Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), the premier resource for communications professionals in the nation’s capital, announced its 2012 board of directors to serve the over 300 member organization during its annual meeting at the National Press Club.

2011 Highlights – WWPR Visibility Elevated To New Levels
Out-going president Kendra Kojcsich was honored for her many years of service to WWPR.  Kojcsich highlighted 2011 goals achieved, thanking the outgoing board and key sponsors for most notably increasing WWPR visibility and awareness; membership more than doubled since last year.  The WWPR website revamp, WWPR blog launch and WWPR signature programs like Emerging Leaders and Executive Communicators’ Roundtable series continued to add value.

2012 – Incoming President, Tina McCormack Beaty Encouraged Members To Continue Momentum
The 2012 incoming president, Tina McCormack Beaty, who previously served as the vice president of the organization and co-chair for WWPR’s 2010 pro bono client, Children’s Law Center, encouraged attendees to get involved to keep the momentum going into 2012.  How can you get involved?  Join a WWPR committee today.

“I am thrilled to be guiding WWPR into a new year with a strong group of industry leaders by my side,” said Beaty.  “2012 is going to be an exciting year for the PR trade and our new board looks forward to ensuring WWPR is a resource for communicators in D.C., helping them to navigate the changing waters with high-quality programs, as well as volunteer and networking opportunities.”

Keynote Catherine “Kiki” McLean Shares Key Elements Of Successful Women Communicators
In addition to voting on its board, WWPR event attendees enjoyed a keynote by former Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton advisor and current global head of public affairs and managing director of Porter Novelli, Kiki McLean.  McLean spoke of the importance of women supporting women and shared her suggested key elements for successful women communicators: 1) Patience, 2) Integrity, and 3) Passion for Language.  McLean encouraged attendees to be “the person others can turn to and count on.”

Learn More about Washington Women In Public Relations
Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is the first and only D.C.-based professional organization advancing women in the communications industry. WWPR is committed to delivering outstanding professional development, networking, marketplace positioning, and leadership opportunities to area communicators. Visit us at wwpr.org, “Like” us on Facebook.com/WashingtonWomeninPR, and follow us on Twitter @WWPR.

Board Position Board Member On Twitter
President Tina McCormack Beaty, Porter Novelli TMStrategy
Vice President Margie Newman, Pew Center on the States MargieNewman
Past President Kendra Kojcsich, Porter Novelli KendraKoj
Secretary Veronica Brown, Gibraltar Associates veebrown
Treasurer Sherri Core, Core Association Services SherriCore
Membership Chair Leslie Rutledge, RedEgg DreadGurlVA
Pro Bono Co-Chair Kate Barrett, NEA KateCBarrett
Pro Bono Co-Chair Maria Ibañez, NASHP MariaIbanez
PR Woman of the Year Co-Chair Susie Tappouni, ASCO susietappouni
PR Woman of the Year Co-Chair Amy Malerba, Edelman Aichiamy
Emerging Leaders Award Co-Chair Helen Mitternight, Vanguard Communications Mitternight
Emerging Leaders Award Co-Chair Lauren Smith, Jones Public Affairs LaurenDC123
Sponsorship/Partnership Chair Season Solorio, National Cattleman’s Beef Assoc. Seasonsgreeting
Marketing Communications Co-Chair Jennifer Dunn, Business Wire JennDunn31
Marketing Communications Co-Chair Kristen Hostetter, Rock Recovery Krh0207
Professional Development Chair Kari Hudnell, CommunicationWorks KariLH
Website Chair Janiré Hopkins, CareMetx chicgeekstyle