Leadership

Andrea Watson, APR

(she/her)

Andrea is the president for 2025. She is a strategic communicator with experience in communications, public relations, outreach and resource development in the pubic, nonprofit and health care sectors.

She has served as a communications and public affairs supervisor for Tualatin Valley Water District, and communications director at Reynolds School District for 14 years. She's an expert in crisis and strategic communications, event and volunteer management.

She has collaborated with others to pass a $125 million bond package at Reynolds School District, which replaced three elementary schools and made improvement to Reynolds High School and safety improvement district wide. She joined the water communicators cohort at the 2022 WEFTEC conference, serving as an ambassador to the communications function in water utilities. She has served as chair of the PNWS-AWWA public information committee.

Andrea earned a master of public administration from Portland State University and a bachelor of science in community health education degree from the University of Oregon.

Kelliann Amico, APR, Fellow PRSA

(she/her)

Kelliann is president-elect for 2025.

Kelliann is president of Amico PR and an example of excellence in the public relations industry. Prior to founding Amico PR, she was the press lead for the Clinton White House from 1998 to 2000. She traveled the world in advance of presidential and first lady visits as a liaison to the White House Press Corps and local media. 

Throughout her career, she has earned 15 PRSA awards, including two Silver Anvils and a Bronze Anvil, along with numerous accolades from other organizations. Her work has been recognized by the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Oregon Mentors, and others. She has also been a supporter of our local chapter, actively volunteering and participating as a panelist for APR readiness panels and more. Her contributions have been invaluable in fostering

Stacy Moe-Kean, APR

(she/her)

Stacy Moe-Kean, APR, is the past president and leadership assembly delegate.

She has spent her career in nonprofit communications. Stacy is a native Oregonian and University of Oregon alumna.

She currently serves as the marketing director at The Contingent, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes the community to serve children and families affected by foster care. It also empowers diverse talent to excel as young professionals.

Stacy was the recipient of the 2016 Ron Schmidt Community Involvement Award.

She served on the PRSA Oregon Board (then Portland Metro) in 2005-2007 and served as the communicators conference co-chair in 2005.

Stacy has volunteered as an APR coach since 2016.

Carol Fenstermacher, APR

(she/her)

Carol Fenstermacher, APR, is the 2025 advancement director.

She is the owner of FenstermacherPR, specializing in communication audits and ballot measures for public school districts.

Carol retired in 2021, as the chief communications officer for the Centennial School District in Portland, Oregon.

Prior to Centennial, she worked in the Evergreen School District in Vancouver, Washington, as the director of community relations.

Carol also worked for the city of Portland as a communications specialist, the Portland Rose Festival Association as a community relations director and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette as the assistant vice president of communication and marketing.

She started working on a local newspaper her senior year in college and reported on sports and business.

Carol received her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2004.

She has served on the board of several professional associations, including, 2018 – 19 as the national president and northwest regional vice president and member of the executive board for the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA); past national president of Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI;  and past president of the Portland Professional Chapter of WICI; past board member, Oregon School Public Relations Association (OSPRA); past board member, Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA); past board member, Public Relations Society of American (PRSA) – Portland Metro Chapter.

Carol has served on several nonprofit boards, including Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, DePaul Treatment Centers, Oregon Repertory Singers, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) and KBPS Public Radio.

Emily Pelletier

(she/her)

Emily is the treasurer for 2025.

Emily Pelletier brings her strength in visual communication, storytelling, and community outreach to supporting public education with the Communications Team at Willamette Education Service District. She enjoys the creative problem-solving and collaboration that are integral to effective design and also is known for her expertise in project management. 

 

She holds a bachelor's degree in business which she earned at Western Oregon University, where she studied professional writing, marketing, leadership, and entrepreneurship. After a three-year stint leading an accounting team, she decided to engage her creative side and earned a visual communications degree from Chemeketa Community College. From there, she landed her current role as a Communications Specialist with Willamette ESD.

Jaimee L. Fox, M.A. APR

Jaimee is membership co-director for 2025.

Jaimee L. Fox is an accomplished corporate communications leader with over a decade of experience driving strategic communications, change management, internal engagement, and event planning across the public and private sectors. As Corporate Communications Director at Thesis, a Portland-based digital agency, she leads internal and external communications, shaping the agency’s brand narrative and fostering a high-performance culture. Before joining Thesis, Fox was the Senior Internal Communications Manager at Panorama Global, where she built and scaled the company’s internal communications framework from the ground up. She played a key role in strengthening employee engagement and aligning communication strategies with organizational goals.

Fox has actively contributed to the public relations industry as a DEI Director on the PRSA Oregon Board, where she led initiatives to advance inclusive practices within the profession. She also co-chaired the 2016 Communicators Conference and the 2023 Spotlight Awards, which celebrated the achievements of communications professionals and elevated the visibility of critical issues in the industry.

Fox holds a Master of Arts in Public Relations from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Washington State University. She also earned her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Universal Accreditation Board. In addition to her professional achievements, Fox enjoys volunteering, traveling, comedy, and spending time with family and friends. She is also committed to continuous learning and personal growth.

