The prestigious award recognizes an up-and-coming leader within the local communications industry
MEDIA CONTACT:
Muffy Lavens
248-909-2793
media@cwcfpra.com
| SARASOTA, FL – April 22 – The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA) has named Jennifer Hemmerdinger, APR, as this year’s Joe Curley Rising Leader Award recipient. Now in its 15th year, this award is presented to an up-and-coming professional who demonstrates emerging leadership traits along with dedicated active involvement in FPRA chapter activities, programs and events. The goal of the award is to help recognize personal dedication and engagement of members with two to five years of membership and, in turn, help build a healthy leadership stream to guide the professional association for years to come. Hemmerdinger has served as the Membership Director for the growing chapter of nearly 100 PR and communications professionals for the past two years. In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Hemmerdinger spearheaded an emergency fundraiser with FPRA members locally and across the state, raising $5,000 for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Season of Sharing campaign. In January 2025, Hemmerdinger obtained her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) – joining more than 5,000 professionals nationwide, representing an elite group of highly skilled public relations professionals committed to practicing with exemplary ethical standards. “Jen is who I consider a go-to person,” said Joe Curley, APR, CPRC, founder of the Rising Leader program. “Need ideas? Need planning? Need strategy? Jen is your go-to person. Need support, or just need some help, kind words and back-patting? Jen is your go-to person, again. Few people are self-staters and doers, but if you need one, Jen is your expert and truly exemplifies the Rising Leader program. Trust me, with 50 years in our PR profession, I can spot leadership winners. Congratulations, Jen!” Hemmerdinger joins a Rising Leader Class of 14 other members from FPRA chapters across Florida. All class members receive a scholarship to attend the PR & Comms Summit, this year held in Orlando from August 3-5. Out of the class, one Joe Curley Rising Leader Award recipient is selected. This recipient also receives a $500 cash reward and a $1,000 credit that can be used at their discretion for professional development seminars, workshops or the PR & Comms Summit. Additionally, three scholarships are awarded to participate in the LeadershipFPRA program and to use toward earning PR credentials. All FPRA scholarships are awarded through the Florida Public Relations Education Foundation. More information on the Joe Curley Rising Leader Program can be found at https://www.fpra.org/recognition/rising-leader-award Photo: Jennifer Hemmerdinger with Joe Curley and previous Joe Curley Rising Leader recipients. (L-R: Andrea Knies, APR; Travis Cornwell; Laura Ansel, APR, CPRC; Joe Curley, APR, CPRC; Jennifer Hemmerdinger, APR; Hunter Carpenter, APR; Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC; Sharon Kunkel, APR, CPRC; and Sarah Glendening) |
| 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. |