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A Letter from GKC-PRSA
By Bridget Koan, APR
Dear GKC-PRSA members and public relations colleagues,
As the end of 2024 approaches, so does my time as GKC-PRSA chapter president.
What can I say about the last three years besides resiliency must be in our DNA?! I'm grateful for the encouragement and support I’ve received from my PRSA colleagues, who encouraged me to take on the role of chapter president. You told me you would stay with me, and you did. You told me I would be glad I said “yes,” and you were right. It's been an honor to serve as president of GKC-PRSA.
This year finally felt a little more “business as usual," but much has changed and will never be the same. The one constant I've been able to rely on and lean on is the network of support and friendship I’ve made through PRSA.
While the following list isn't all-inclusive, please help me celebrate some accomplishments. It will take me more words than this letter can include to highlight everything we've learned and accomplished.
- Before 2020, we approached virtual meetings differently. Because of the pandemic and social distancing, we all learned how to work, network, and be social without being in person.
- GKC-PRSA members tapped into their skills to revitalize our support of PRSA student chapters. We need these future leaders, and they need us to help and support them.
- GKC-PRSA launched the Inez Y. Kaiser Memorial Scholarship Fund that celebrates Inez Kaiser’s national legacy of leadership, public relations excellence, diversity within the communications field, and community volunteerism. In 2024, GKC-PRSA awarded the 10th scholarship to a deserving public relations/communications student. I didn't have the privilege of knowing Inez, but I somehow think she approves.
- It took a minute, but we remembered how to throw a party. Let’s face it, virtual PRISM was not the same as in-person PRISM. And the food is much better when catered at an in-person celebration.
- We've added three new APRs to our chapter and have an active group of candidates ready to take on 2025 coursework. As our profession faces the challenge of working amidst misinformation and disinformation, sharpening our skills, and staying up-to-date on strategies and trends has never been more critical. PRSA is the organization to help you.
- Although chapter and national membership hit some lows since the onset of the pandemic, our network of members and former members was steadfast. We’re coming back, and membership is growing. I'm proud to meet and welcome our new members. Your chapter board has worked hard, and I thank them every day.
I wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday season with family and friends. Thank you to my fellow PRSA board of directors and to all of the friends I’ve gained along the way. Take a break for a bit and be ready for a new year.
We're in good hands with Sarah Biles, APR, as our chapter president, leading the 2025 board of directors. Without a doubt, the new year will present us with challenges. We’ve turned challenging times into opportunities before. Let’s make 2025 our year of opportunities.
Bridget Koan, APR
GKC-PRSA President
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