Member PRofile: Mandy Kimmer

Title and company: Public Information Officer, Community Relations and Marketing for Orange County Parks and Recreation

Give a brief explanation of your job: I’m responsible for promoting parks events through media relations, social media (Twitter and Facebook) and the website, and I train all our new employees.

How long have you been a member of FPRA and why did you join? I finally joined the Central West Coast Chapter in January 1992; as my career started in 1983, I had attended “PR on a Shoestring” in Orlando and loved the comradery but it was years before I worked for a company that paid for the membership.

What has been your favorite FPRA event or experience so far? I worked my way up to president of the Tampa Bay Chapter 1998-99 and learned SO MUCH along the way.

Tell us about an exciting achievement (personal or professional): Ten years ago, my friend got me involved with Zebra Youth to start their LGBTQ+ scholarship at UCF; kind people donated $27,000 within two years to endow it. Then someone donated money for students seeking a GED, technical or two-year college; we’ve since had $75,000 donated for that. We’ve greatly enjoyed helping students earn their education!

What was your first job? Working in a retail business’ warehouse.

What's one fun fact about you? I credit my brain power to years of piano and flute playing.