PRSA | AL's Class of 2011 APRs:
Michael Sznajderman, APR; Lori Quiller, APR; Deana Nunley, APR; Brandon Wilson, APR; Melanie Davis, APR; Missy Burchart, APR and Teri Henley, APR

Michael Sznajderman, APR
Senior Communications Strategist, Alabama Power Company
10 years experience working in public relations; 18 years experience in print journalism
Readiness Review Presentation: Social Media Communications for Power Outage and Restoration

“To me, achieving Accreditation in Public Relations was more about the process than passing a test,” said Michael Sznajderman, APR.

“It provides substantive training and a rewarding experience that helps hone your skills, think beyond today’s brushfire and strengthen your ability to provide thoughtful, valuable and measurable communications counsel.”

 

 

 

 

 Lori Quiller, APR
Specialty Society Coordinator, Medical Assocation of the State of Alabama
17 years experience in public relations
Readiness Review Plan Presentation: National County Government Month for the Association of County Commissions of Alabama

"For me, Accreditation is the natural progression of my professional identity. But it was the journey along the way that made me realize just how precious achieving this milestone really is," said Lori Quiller, APR.

"I knew going in to the process that it would not be an easy path, and I didn't want it to be. I did not major in public relations in college, but I've worked in the field for a long time. Until I made the decision to broaden my horizons, I had no idea how much I was truly missing."

 

 

 

Deana Nunley, APR
Director, Corporate Communications for ASRC Federal Holding Company  
13 years experience in public relations

"The journey to Accreditation has been one of the most worthwhile endeavors of my career. Having transitioned from news reporting to public relations, my understanding of PR was based primarily on experience, and I needed greater depth of knowledge in order to practive public relations at a higher level of professionalism and effectiveness," said Deana Nunley, APR. "The rigorous Accreditation process was a perfect fit for me because of the focus of understanding and applying knowledge, skills and abilities that affect all public relations programs."

                                                                              
 

Brandon Wilson, APR
President and CEO - overseeing business development for the company and executing strategic planning for clients
Wilbron Institute
11 years experience in public relations
Brandon has long served as an executive member of the PRSA Alabama Chapter Board of Directors, including as Chapter President 2011.

Readiness Review Plan Presentation: Green Acres Middle School campaign to reverse decline in parent and community involvement.

“Being the first African-American male in Alabama to achieve APR is both humbling and exciting.  I hope that my achievement inspires others to seek accreditation to certify their ability to think and act strategically and ethically,” said Brandon Wilson, APR.

 

 



Missy Burchart, APR
Communications and Development Manager, running public relations, marketing and development outreach.
The Literacy Council
17 years experience in public relations
"I started out my career at WVTM, now Alabama’s 13 as an intern in the news department and was hired as an associate producer on the weekend morning show."

Readiness Review Plan Presentation: General Motors E85 Days of Summer/Fall with Mullen agency.

“I am so happy I took this very important step in my career,” said Missy Burchart, APR. “Accreditation is a huge proof point for our profession and should be a source of pride for anyone who achieves this title. I encourage PR professionals, no matter what age, to work for their APR. It was a rewarding experience that strengthened my commitment to the profession and helped hone my skills.”

 

Melanie Davis, APR
Assistant Director of Communications, responsible for developing and maintaining the school's image and integrity through social media, website and news releases. She coordinates with UAB Office of Media Relations to promote positive stories and research in the School.

University of Alabama at Birmingham School for Health Professions,
8 years experience in public relations

"My first seven years of professional work was in broadcast journalism." Davis serves as a member of the PRSA Alabama Chapter Board of Directors; is a past-president of the Chapter; and, is 2011 Chair of the PRSA Southeast District.

Readiness Review Plan Presentation: Birmingham Virtual Newsroom: Improving Birmingham's Image

“Too many people think that public relations is only about media relations and that is not the case. It is much more than that with research, strategic planning and counseling management,” said Melanie Davis, APR, about earning the APR designation. “I would encourage all public relations professionals, especially those who did not major in PR, to seek their Accreditation. A 10-week class taught by PRSA Alabama Chapter was a great crash course. It really opened my eyes to new avenues that I can use at my job today to make me a better professional for my organization.”

 

Teri K. Henley, APR
Professor, advertising and public relations writing and campaigns courses
University of Alabama
10 years experience in public relations
"I also have 20 years experience in integrated marketing communications."

Henley advises Capstone Agency, the University of Alabama student-run public relations and advertising agency.

Readiness Review Plan Presentation: Less ThanUThink Campaign, addressing the national problem of college-age binge drinking

“Achieving APR certifies that I am teaching the industry standards in the classroom and enables me to credibly encourage my students to pursue APR at the proper time in their career,” remarked Teri Henley, APR.

 

Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), is the public relations profession’s national post-graduate certification program. APR certifies the PR practitioner’s knowledge of the practice of public relations and is administered by the Universal Accreditation Board.