Francine Diemer
Year of Presidency: 1992
Where are you now? Director of Major Gifts with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast (Clearwater, FL)
What FPRA means to you? FPRA was very important to my career. I served as treasurer, initially and that set up the Foundation for other roles in the organization. I think when I began, we had $365 in the bank! Communication is the benchmark of the business world and I would definitely say that our meetings and workshops helped me be a better communicator, which has served me so well in my career.
What was your biggest accomplishment or Ah-ha moment as president of the CWC-
FPRA? I’m pretty sure I was the first president in the “modern age” who was pregnant during some of my tenure. I’ll never forget when, as president-elect, I announced I was having baby #2, and the current president didn’t seem very happy with that. But life goes on and more importantly, I’m sure that announcement today wouldn’t bring the quizzical looks it did in 1992!
Favorite book or website that you recommend to PR professionals? It’s not a book, it’s a movie. I never miss a chance to see the film, “The American President” starring Michael Douglas. Some of the dialogue is just magic and it communicates the importance of that role very eloquently. When I have to prepare remarks to be given in a presentation, I always think of the movie and ask myself, “How would Michael Douglas say this as President?” And then try to craft my message accordingly.