Roswell Inc’s director of public relations and communications, Carisa Turner, has received her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)—the nation’s largest professional association for public relations and communications professionals.
Of PRSA’s 30,000 members across the country, only 15% have achieved their APR.
Created in 1964, the APR is an internationally ranked accreditation program for established PR professionals, which allows them to certify professional expertise and reflect a high standard of public relations principles and ethics.
“The APR process strengthened my understanding of the essential and foundational role public relations plays in public life and made me a stronger advocate for the strategic, research-based, outcome-driven, and ethical practice of the profession,” said Carisa Turner. “I am incredibly grateful for all the support I received during this process.”
To become accredited, candidates are evaluated on their mastery of the following public relations concepts and areas of practice: 1) Research, Planning, Implementing and Evaluating Programs; 2) Applying Ethics and Law; 3) Managing Issues and Crisis Communications; 4) Understanding Communication Models, Theories, and History of the Profession; 5) Leading the Public Relations Function; and 6) Managing Relationships.
This is accomplished through both a formal panel presentation showcasing expertise and previous work experience as well as a computer-based exam. Candidates that pass both components are awarded the APR designation, which must be maintained through continued professional development.
“Carisa is a valuable part of our team, and we’re proud that she has achieved such a prestigious distinction in her industry,” said Steve Stroud, executive director of Roswell Inc. “Her accreditation not only establishes her as a leader within the PR world, but adds significant value, credibility and strength to our organization—both now and as we grow in the future.”
The APR designation is formally awarded by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is a partnership between nine of the major public relations organizations. PRSA is one of the members and serves as the administrator of the program.
For more information about the APR, visit praccreditation.org.