settings other than chapter meetings. Whether it’s a more relaxed social gathering or a behind-the-scenes tour of a media outlet, the chapter is committed to fostering relationships among its members and with the media.
Professional Accreditation and Certification
Preparation and guidance is provided to chapter members interested in achieving the internationally recognized rank of Accreditation in Public Relations, and a second-tier credential, Certified Public Relations Counselor for more seasoned members.
The APR accreditation is administered by the Universal Accreditation Board, a consortium of public relations professional organizations that includes FPRA. The CPRC credential is only offered through FPRA. Accreditation and Certification are voluntary certifications.
Leadership opportunities
FPRA offers leadership opportunities to its members to help them hone and enhance their leadership skills. Members have the opportunity to gain experience by serving in a leadership position and working with a group of public relations professionals to lead the chapter.
Regional and Statewide Opportunities
Annual Conference
The state association hosts the annual conference with assistance from all 15 chapters. The conference features nationally known speakers and offers members the opportunity to stay current on public relations techniques and practices and enjoy networking with other public relations professionals.
Statewide Job Bank
Available positions in public relations are posted on the statewide job bank at www.fpra.org.
Resources
FPRA offers its members an array of resources including a website, the monthly Association newsletter, e-facts, and the annual Association membership directory. The website also includes a member’s only section and FPRA store.
Counselors’ Network
Membership in the network is open to any FPRA member of the association:
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Who is accredited by FPRA or a North American Public Relations Council (NAPRC) affiliated organization
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Is actively engaged a substantial amount of their time in providing public relations counseling services to top-level management
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Has ten years of experience in public relations
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And has spent a minimum of three years as a full-time counselor, either in private practice or within his or her organization.
Benefits include special programming such as the mid-year meeting and annual conference breakout sessions. Other special functions, as well as an annual business meeting, are held in conjunction with FPRA's annual conference.
Apply For Membership
All memberships, professional and student, are processed through the state office. To apply for membership, visit the Florida Public Relations Association website.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Brandi Gomez, Vice President of Membership, at fprapensacola@gmail.com.
Sara Whitfield
Immediate Past President
Sarah Whitfield is the public information officer for the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners. She is responsible for the dissemination of accurate and timely information to Santa Rosa County residents, the media and employees via traditional media and social media. Sarah has been with Santa Rosa County since 2010 after earning a bachelor's degree in art with a specialization in graphic design from the University of West Florida, starting out as a library assistant and eventually moving to the public information office in 2014 – the same year she joined FPRA and the Pensacola Chapter Board of Directors.
Actively involved in her community, Sarah serves as a co-leader of the Living Truth Church Soul Sisters, acts as a buddy for kiddos with disabilities on Sundays and during monthly respite programs and nerds out with the church A/V team at least once a month. In her spare time, she enjoys perusing the latest The Office memes, taking too many photos of her two cats, coffee dates with friends and spending time with her family.