August President’s PRoclaimer Message
By Roy Reid, APR, CPRC – Chapter President
As I write my final column as President of the Orlando Area Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, I am filled with gratitude and pride. This year has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of our board, the enthusiasm of our members, and the shared commitment we all have to advancing the public relations profession.
Together, we set out to grow our chapter, engage our members, provide more value, and foster the growth and quality of our profession. I am proud to say that we not only met those goals — we exceeded them. Orlando now stands as the largest FPRA chapter in the state, a testament to the energy and excellence that define this community. Every single program we hosted this year sold out, underscoring the appetite for learning, connection, and professional growth that drives our members forward.
We also celebrated remarkable individual achievements. Several members earned their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) this year, with many more currently going through the process. These milestones reflect not only personal dedication but also the culture of encouragement and excellence that our chapter fosters.
Our collective impact was recognized on the statewide stage as well. At the Annual PR & Communications Summit, Orlando proudly brought home two President’s Awards, one for member recruitment and another for community engagement. These awards shine a light on the heart of our chapter: people who invite others in, serve our community, and strengthen the profession we love. On top of that, our members secured multiple Golden Image Awards, further proof that the talent in Orlando is second to none.
Serving as your President this past year has been one of the greatest honors of my career. The success of this chapter has never been about one person; it has always been about what we achieve together. To the board, thank you for your tireless work and vision. To our members, thank you for showing up, leaning in, and making FPRA Orlando a place where excellence thrives.
As I passed the gavel, I did so with immense confidence in the future of this chapter and with great excitement for its next leader, Juliette Gebken-Mayi. Juliette brings energy, creativity, and a clear vision for what’s ahead. I have no doubt she will continue to elevate our chapter, build on our momentum, and inspire even greater achievements.
The best is yet to come, and I can’t wait to watch where your leadership, creativity, and passion will take FPRA Orlando next.
With appreciation,
Roy Reid, APR, CPRC, MCPC
President, FPRA Orlando Area Chapter
