Heather Grzelka, APR, Founder + Chief Strategist
Heather is an accomplished marketing and communications professional specializing in serving the health and nonprofit sectors. Organizations rely on Heather to develop and implement strategies that advance social causes, influence policymakers, drive sales, and increase donor support.
More than two decades of experience serving nonprofits and leading health organizations
Before founding Madeira Public Relations in 2011, Heather spent the first decade of her career navigating the Washington, D.C., political arena. During her tenure as media relations director at the American Lung Association’s national headquarters office, Heather and her team advanced legislative support for lifesaving policy measures aimed at reducing the burden of air pollution and smoking-related illnesses.
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Heather also spent several rewarding years working in scientific communications at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. In addition to her expertise in the health sector, Heather has a long history of serving a wide mix of national and regional nonprofit organizations.
Her firm’s work has earned numerous national awards and was recognized as Media of the Year by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco County Chapter.​
Heather is a graduate of George Mason University and is also an accredited public relations professional. She is a past president of the Florida Public Relations Association Tampa Bay Chapter, in addition to maintaining an active membership with the Public Relations Society of America. She has been a guest lecturer at the University of South Florida and is frequently called upon to lead seminars and workshops.​
During her off-hours, she enjoys volunteering with Special Olympics and working in her home art studio.
Contact
Have a project you'd like to discuss? Don't hesitate to call our office or drop us a line.
727.209.7175