Kassie Swenson, M. Ed., APR

Kassie is serving as the membership co-director for 2025

Kassie Swenson is a collaborative, solution-focused, and equity-driven communications professional with a strong background in strategic communications, public relations, and organizational leadership.

With over 14 years’ public relations experience, Kassie has successfully led large-scale initiatives that engage diverse audiences, drive engagement, and deliver measurable results.

She successfully implemented Federal Way Public Schools’ first strategic plan and logo in 20 years, providing leadership and communications support to the superintendent, with input from over 2,500 stakeholders. She’s led four successful ballot measure information campaigns, two levies and a $450 million bond for Federal Way Public Schools and a fire benefit charge for South King Fire.

Her expertise in media relations, event planning, and crisis management has been instrumental in helping organizations maintain strong reputations and clear messaging during critical moments.

Kassie holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Washington State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from North Dakota State University. She earned her Accreditation in Advanced Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America in 2024 and is certified as a Washington State Program Administrator. She has served on boards in the past including Kiwanis and Communities in Schools.

Maureen Brakke

(she/her)

Maureen is the communications co-director for 2025.

Maureen serves as the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications at Western Oregon University, where she drives strategic initiatives to enhance the university's visibility and engagement. In her previous role at Montana State University Billings, she successfully led comprehensive rebranding efforts, managed crisis communications, and developed impactful digital campaigns that significantly boosted student enrollment and retention.

Her experience extends to the Utah System of Higher Education and the University of Utah, where she honed her skills in communications, public relations, and marketing. Maureen is also dedicated to community engagement; she has served on various boards, mentored high school students, taught English as a second language, volunteered at food banks, and judged communications awards and speech competitions.

Maureen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from DePaul University. Having been raised in Norway, she is fluent in Norwegian and enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, exercising, and embarking on adventures with her delightful daughter.

Maureen has been active with PRSA in the role of Communications Co-Director and on the 2024 PNW Communicators Conference Committee.

Sally Ridenour, APR, Fellow PRSA

(she/her)

Sally is the communications co-director for 2025

Sally Ridenour is an award-winning government communicator with a specialty in web-based communications. She currently works for the Oregon Department of Transportation as the chief content strategist. Prior to working for the state, she worked in sales and marketing. 

She is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America. In 2019, Ridenour earned the William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award which honors an outstanding leader in the field of public relations.  Sally was a founding member of the Oregon Capital Chapter, and served as PRSA Oregon membership director in 2018. She has held numerous committee leadership roles at the chapter level and for the North Pacific District. 

Sally Ridenour was inducted into the College of Fellows in 2022. Fellows are an active group of experienced professionals who enrich our profession by continuing to leave a significant footprint on the public relations body of knowledge. 

Sally is a graduate of the University of Idaho. In her spare time, she enjoys entering recipe contests and going on adventures with family, friends and dogs.

Jonathan Yost

(he/him)

Jonathan Yost is serving as professional development director for 2025.

Jonathan Yost, who generally goes by Yost, has maneuvered through communications campaigns in live entertainment, casino gaming, Tribal nations, and state government efforts, most recently serving as the Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System. Yost is also teaching public relations as a virtual lecturer at The George Washington University, and has in the past taught at California State University at San Bernadino. 

Within a seven-year span, he ran communications campaigns for the most prominent hip-hop music festival of its time, the West Coast's biggest casino, a tribal public safety agency, and one of the nation's largest and most complex pension agencies. He believes that the skillsets of the modern communications practitioner are far more adaptable than most PR pros think, allowing greater flexibility in charting your career trajectory.

Yost is active in several professional organizations including: PRSA and the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS). He has served as a Communications Co-Director and has been active on several committees.
Yost enjoys several hobbies including photography, live music, and traveling with his wife and son.  

Vicki Guinn, MS

Vicki is serving as  director of volunteer coordination in 2025.

Vicki Guinn is a native Oregonian and she currently serves as a public relations strategist for Legacy Health, a local health care organization responsible for media relations, community engagement, strategic communications, issues management, and crisis management. 

She’s held similar positions in public health and other health care organizations. Guinn paused her PR career to work in learning and organizational development for several years, where she coached directors and teams on communication. 

Guinn served as a part-time communication instructor at a local community college. 

She has extensive experience in corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion work, including anti-racism initiatives, and has taught inclusive communications. Her expertise is in storytelling, reputation management, media relations and issues/crisis management.

She holds a BS in broadcast communication from Oregon State University and an MS in communication theory from the University of Portland. Outside of work, she serves on the Oregon State University Advisory board, and other boards oriented toward youth and education. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, partner dancing, bicycling, and spending time with family and friends.  

Vicki has been active with PRSA Oregon serving on the board and starting the DEI Committee. She earned the William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. 

Shirell Hennessy

Shirell is the DEI director for 2025. 

Her specialty is developing effective B2B and B2C marketing strategies that consistently exceed revenue targets.

