WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jan. 25, 2012 – 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 its over 300 member organization during its annual meeting at the National Press Club today. The slate is as follows:

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

Out-going president Kendra Kojcsich was honored for her many years of service to WWPR. The 2012 incoming president, Tina McCormack Beaty, previously served as the vice president of the organization as well as co-chaired WWPR’s 2010 pro bono client, Children’s Law Center.

“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 the board looks forward to ensuring WWPR is a resource for communicators in D.C., helping them navigate the changing waters with high-quality programs, as well as volunteer and networking opportunities.”

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 unique climb up the corporate ladder in communications. WWPR will host other high caliber speakers at events throughout the 2012 year. Also in 2012, WWPR will continue to serve its current pro bono client, Thrive DC, whose mission is to provide meals, personal care, case management and other support services to men and women dealing with homelessness.

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.