Full Name: Theresa MacNeil

Title: Assistant Professor and FPRA Advisor

Company/Organization/ Employer: Florida Southern College

Years on the job: This is my first year at Florida Southern College

What was your first job in PR? My first job in public relations was as an intern in college for a beauty and fashion PR firm.  My first real job in PR was working for a PR firm that specialized in real estate publicity in Los Angeles. 

Where did you go to school? For my undergraduate I went to Boston College and for my Masters I went to California State University Los Angeles.  I am currently finishing my dissertation from University of Connecticut and will receive my PhD soon.

Why did you choose a career in PR? I liked working with clients and organizing events.  I also enjoyed networking with editors and producers.

What is your favorite hobby outside work? I like to run and workout as often as I can.

What sports teams do you root for (if any)? I am a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan because I grew up in Philadelphia and my family has season tickets.

What is something many people don't realize about you? People often think I am relaxed and laid-back but they don't know that I can be stern when needed! 

Join us in welcoming Theresa!

Theresa MacNeil
Florida Southern College
Assistant Professor and FPRA Advisor
(310)968-1115
tmacneil@flsouthern.edu

Thank you, Katy Martin, for putting the New Member Spotlight together every month! We appreciate you!

Anyone interested in learning more about accreditation in public relations is welcome to attend an information session on Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Regal Lakeland Automotive Group's community room, 925 U.S. Hwy 98 South. There is no charge for the session which is open to both FPRA members and non-members.

Who should attend? 

• Anyone working in the public relations field who is interested in investing in both their career and their own professional development.
• Anyone who wants to earn a seat at the corporate strategic planning table.
• Anyone interested in a path to professional recognition and potentially higher wages. 

APR is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice and who become accredited based on broad knowledge, strategic perspective, and sound professional judgment.

Professionals who have earned the APR offer tremendous value to agencies, companies and associations in the market for new staff or looking to promote.  Studies show that APR's typically earn more than their non-accredited counterparts and are viewed as valuable counselors for the organizations they serve.

If you are interested in learning more about accreditation and beginning your journey to a more rewarding public relations career, please RSVP for the upcoming information session by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1. For more information or to RSVP, contact Cindy Rodriguez at 863-559-7542 or crodriguez@A-C-T.com. 

Once again, runners and walkers will have a chance to experience what may be Florida's most challenging and picturesque 5K course on Saturday, May 25 by competing in the 2013 Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk on the grounds of historic Bok Tower Gardens, situated high atop "Iron Mountain" in Lake Wales, Florida. This annual event is open to adults and students in grades 1 through 12 and will include team competition for the first time.

Now in its second year, the Carillon Classic 5K is a charitable event sponsored by our chapter in partnership with Bok Tower Gardens and Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. as well as corporate sponsors.  All proceeds from the event will benefit the FPRA chapters educational and professional initiatives, as well as the George W. Harris, Jr. Runaway and Youth Crisis Shelter in Bartow, an initiative of Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. The inaugural Carillon Classic in 2012 drew more than 300 runners and walkers, raising a total of $3,100 for charity.

"We are excited to once again be teaming up with Bok Tower Gardens, Youth and Family Alternatives and our community-minded corporate sponsors on this very healthy, entertaining and family-oriented charitable event," said Chapter President Jennifer Baker.

In addition to providing great individual/team competition and raising funds for charity, the Carillon Classic will enable participants, spectators and their families to enjoy the splendor and beauty of Bok Tower Gardens, one of Florida's most unique treasures. All participants and spectators are invited to enjoy the gardens and carillon music free of charge after the races.

The 5K course gives runners and walkers an opportunity to experience the rolling hills, unique terrain (some sections of the course are gravel and mulch), colorful gardens/citrus groves and beautiful mountain vistas surrounding Bok Tower. Participants will be treated to the soothing sounds of carillon music as they make their way along the course situated on one of the  highest points, elevation wise, on the Florida peninsula.

The nonrefundable registration fee for runners and walkers who register before May 1 is $25 for adults and $15 for students in grades 1 through 12. After May 4, there is an additional charge of $5. Registration begins at 6:30 am at Bok Tower Gardens on race day, with the competition starting at 7:30 am sharp, rain or shine. Everyone who registers by May 1 will be guaranteed a Carillon Classic dri-fit t-shirt. First, second and third place winners in standard age categories will receive a medal. 

Those who are interested in participating in the team challenge should indicate their team name upon registration.  To see complete team competition rules, for more details about the Carillon Classic 5K sponsorship opportunities, or to obtain a registration form, please go to http://www.fprapolk.org/calendar-page/carillon-classic-5k-runwalk/.  All checks should be made payable to the Florida Public Relations Association and mailed to FPRA at 1606 Taylor Brooke Dr. Bartow, FL 33830. Online registration is also available. 

Regular updates on the 2013 Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk can be obtained by visiting the event page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/CarillonClassic5kRunWalk.

And last but not least, to make the race go off without a hitch, we need volunteers!  We hope to see every chapter member come out and volunteer.  It will be fun and it's for a fantastic cause that will benefit you through your FPRA membership.  So mark your calendars today!  To volunteer, contact Katy Martin at katy.martin@LRMC.com or Marybeth Soderstrom at Marybeth_Soderstrom@polkworks.org.