Shirell  has a strong track record for delivering internal and external communications and marketing campaigns that drive engagement and enhance corporate brand and vision. She is a natural storyteller adept at weaving information from extensive sources and crafting compelling narratives for diverse audiences. 

She keeps stakeholders engaged throughout every project stage, ensuring seamless delivery within the budget and timeline. She possesses  deep understanding of traditional and digital marketing methodologies and have successfully built thought leadership platforms to promote an organizations' initiatives. She has an impressive track record of operationalizing proof-of-concept initiatives.
 

Lizette Santiago

(she/her)

Lizette is the DEI co-director for 2025.

She is a passionate creative thinker and marketing and communications professional, specializing in brand building, content creation and social media strategy. 

She currently serves as the marketing communications specialist at the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation in Beaverton, Oregon. 

She works collaboratively with a team responsible for internal and external communications, including marketing, media relations, graphic design, social media, the website, photography and videography.

Email Lizette: programs(at)prsaoregon.org

Thelma Hale, MBA

(she/her)

Thelma is serving as a leadership assembly delegate for 2025.

Thelma Hale is the Senior Social Media Specialist at Legacy Health and the Chief Executive Officer of The Social Media Maven, a social media management and content creation company she founded in 2023. A proud Portland native, Thelma brings passion for her community and expertise in digital strategy to her roles.

She earned her master of business administration with a concentration in project management from Concordia University in 2020 and a bachelor of arts degree in communication and graphic design from Western Oregon University in 2016.

In addition to her professional work, Thelma has been actively involved in the communications industry. She co-chaired the 2023 Communicators Conference and presented a case study at the 2024 PNW Communicators Conference. 

Thelma's contributions to the field were recognized by PRSA Oregon in 2020 when she received the New Professional Award of Excellence. Her journey in healthcare began as an intern at Legacy Health's Marketing & Communications Department, where she progressed through roles such as Production Design Assistant, Public Relations Account Coordinator, and Marketing Associate.

Patti Atkins, APR

(she/her)

Patti is the leadership assembly delegate for 2025.

As a seasoned communications professional, Patti provides an invaluable resource to clients as a manager, strategic planner and critical thinker. She has decades of hands-on experience in public relations, marketing, internal communications, relationship management and advertising.

Patti is an expert at handling external communication issues and initiating and sustaining positive relationships with both traditional and social media reporters and contacts.

She served as the regional public relations manager for Providence Health & Services and director of marketing and communications for Providence Seaside Hospital. She has also served in communications management positions at Regence BlueCross BlueShield, LifeEra and Mentor Graphics.

Her education includes a bachelor’s degree and graduate course work in organizational communications. In 2005, she was accredited by the Public Relations Society of America and is a past president of the Portland Metro PRSA chapter board.

Patti’s extensive volunteer experience includes teaching and mentoring individuals through the PRSA accreditation process. Additionally, she volunteers her services to the ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington, organizing and promoting events.

She learned about the ALS Association when her husband was diagnosed with the disease.

She lives in Tualatin, Oregon, and has two grown children, and three grandchildren. Two of her grandsons live in Canby, Oregon and a granddaughter lives in Zurich, Switzerland. They are all redheads.

Michael Mannheimer

(he/him)

Michael is the leadership assembly delegate for 2025.

He is a Portland native who has spent his career working in digital media, journalism, and the intersection of the two.

He currently works at Amico PR as the director of words and GIFS (yes, that’s a real title) where he helps clients in transportation, construction, and education tell their story through innovative digital media initiatives.

Before joining Amico he spent seven and a half years at Lewis & Clark College, where he led storytelling efforts on social media and the website, creating content for Instagram, Facebook and Twitter; writing and editing feature stories; and providing content strategy for academic departments, the law school, and the graduate school.

While living in Brooklyn for three years, Michael managed the social accounts for Togather, a crowdsourcing platform that connected readers directly with their favorite authors, and wrote for the Etsy blog.

A recovering music critic, he’s a former editor at Willamette Week and presenter at the 2010 Pop Conference.

John Charles Mitchell, APR, Fellow PRSA

(he/him)

John is a PRSSA liaison for 2025.

John is a retired senior instructor of public relations in the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication (1986-2019).

Currently, he is a public relations consultant, author and professional adviser to the University of Oregon chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. He serves on the PRSA National Advisory Board for PRSSA.

After serving 24 years on the Eugene Water and Electric Board where he managed public relations strategies for the utility’s communications, general public and news media, he retired in 2008.

Prior serve includes serving as public relations director at McKenzie-Willamette Hospital in Springfield; writer/editor for the U.S. Forest Service in Seattle, Washington; and reporter, photojournalist and editor.

He earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Oregon, and completed graduate studies in journalism at the University of Oregon, and marketing communications from Washington State University.

A member of the Public Relations Society of America since 1992, he received an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2000, and was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows in 2012.

He's the recipient of the PRSA Oregon William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 and the PRSA Oregon Olga M. Haley Mentorship Award in 2019.