President's Corner

Hello, September!

Every year, I hold onto summer as long as I can, but finally, after Labor Day, I’m ready to embrace fall. It’s back-to-school season, and I still feel like I’m getting ready to begin classes again.

Funny enough, I recently visited my alma mater, UW Green Bay, to celebrate the retirement of one of my former professors, or “free agency,” as he calls it. He and many of the instructors in the Communication Department helped teach and shape me into the person I am today. One topic that came up in almost every class I took was ethics.

September is Ethics Month, and PRSA National has a great list of resources to check out.

Now more than ever, it’s important to think critically, act with purpose and use your own ethical mindset to navigate your career. One topic that comes to mind for me is the use of artificial intelligence. Lucky for you, we have an extraordinary panel of professionals ready to dive into AI and public relations.

While AI is creating new opportunities for communications professionals, it is also raising important questions about how we work, what we share and where we draw the line. There’s a lot to consider, and I’m looking forward to hearing how our panelists are approaching it.

I hope to see you there!

Meghan Finger 
[email protected]

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Upcoming Event

AI in Public Relations: Practical Applications, Ethics and The Future of Our Profession

Date: Thursday, October 8
Time: 3:00-5:00 PM
Location: Appleton Public Library, 200 N Appleton St, Appleton, WI

$25.00 Member | $35.00 Non-Member | $15.00 Student

Register here!

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the communications landscape. While it is creating new opportunities, it is also raising important questions for public relations professionals. This program will include an engaging panel discussion featuring communications leaders who are actively navigating the evolving role of AI.

Together, we'll explore the practical applications of AI in public relations, including how professionals are using prompts to enhance their work, balancing efficiency with creativity, and protecting privacy and confidential information. Panelists will also discuss how AI is influencing media relations, content development and research. They will share insight into how PR professionals can help navigate stakeholder expectations.

Following the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive Q&A and open discussion. Bring your questions, share your experiences and join colleagues for a thoughtful conversation about the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of communications.

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New Members

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Featured Member

In this member spotlight, we're pleased to feature Mallory Allen, public relations account manager at O'Connor Connective!

Describe your typical day at work.
One of my favorite parts of this job is that every day is different. Most of my time, however, is spent in client meetings, shaping public relations strategies, executing media engagement projects, writing and copy editing materials and creating social media content.

Most important career mentor and why?
I was lucky enough to be taught by many wonderful instructors in the Communication department at UW-Green Bay. Though I can’t list them all here, I’m especially grateful to Danielle Bina, Shauna Froelich and Katie Turkiewicz for their wisdom, guidance and mentorship over the years. Their classes ensured I was more than ready to begin my professional career upon graduation.

What made you decide to have a career in public relations?
Ever since I was young, I’ve loved reading, writing and storytelling, so pursuing a career in this industry felt like a natural extension of those passions. My brain operates at the intersection of creativity and strategy – just like the fields of public relations, communication and marketing.

Why did you join PRSA NEW?
I recently started working at O’Connor Connective after spending three years as a digital news and content producer at WLUK-TV FOX 11. As I settle into this new role, my goal is to connect with and learn from my peers and build genuine connections with other industry professionals.

Most rewarding accomplishment in public relations:
During my time at FOX 11, I was part of 13 awards presented by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association and Radio Television Digital News Association.

Advice to new public relations professionals:
My best advice would be to ask as many questions as possible, even if doing so feels uncomfortable at times. I firmly believe soaking up knowledge from the pros around you is the best way to become a pro yourself.

Where is your happy place?
On an airplane en route to a vacation, or anywhere surrounded by my family (with my dog snuggling on my lap, of course).

What three people, past or present, would you like to have dinner with?
1. My grandparents (if only Heaven took dinner reservations!)
2. Ronika Stone Love (Jordan Love’s wife)
3. Princess Diana

What’s on your professional or personal to-do list?
Professionally, I’d like to help set up a media event for a client that is covered by every TV station and newspaper in the Green Bay area.

Personally, my twin sister and I have a goal to attend a Packers game together at every team’s home stadium. By the end of this upcoming season, we will have 8 of 32 crossed off our list (Green Bay, Minnesota, Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York Giants, Detroit, New England).

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All About APR!

Non-Boring Compliance! Your Guide to APR Renewal & Ethics Mastery
Date: Wednesday, September 23
Time: 2:00-3:00 PM

Register Here! 

Staying current with your APR credential should feel empowering, not overwhelming. This engaging webinar breaks down the APR renewal process into clear, manageable steps while showing how ethics can be a practical and energizing part of your professional growth. Participants will learn how to track renewal activities, identify opportunities to earn continuing education credits and approach ethics requirements with confidence and relevance. Whether your renewal deadline is approaching or you simply want a smarter system for staying prepared, this session will help you replace last-minute scrambling with a practical plan for meeting renewal requirements.

Attendees will learn:

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Member Anniversaries

• Tammy Van DenBusch, Element, 17 years

• Tara Brzozowski, Showcase Communications, 16 years

• Kristine Nicolini, APR, UW Oshkosh, 10 years

• Andrea Hay, Green Bay Water Utility, 8 years

• Greta Gaworek, Big Brothers Big Sisters, 2 years

• Nick Meisner, Discover Green Bay, 1 year

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Event Recap

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