Donna Wilson Earns APR Designation

October 18, 2006 (ROANOKE, VA) — The Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is pleased to announce that Donna L. Wilson is now Accredited in Public Relations (APR). Wilson, an employee with the USDA Forest Service in Roanoke, has been a member of the PRSA –Blue Ridge Chapter since 2001.

Accreditation is gained through two steps: a rigorous computer-based exam administered by the Universal Accreditation Board and through an oral presentation to fellow APR-members. The APR accreditation is the only professional certification program open to public relations professionals. It is a mark of distinction identifying those who prove their commitment to the field and to its ethical practice.

With degrees from Radford University and Virginia Western Community College in communications and management, Wilson spent 15 years in public relations. She retired as a Public Affairs Specialist from the U.S. Forest Service this year, but works for them part-time as an Information Officer on Wildland Fire Prevention & Education Teams traveling the country in this role.

PRSA is the world's largest association of public relations professionals who represent business and industry, government, non-profit, healthcare, schools and professional firms. The purpose of PRSA is to unite professionals, set industry standards and a Code of Ethics for performance, and to increase public recognition of the public relations profession. The Blue Ridge Chapter serves members in western Virginia.

For more information, visit our website at www.prsa-blueridge.org or contact Michelle Brauns, APR, Accreditation Chair at mbrauns@nrvfreeclinic.org.

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