Madeira Public Relations principal, Heather Grzelka, APR, was sworn in as president of the Florida Public Relations Association Tampa Bay Chapter on September 8, 2015, by past chapter president Chad McLeod, APR (pictured left). Heather will lead the fifteen member board in their work to advance career and professional development opportunities for public relations practitioners across the Tampa Bay region. 

"It's an honor to serve such a dynamic organization," said Heather Grzelka, principal and founder of Madeira Public Relations. "I'm looking forward to growing our membership network in this year ahead by expanding our suite of resources and benefits available to support public relations professionals across the career spectrum."

The Florida Public Relations Association is the oldest professional society for public relations practitioners in the U.S. The organization sets the bar for professional excellence and adherence to strict ethical standards through its rigorous accreditation process. 

Heather Grzelka, founder and principal of Madeira Public Relations has successfully completed the examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, providing her with the right to use the prestigious APR professional designation.

Accreditation involves completing a rigorous evaluation process including presenting a portfolio for assessment by a panel of accredited public relations professionals. Upon successful completion of the panel review, APR candidates must pass a comprehensive exam assessing competence in 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities critical to the practice of public relations including law, business literacy, crisis management and ethics.

"Practitioners who achieve the designation are demonstrating their commitment not only to our profession, but also to a strong code of ethics and to the betterment of their organizations and clients," said John E. Forde, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, 2015 chair of the Universal Accreditation Board.

Accredited professionals must maintain their credential through continuing professional development, providing leadership to the profession and serving their local communities.

About the Universal Accreditation Board

The UAB was established in 1998 by a coalition of public relations professional organizations that today includes the Agriculture Relations Council, Asociacion de Relacionistas Profesionales de Puerto Rico, Florida Public Relations Association, Main Public Relations Council, National School Public Relations Association, Public Relations Society of America, Religion Communicators Council and the Southern Public Relations Federation. Each organization contributes resources and senior-level volunteer members who represent all segments of the public relations profession.

Thank you to Janan for two outstanding years of service! A talented copywriter and publicist, Janan manages day-to-day activities on our Healthy Air Campaign account. She holds an impressive track record for getting articles published and is an enthusiastic public health champion. We're honored to have Janan on our team!