Member Spotlight: Catie Kelly

As an account coordinator at Commonwealth Public Relations, Catie Kelly works on projects for a variety of clients in a myriad of industries – whether it’s health care, restaurants, nonprofits or even vaping. Catie received her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2017, where she majored in public relations and minored in general business. During her time at VCU, she served as a communications intern at Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia – an experience she still holds near and dear to her heart. These days, she volunteers her time at Side by Side — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth – and she also serves on the PRSA Richmond chapter’s Diversity and Inclusion committee.

What do you enjoy most about your career as a public relations professional?

My favorite part about working in public relations is the flexibility to develop creative strategies to tell stories and bridge communication gaps. I am definitely a right-brained individual, so I am all about solving problems or reaching goals with creative objectives.
 
What accomplishments, personal and/or professional, are you most proud of?

I graduated from VCU in May 2017 with the goal of being hired at a public relations agency, and less than a month later, I started at Commonwealth Public Relations. Not everyone lands a job in their field so soon after graduation, so I am pretty proud of that.
 
How has being a member of PRSA and serving on the Diversity and Inclusion committee helped your career?

It has been such an honor to serve on the PRSA Diversity and Inclusion committee. It has introduced me to some of the most inspiring individuals that I have met thus far in my career and has provided me with a platform to promote discussions on critically-important topics. I believe diversity is a beautiful thing and I am proud to have the opportunity to share why it should be celebrated.

What is one of your favorite takeaways from the chapter or best recent memory of your involvement?

Aside from serving on the Diversity and Inclusion committee, some of my favorite memories have come from the luncheons. I look forward to learning from the speaker or panel every month and I enjoy the chance to network with and learn from others within the industry.