Member Q&A’s with Curt Brantingham and Fiona Patin
The PRSA Hoosier Chapter is conducting member profiles throughout the year to facilitate connections within the Chapter. We are pleased to introduce Curt Brantingham and Fiona Patin.
Name: Curt Brantingham, MA
Position: Media/Public Information Coordinator
Employer: Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County/Marion County Public Health Department
College Attended: Ball State University (B.S., M.A.)
Q: What was your first job? I spent seven years in broadcast news, both radio and television, before shifting over to public relations at the Indianapolis Zoo. I helped build a part-time PR position into a full-time position that focused on media relations, but also included other writing and communications responsibilities. The job gave me a great foundation and I am grateful for that opportunity.
Q: What’s your favorite part of your current job? Public health is so important to the overall success of a community. How we address issues such as infant mortality, chronic disease, vaccinations, safe housing and emergency preparedness impact the quality of life for everyone. I get to work with professionals who are dedicated to improving and protecting the health of Marion County residents. I am always learning something new and I enjoy helping to communicate the health department’s message.
Q: What advice would you give to new PR professionals? Don’t stop learning – ask questions and keep adding new tools to the toolbox. Be teachable. At the same time, don’t be afraid to show initiative by bringing skills to the table that can help your agency, business or organization be successful. I believe integrity is built through solid ethics and trust.
Name: Fiona Patin
Position: Adjunct Instructor in Communications
Employer: Ivy Tech Community College, Bloomington.Volunteer Coordinator for “100 Men Who Cook”, Bloomington.
College Attended: Roosevelt University, Chicago, MS in Integrated Marketing Communications (2003)
Q: What is your favorite place you’ve visited? That’s difficult! I am from the United Kingdom and recently had this conversation with friends from the UK; we came to the conclusion that we are like rolling stones, we just keep wandering around the globe, it is something we thrive on. Maybe it has something to do with being British, we have that wandering gene! Having said that, I was recently in Ecuador for two weeks and loved it. Parts of it reminded me of Europe with the small town squares and little coffee shops; the people were very friendly and the markets were fantastic (my husband cannot believe how long I will spend bargaining over something). I felt safe, the beauty of the country along with its variations in climatic zones is amazing and of course they use the US dollar which makes it easy.