ABOUT PRSA

The Central Texas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) serves Waco and the surrounding area. PRSA is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals with nearly 20,000 members from 114 chapters across the United States.
Officers
President
Lesly Rascoe, APR, is vice president of communications for the Greater Waco Chamber, where she has worked for four years to promote the organization's charge to grow the community. In this role, she edits the Chamber's award-winning Waco Chamber & Business Quarterly, writes a weekly e-newsletter for Chamber members, manages several Web sites and handles media relations. She also is a freelance writers for Waco Today. She graduated from Baylor University in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science.

President-Elect
Lance Martin has worked for L-3 for 14 years, including five years in Waco as public relations manager. He manages all media relations, internal communications and community relations for the aerospace company's Platform Integration division, which employs more than 2,700 in three states and is part of L-3 Communications, a top 10 Department of Defense contractor. Prior to L-3, he has worked as a reporter and editor for the Greenville Herald Banner newspaper. He spends free time writing freelance stories on Texas musicians and judging UIL journalism contests.
Secretary
Whitney Wyatt-Kovar works in the public relations department at The Dwyer Group, Inc. As PR specialist, she manages the public relations efforts for approximately 250 Mr. Rooter® franchise owners across the United States as well as the corporate office. She also writes customer e-newsletters and company newsletters. Before joining The Dwyer Group® in 2005, Whitney was a reporter for KXII-TV, the CBS affiliate in Sherman. Whitney graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in journalism in 2003. 
Treasurer
Brenda Tacker (Baylor University) 
Past President
Jan Osburn (Texas State Technical College Waco)
Board 2009
Paul Carr (Baylor University)

Board 2010
Kim Patterson, APR, has been with McLennan Community College for 14 years and serves as coordinator of the Highlander Alumni Association. Her job includes managing alumni development, benefits, events and outreach. She also supports communications and special events for the MCC Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation staff in 2006, she served seven years as the college’s director of community relations and marketing and four years in the Public Information Office. 

“I have been involved with the Central Texas Chapter of PRSA since before I even graduated from Baylor in 1985,” Patterson says. “The chapter has consistently provided me excellent networking (including helping me secure my first internship and my first job!), informative programs, and outstanding professional development opportunities--especially the accreditation program. I can’t imagine how my career would have evolved without it.”
Board 2011
Julina Macy (The Dwyer Group)

Assembly Delegate (2009-2011): Marlene Neill, APR (City of Waco)
Ethics officer: Todd Overpeck (Glass Doctor)  

The Central Texas Chapter can fulfill several needs for new and experienced professionals. We offer opportunities to network with others in the public relations industry and provide speakers on timely topics that help professionals stay connected to the latest trends and skills.Code of Ethics
PRSA also promotes ethical practices. All members are required to adhere to high ethical standards outlined in an official Code of Ethics. These standards are vital to maintaining a high integrity for the profession in our individual communities and throughout the nation. According to PRSA, “The level of public trust PRSA members seek, as we serve the public good, means we have taken on a special obligation to operate ethically.”

National Benefits
As a member of the Central Texas Chapter of PRSA, professionals will also benefit from being connected to a national organization. Central Texas members receive publications on timely public relations issues and receive member discounts on PRSA training opportunities including on-site workshops, teleconferences and journals. Professionals with at least five years experience can pursue accreditation through PRSA. Several of our members have completed the accreditation process, which includes both a verbal and written examination.