Two members of the Georgia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (prsageorgia.org) were pinned with the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential at the December Monthly meeting. Donald W. Felice and Kimberly M. Starks were recognized for successfully completing the rigorous APR certification program.
The APR certification program is administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), a consortium of 10 leading industry organizations including PRSA. It recognizes practitioners who have mastered the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to develop and deliver strategic communications.
Donald W. Felice, APR
For more than 20 years, Donald Felice has led marketing and communications teams for national corporate and non-profit faith-based organizations like Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Word, Incorporated, In Touch Ministries with Dr. Charles Stanley, and the United Methodist Church.
Currently, Felice is the Director of Communications for The Salvation Army in Georgia. In this role, he plans, develops, coordinates, maintains, improves and supervises the day-to-day divisional communication operations with the purpose of improving both internal and public awareness and support for programs and services that advance organizational mission and goals. Felice earned a degree in Marketing and Music from the University of Miami.
“I love the communications world,” said Felice.” It’s ever-inspiring and ever-changing. Obtaining the APR mark of distinction for public relations professionals reflects to professionals, peers and the public that I have successfully demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively practice public relations in today’s complex communications environment. It inspires confidence among those I work with and in myself.”
Kimberly M. Starks, APR
Kimberly M. Starks is a public relations professional who has a strong print journalism background. Starks is currently the media relations manager at the Georgia Lottery Corp., where she serves as the primary point of contact for the media, and works to proactively enhance the image of the corporation.
Starks has freelanced for Patch.com and the Savannah Morning News, and has also worked as a government reporter at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, government reporter at the Marietta Daily Journal, and editor and interim bureau chief of the Journal’s South Metro Neighbor publications. She has also worked under seasoned journalists at The New York Times. Starks studied anthropology at the University of Ghana, and she is a graduate of Savannah State University.
“APR underscores my value as a public relations practitioner. My personal drive and willingness to invest in myself allowed an opportunity for me to gain fundamental knowledge of the practice, especially since having transitioned professionally. APR is a mark of distinction and reinforces my business acumen, certifying my competency. My journey was significant. I was serious in my pursuit to learn more. This distinction adds credibility and is a tremendous source of pride. I am happy to have fulfilled my professional aspiration.”
PRSA Georgia (prsageorgia.org), the second-largest local chapter in the national society, consists of more than 900 professionals throughout Georgia. Its mission is to enhance the profession, provide continuing education and offer networking opportunities for its members. The Chapter hosts regular monthly meetings and seminars, an Annual Conference for professionals and an annual Real World PR collegiate conference day.
The Chapter includes eight Special Interest Groups (Corporate and Employee Communications, Healthcare, Independent Counselors, Leader Board, Nonprofit, Technology, Travel and Tourism, and Young Professionals) that meet at various times. It also supports 10 PRSSA (student society) groups at the following colleges: Berry College (Rome), Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta), Columbus State University (Columbus), Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville), Georgia State University (Atlanta), Georgia Southern University (Statesboro), Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw), Savannah State University (Savannah), University of Georgia (Athens), and University of West Georgia (Carrollton).
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