Meet Your 2015 PRSA Board, part 1
We are kicking off the new year with the introduction of our 2015 PRSA Board Members, who’ve been asked to answer three questions of their choosing from a list of possibilities. We encourage you to make new connections and get involved and that begins by knowing who is responsible for specific roles in service to the Chapter. Look for a series of blog posts over the next few weeks that will provide you with a peek into the thoughts and lives of our 15 volunteer board members. (Have we said thank you lately?) Then, throughout the year, we will continue the same Q&A with two members each month. So, reach out, introduce yourself at the next luncheon or networking event, and find new professional connections in 2015 through PRSA’s Hoosier Chapter!
Courtney Kasinger, APR, PRSA Chapter President
Employer: Eli Lilly
Job: Communications Manager
Graduate of: Ball State University
Q: Is there a specific cause or non-profit for which you advocate? I’ve spent the majority of my career in nonprofit and government relations. I personally support WFYI on a regular basis and I will always have a special place in my heart for organizations working to support youth who have mental health needs.
Q: What’s your coolest career experience to date? The opportunity to serve as Choices, Inc,’s interim CEO for 13 months. Great organization and mission, and incredible leadership experience.
Q:What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self? Read more, talk less.
Andrea Farmer, APR, PRSA President-Elect
Employer: NCAA
Job: Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives
Gradate of: Ball State University
Q: Is there a specific cause or non-profit for which you advocate? I am passionate about empowering girls and women, and I recently joined the board of Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis. I am excited to play an active role in fulfilling their mission of inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold.
Q: What’s one place you have yet to travel/or your favorite place you’ve visited? So far, my favorite vacation destination has been Paris, which was magical. Next on my list is Hawaii.
Q: Who is your role model and why? One person I’ve always admired is Eleanor Roosevelt, who, in addition to being the longest-serving First Lady (and the first to drive a car!), was a civil rights advocate and champion for those less fortunate. She didn’t let anyone tell her what to do, and she broke down barriers for women.
Vanessa Stiles, APR, PRSA Past President
Current Employer (Owner): Victory Sun, Inc.
Job: President & CEO, Owner
Graduate of: Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
Q: What do you wish you had known earlier in your career? I wish I had a better understanding of my professional worth and how to navigate salary negotiations.
Q: How did you get to where you are today? I arrived where I am today via a long and winding road that (quite frankly) gave me some anxiety in my twenties. “Where was I going? Where was this leading? Should I be doing more? Did I just take a wrong turn?” I used to ask myself. At some point, I accepted the road, the ride and my role as the navigator. I did not start my career in public relations, but I was supposed to land in PR. Every job or position before PR gave me solid footing in research, budgets, data management, strategic planning and diversity. From there, I was able to dig deep into the science of public relations by studying the profession as an adult. It was the best road for me. It was the only road for me, and I love a good road trip!
Q: What’s one PR rule that you live by? Ethics! Know your ethics and apply them to your work.