JCRL_Booklet_DigitalVersion - Flipbook - Page 6
Sarah Whit昀椀eld, Public Information Of昀椀cer, Santa Rosa County Board
of County Commissioners, Pensacola Chapter
Class of 2017
“Being a leader means a lot to me. It’s just one more way to give back to
the community I grew up in... I can’t thank FPRA enough for the boost of
con昀椀dence and connections I’ve made over the last 11 years as a member.”
Leadership Path: “After this nomination, I served as our chapter’s president twice,
served as the VP of 昀椀nance and served in an at-large position for our chapter, which
kept me on our board of directors for 10 years. Within my organization, I have since
been promoted to lead our Communications & Media Relations department.”
Heather Doane, APR, CPRC, Product Marketing Manager, Arthex, Inc.,
Southwest Florida Chapter
Class of 2018
“Creativity and problem-solving can’t happen in a vacuum, and I truly
believe that the best leaders acknowledge and embrace their teams’
best qualities, challenge them to improve and grow and ensure all viewpoints are
considered before moving in a certain direction.”
Leadership Path: “FPRA: VP of Communications, President, Accreditation Co-chair,
Events Chair. Organization: Women’s Network Lead”
Kacie Escobar, MBA, APR, Vice President, Curley & Pynn Public
Relations, Orlando Area Chapter
Class of 2018
“I once heard that we should ‘lead by example or not at all.’ That means
having the humility to do what needs to be done (even the hard and boring
stuff) and the self-awareness to know how your actions in昀氀uence others.”
Leadership Path: “FPRA Orlando Area Chapter president, FPRA Executive
Committee VP of membership, FPREF board member, C&P vice president”
Christopher Graham, MBA, APR, CPRC, Community Information
Manager, City of Deland, Volusia/Flagler Chapter
Class of 2018
“Receiving this recognition launched my journey into leadership and
strengthened my commitment to FPRA — it was the start of
something bigger.”
Leadership Path: “I served as Volusia/Flagler president for two years during the
pandemic. And I have served on the Executive Committee for the state in various
roles including twice as VP of Golden Image.”
Amanda Handley, APR, CPRC, Project Director, AtkinsRéalis,
Capital Chapter
Class of 2018
“For me, leadership means being transparent and honest. It also means
standing in the gap between those you’re leading and the chaos and
distractions that can occur in the C-suite so they can stay focused on delivering excellent
communications products.”
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JOE CURLEY RISING LEADER PROGRAM’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY
