Sheryl Vieira named president; new board installed by state president during annual event
SARASOTA, Fla. – September 9, 2022 – The Central West Coast chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA) installed its 2022-2023 board of directors and recognized outstanding members during the Chapter Awards & Board Installation held recently at the Sarasota Yacht Club. The event, which continued the honored tradition of the passing of the gavel by former presidents of CWC-FPRA, was a celebration of the past year of successes and opportunities for the coming year.
The following members were recognized – with immediate past president Melanie Reda, APR, CPRC, bestowing the awards – during the program: Hunter Carpenter was named Member of the Year; Sheryl Vieira earned the Ginya Carnahan Promoting the Profession Award; Travis Cornwell earned the Thomas Nunan Rising Star Award; Sarah Glendening earned the Ginnie Duffey Troyer Award of Professionalism; and Joe Curley, APR, CPRC; Joe Grano; and Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC each received Awards of Appreciation for helping to make it a special year for CWC.
Additionally, the board celebrated some highlights from the recent FPRA Annual Conference in Orlando. During the conference, CWC-FPRA earned the coveted Chapter of the Year Award under Reda’s leadership as well as honors for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Membership, as the chapter became the largest in the state. Erin Hoffer, APR, CPRC graduated from the LeadershipFPRA Class VI; Hunter Carpenter was recognized as a Joe Curley Rising Leader Class member and awarded a LeadershipFPRA scholarship; and CWC members took home 11 awards during the Golden Image Awards Gala, including top honors – Grand Golden Image Awards – earned by Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC and Sharon Kunkel, APR, in two out of the three professional categories. Numerous chapter members also served or are serving in leadership positions on the FPRA state board.
“I feel honored and privileged to accept the presidency of this incredible organization, particularly after the chapter has enjoyed such a successful year,” said Vieira. “I am grateful to Melanie and the 2021-2022 board for their dedicated service as well as to each chapter member who believes their investment in CWC-FPRA is worthwhile. Together with the new board, I am looking forward to continuing our forward momentum and making sure that all area public relations, marketing and communications professionals know that they belong and are welcome at CWC-FPRA.”
The new FPRA state president, Jay Morgan-Schleuning, APR, CPRC installed the chapter’s 2022-2023 board of directors, who will each serve a one-year term.
The CWC-FPRA 2022-2023 board of directors includes:
- President: Sheryl Vieira, Caldwell Trust Company
- President-Elect: Sarah Glendening, Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center
- Immediate Past President: Melanie Reda, APR, CPRC, KSC Inc.
- Finance: Erin Hoffer, APR, CPRC, KSC Inc.
- Membership: Travis Cornwell, Next-Mark
- Media Relations/Editorial: Sharon Kunkel, APR, Wordslinger Marketing & PR
- Digital Communications: Crystal Rothaar, Senior Friendship Centers
- Creative: Jennifer Linzy, Manatee Clerk of Circuit Court
- Community Liaison: Hunter Carpenter, First Watch
- Credentialing: Erin Hoffer, APR, CPRC, KSC Inc.
- Events: Nathaniel Sweetman, Visit Sarasota County
- Image Awards: Hallie Peilet, The Haven
- At-Large (non-voting): Joe Curley, APR, CPRC, Universal Studios Parks & Resorts; Eleni Kouvatsos, APR, First Watch; Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC, The Eclipse Agency; and Elise Ramer, MBA, APR, CPRC, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
CWC-FPRA is grateful to its sponsors: Caldwell Trust Company, Next-Mark, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, and Joe Curley, APR, CPRC.
The association meets monthly for professional development luncheons and networking. Visit cwcfpra.com for more information.
About The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA)
The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is a network of public relations, marketing and communications professionals from Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties who come together for professional development and to build a network of peers. As an active part of the oldest statewide public relations organization in our country, CWC-FPRA takes pride in its 50-plus year history of presenting stimulating programs and advancing the professional growth of its members. The Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. For more about CWC-FPRA, visit cwcfpra.com.