PRSA Richmond Announces 2021 Slate of Officers
The PRSA Richmond membership will vote on the slate of officers to lead the 2021 board of directors at the September 30 program. New officers will be installed on November 18, 2020.
For a complete overview of the slating process and voting procedures, review Article III, Section 3 of the chapter’s bylaws.
2021 Slate of Officers
President
Lindsay O’Bar, APR
Lindsay O’Bar, APR, is a part of the leadership team at The Hodges Partnership, a strategic communications firm based in Shockoe Bottom. At Hodges, she leads strategy and execution for several of Hodges’ largest and longest-standing clients. Over the years, her focus has been directed toward community relations, internal communications, writing and media relations. Lindsay has been an active PRSA member since 2006 and has served on the PRSA Richmond board since 2010. She also is a former adjunct professor at Robertson School of Media and Culture at VCU and lives in Westover Hills with her husband Ryan and daughter Nora.
President-Elect
Diana Miller, APR
Diana Miller, APR, joined SOAR365 as VP of Marketing and Communications in July 2020. Previously she served for six years as Director of Communications and Enrollment Management for the VCU School of Education. A graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Diana focuses her efforts on supporting the mission and initiatives of SOAR365 by developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy. She has 14 years of experience in integrated communications and public relations, including at the University of Richmond, the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, Edelman Public Relations and Chandler Chicco companies. In her spare time, she volunteers in her Church Hill community and travels with her family.
First Vice President of Professional Development
Kenita Bowers, APR
Kenita D. Bowers, APR, is a results-driven public relations practitioner with over 15 years experience. In 2019, she joined the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as the Director of Communications & Constituent Services where she leads the agency’s communications and creative services efforts in developing and deploying multi-dimensional outreach strategies to increase awareness about education initiatives and policy changes that impact various stakeholder groups. Prior to joining VDOE, Kenita served as the Director of Communications & Media Relations for Richmond Public Schools where she successfully led the rebranding of the school division and redesign of the RPS website. Kenita has also served in various other roles to include Director of Community Engagement, Legislative Affairs & Media Relations for Isle of Wight County Schools, Community Affairs Media Coordinator & Producer for the Hampton Roads NBC affiliate WAVY-TV 10/WVBT FOX43, and Adjunct Professor at Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism. Kenita holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media – Broadcast Journalism from Hampton University and a Master of Arts degree in Public Relations from Norfolk State University. Kenita has been an active member of PRSA over the last several years, having previously served on the board for the Hampton Roads chapter and recently as Secretary for the PRSA Mid-Atlantic District. She most recently served on the PRSA Richmond board as Director-At-Large as well as being a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Her other service includes immediate past-president of the Maryland/Virginia chapter (CHESPRA) for the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), member of the NSPRA Equity Taskforce, and Vice President of the board for the Virginia Government Communicators (VGC).
Second Vice President of Awards
David Bass
David Bass is a senior economic education outreach specialist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond where he leads outreach strategy to promote the Bank’s economic and financial education resources throughout the Fifth Federal Reserve District. A graduate of the University of Richmond, David has had over 10 years of experience as a public relations practitioner including overseeing public relations and communications strategy at the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants as well as working on media and public relations at a Richmond-based agency for Fortune 500 companies, special events and nonprofit clients. David is active in the Richmond community currently serving as president of the Manchester Alliance, president of the Old Manchester Lofts condominium association, vice-chair of Modern Richmond and recently served on the board of the Virginia Jump$tart Coalition. He has served on the PRSA Richmond board since 2016 including acting as the chapter’s Secretary and chairing the professional development workshops, sponsorship fulfillment and media relations committees.
Third Vice President of Membership
Taya Jarman, APR
Taya Jarman, APR, is an accomplished communications professional with several years’ experience developing and implementing communication strategies that support organizational objectives. She is the communications director for the Virginia Department of Health Office of Family Health Services. In this role, she is responsible for developing guidelines and the overall strategy for the VDHLiveWell brand. Taya holds a Master of Science degree in strategic public relations from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she studied abroad in China. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and leadership from Christopher Newport University and several certifications from the University of Maryland University College, John Hopkins Bloomsburg School of Public Health and University of South Florida. Taya’s PRSA Richmond board service includes acting as the chapter’s Second Vice President of Awards, Treasurer, Student Relations Chair and Public Service Chair.
Secretary
Abby Nurnberger
An enthusiastic communicator who is passionate about social media strategy, Abby Nurnberger loves helping businesses connect with their customers through social media, creating conversations and building relationships. She founded her boutique social media company, AA Communications, eight years ago, and partners with companies in a vast number of industries across the country. She has been an active member of the PRSA Richmond Chapter since 2013 and has served on the board in a variety of roles since 2014, including her most recent position as Public Service Chair. Abby actively serves a number of organizations in both Richmond and Hampton Roads, including the Young Professionals Committee of the Virginia Home for Boys & Girls. She lives in the Fan with her fiancé, Matt, and enjoys reading, traveling, cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies and spending time with friends and family.
Treasurer
Mike Frontiero
Mike Frontiero is the director of communications for Union Presbyterian Seminary. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and North Carolina State University, he has 18 years of experience in communications, public relations, and marketing, including 14 years at VCU. Mike has been an active PRSA Richmond member since 2014. On the PRSA board, he has previously served as Social Media Chair. In 2019, he received a Virginia Public Relations Award for Reputation/Brand Management. He holds a Master of Science degree in strategic public relations from VCU and a Bachelor of Arts in speech communications from NCSU.
