In this issue:

WWPR President Message
WWPR Welcomes 2012 Board
WWPR Blog
Upcoming Events
Get Involved!
Member Spotlight
Articles of Interest
Membership News

WWPR President Message

Starting off 2012, we must first say thank you to Kendra Kojcsich, our 2011 president.

Kendra has served on the WWPR board for the past six years. From day one, her impact
was immediately felt. Her leadership ensured that our events covered hot topics
and she established year-long partnerships with other DC-based professional organizations.

Through Kendra’s dedication last year proved a tremendous boon to WWPR:

* Membership is at an all time high;
* Sponsorship program is the strongest it has ever been in WWPR’s history;
* Signature events elevated strong women in our industry;
* Communication vehicles were updated to be valuable resources for members; and
* High caliber speakers were featured at WWPR events – from NASA to the White House
and top media personalities

Kendra set WWPR on a forward path as an organization and I look forward to working
with you all to continue to strengthen WWPR as a resource, connector, and supporter
of women in this industry.

I am honored to serve as your president this year. The 2012 WWPR board and I will
work hard to deliver quality networking opportunities, high profile signature events,
and launch a few exciting new developments! Stay tuned for a great year.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas find us at @WWPR, Facebook.com/WashingtonWomeninPR, WWPR on LinkedIn or email me directly at tina@wwpr.org.

I look forward to seeing you at future events!

Tina McCormack Beaty
President, WWPR

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WWPR Welcomes 2012 Board

On January 25, WWPR celebrated the induction of its 2012 Board at the WWPR Annual
Meeting and Luncheon. It was a chance for past president Kendra Kojcsich to welcome
the incoming president, Tina McCormack Beaty, who previously served as WWPR’s 2011
vice president and 2010 pro bono co-chair.

The 2012 WWPR Board of Directors includes:
PresidentTina McCormack Beaty, Porter Novelli
Vice PresidentMargie Newman, Pew Center on the States
Past PresidentKendra Kojcsich, Porter Novelli
TreasurerSherri Core, Core Association Services, Inc.
SecretaryVeronica Brown, Gibraltar Assoc. LLC
Membership ChairLeslie Rutledge, RedEgg
Pro Bono Co-ChairKate Barrett, NEA
Pro Bono Co-ChairMaria Ibañez, NASHP
PR Woman of the Year Co-ChairSusie Tappouni, ASCO
PR Woman of the Year Co-ChairAmy Malerba Hemingway, Edelman
Emerging Leaders Award Co-ChairHelen Mitternight, Vanguard Communications
Emerging Leaders Award Co-ChairLauren Smith, Jones Public Affairs
Sponsorship/Partnership ChairSeason Solorio, National Cattleman’s Beef Assoc.
Marketing Communications Co-ChairJennifer Dunn, Business Wire
Marketing Communications Co-ChairKristen Hostetter, Rock Recovery
Professional Development ChairKari Hudnell, CommunicationWorks
Website ChairJaniré Hopkins, CareMetx

Attendees also enjoyed lunch and a keynote by former Clinton campaign advisor for both Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton and current global head of public affairs and managing director of Porter Novelli, Kiki McLean. Kiki shared great insight into the unique challenges facing women in the corporate world, as well as how the communications and PR industry continues to evolve.

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WWPR Blog

Have you checked out the WWPR Blog?

There, you will find recaps of our monthly professional development seminars, news about upcoming events and insights on communications trends and issues.

Here’s a preview of what you’ll find:

  • Instagram vs. Flickr: What has potential for advocacy outreach? By 2012, most organizations in DC have discovered how to have a presence on social media and get their messages out to their key constituencies. But as many legislative battles heat up, the stakes are raised and PR professionals must… READ MORE

Interested in blogging for WWPR in 2012? Members who are interested in contributing are encouraged to email web@wwpr.org for more information.

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Upcoming Events

For the latest information about our exciting events and programs, please visit our Events page.

WWPR members receive member rates for PRSA-NCC and AWC events.

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Get Involved

Joining a committee in 2012 is a great way to get involved. Whether you help plan an event, offer your expertise to our pro bono client, or help create our outreach strategy via social media – join one of WWPR’s committees today.

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Member Spotlight: Sarah Gershman

by Rebecca Noel

About 7 years ago, Sarah Gershman, president of Green Room Speakers, was in a play in San Francisco directed by an incredibly successful communication skills coach. It hit her: “that is what I want to do with my life.”

Fast-forward a few years and Green Room Speakers, DC-based presentation skills training company, was born from Gershman’s passion in communications. Through group trainings and private coaching, Gershman helps people learn how to craft and deliver masterful presentations. She has coached and trained executives and leadership staff from a wide variety of industries, as well as keeps a speaking advice blog: sarahgershman.blogspot.com.

Gershman is the new committee manager for WWPR’s executive communicators events, where she will be planning speakers geared at seasoned communicators and independent practitioners.

“Helping people fulfill their potential as speakers is such an invaluable skill in any field,” says Gershman. “I love helping people get past their anxiety – and develop their authentic voice. I typically find that the number one reason why people don’t speak effectively is because they are not clear on their content. I help people gain that clarity – and it’s enormously fulfilling.”

Articles of Interest

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Membership News

New Members

– Tiarra Medley, Porter Novelli

– Jessica Callahan, Stanton Communications

– Ashley Rook, Rational 360

– Rhondalee Dean-Royce, American Veterinary Medical Association

– Bethany Hardy, C. Fox Communication

– Leslie Kimball, The Century Council

– Jessica Lepak, The Century Council

– Shari Myles, GoodGirlPR

– Sarah Coppersmith, Scott Circle Communications

– Carol Stevens, American Bar Association

Renewals

– Jennifer Bolick, Richfield Productions, Inc.

– Denise Graveline , Don’t Get Caught

– Debbie Friez, Burrelles/Luce/em>

Interested in joining or renewed your membership? Simply complete the online membership form.

To learn more, please contact Leslie Rutledge, Membership Chair, at membership@wwpr.org.

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