APR Month Spotlight: Advancing the Profession with PRSA Oregon

Insights and Inspiration from the APR A-to-Z Webinar

• Barbara Kerr, APR, Fellow PRSA – Barbara is an award-winning public relations leader and has served as a communications and media advisor for government, business, higher education, and nonprofit organizations in cities across the globe, including New York City, San Francisco, Portland, Milwaukee, Washington, D.C., as well as internationally in Bulgaria, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Her impressive list of honors includes the Leading Change Award from the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of Women in Communications and Achiever of the Year from the Dayton (Ohio) Chapter of American Women in Radio and Television. She received the William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award from PRSA Oregon, where she served as chapter president in 2014. Barbara’s career also includes roles as news director, anchor, Emmy-nominated reporter, and producer at network television affiliates in Ohio and Maryland. In 2019, she was inducted into the Dayton (Ohio) Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

• Tove Tupper, APR – Tove is a strategic communicator, trusted advisor, and champion for public education. As chief communications officer for Highline Public Schools in Burien, WA, she leads the district’s award-winning communications team and oversees all aspects of internal and external communication. Tove is a key advisor to the superintendent and cabinet, guiding messaging during crises, community engagement, and district initiatives. She has played a pivotal role in building trust and fostering strong partnerships between families, schools, and the central office. Nationally recognized for her work, Tove serves on the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Accreditation Committee and the Universal Accreditation Board. She has been honored as a 2018 NSPRA Front-Runner, a 2016 NSPRA 35 Under 35 Next Generation Leader, and was the 2025 School Communicator of the Year.

• Kassie Swenson, M.Ed., APR – Kassie is the founder of NW Strategic Communications & Consulting LLC, established in August 2022. She is recognized for her leadership in government public relations and community engagement, particularly within the educational sector. Kassie has a notable background as the former Chief Communications Officer at Centennial School District in Portland, Oregon, and as the Chief of Communications and Strategy at Federal Way Public Schools in Washington. In these roles, she successfully managed communication strategies and supported significant strategic planning initiatives. Her educational background complements her professional expertise, enabling her to effectively assist organizations in enhancing their communication efforts and engaging with stakeholders. Through NW Strategic Communications & Consulting, Kassie aims to empower organizations by providing tailored communication strategies that drive stakeholder engagement and achieve organizational goals. Kassie currently serves as the chapter’ Membership Co-Director.