Tamara White, APR
Tamara White, APR is the Director of Communication and Marketing for the Orange County Chapter of the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A NIMS/SEMS emergency certified public relations leader, White has more than a decade of experience working with the international, national and Southern California news media. Her impressive resume includes serving as the Public Information Officer / Acting Manager for the City of West Hollywood. Here are her thoughts on PRSA’s accreditation.
PRSA-LA: Why did you pursue your APR?
WHITE: During my twelve years in the public relations industry, I spent nine of those working for two supervisors who had earned their APRs – Leeza Hoyt and Helen Goss, Esq. The expertise and professionalism of both women is unparalleled and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to observe them as a young PR practitioner. So it was a natural progression for me to get my Accreditation, it was just a matter of when.
PRSA-LA: How did you prepare for your exam?
WHITE: In early 2015, I figured the time was right and I began reviewing my old, college public relations books and studying the PRSA study guide every morning. Eventually, I reached out to the Los Angeles chapter APR chairwoman, Rebecca Mikkelsen, and informed her of my intentions to take on the Accreditation challenge. I was paired with an amazing mentor, Tracy Gale, who spent a lot of time looking over my Readiness Review presentation so when I walked in that morning to present – I felt prepared.
PRSA-LA: How would you rate your APR experience?
WHITE: I can’t say enough nice things about all of the wonderful people who encouraged and supported me through the APR process. If you are looking for a great experience, are interested in creating strategic communications plans for any industry, and want to be regarded as a serious public relations practitioner, I recommend Accreditation.
