Annual Conference

Conference Theme

This year’s theme is "Soaring to New Heights." Join us for an impactful day of professional education and networking with communications pros from around the state of Georgia! Check back regularly for schedule updates.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Please email Victoria Stanton at [email protected] for details and to secure your sponsorship.

Keynote Speaker – Amy Harry, Managing Director Brand Communications, Delta

We're excited to announce this year's keynote speaker for the 2026 PRSA GA Annual Conference. In keeping with this year's theme, Soaring to New Heights, we're proud to welcome Amy Harry, Delta's Managing Director on the Brand Communications team. In 2025, Amy led Delta’s Centennial Anniversary as well as the Strategic Planning function for Global Communications, including editorial strategy, measurement, planning and workflow, including planning for crisis & issues management. She is now leading Social Media Enterprise Integration to position Delta’s social media function to better serve enterprise-wide priorities.

Conference Schedule and Session Info*

*Please note that these session descriptions are subject to change.

7:45–8:25 a.m. Registration and Breakfast

8:20–8:45 a.m. Welcome from Chapter President, Lauren Powers

8:45–9:45 a.m. Keynote – Amy Harry, Managing Director at Delta

Amy Harry is Managing Director in Delta’s Brand Communications team, currently focused on social Media integration and optimization – aligning social strategy and capabilities to business needs. In recent years, Amy led the planning and execution of Delta’s Centennial Anniversary as well as the strategic planning function within global communications (editorial strategy, measurement, planning and workflow, including crisis & issues management). 

Most of Amy’s career has been spent with Delta, leading brand and communications, digital marketing, and CRM in marketing, but she also spent several years leading CX initiatives in the customer service operation. Before joining Delta, she had roles with various advertising and personalization marketing agencies in NYC and Atlanta. Amy lives in Decatur with her family and goldendoodle, Fletcher.

 9:45–10:00 a.m. Break 

10:00–10:45 a.m. Speed Networking Session

Hosted by Savannah Levins, 11Alive reporter

This fast-paced session is designed to help communications professionals expand their networks with intention. Through a series of timed, group conversations, you’ll meet peers across industries, exchange insights and uncover new opportunities for collaboration. Whether you’re looking to share best practices, explore partnerships or simply grow your circle, this energizing experience will help you build momentum—and relationships—that carry your career to new heights.

10:45–11:00 a.m. Break

11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m. Breakout Session 1

Spotlight on Skyline: How Major Atlanta Events Sparked a Downtown Revival

As Atlanta marks 30 years since the 1996 Summer Olympics and prepares to host global spectacles like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and Super Bowl LXII, Downtown is once again center stage. This panel brings together leaders from the City, sports organizations and downtown development to explore how strategic communications shape perception, drive investment and translate mega-events into lasting impact.

• Giana Pacinelli, Director of Communications, CP Group/Piedmont Center
• Sarra Sedghi, Reporter, Rough Draft
• Tim Wright, Director, Cushman & Wakefield
• Moderated by: Mitch Leff, President and CEO, Leff Associates
  
  

Health Care Soars to New Heights: Leadership and Opportunity for Strategic Communications

Health care is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. economy and a leading source of new job creation. Whether navigating complexities within health systems and public institutions, bringing innovation to market at tech start-ups and life science companies, or championing causes for advocacy and nonprofit organizations, the work is both diverse and deeply rewarding. This panel examines how strategic communication helps organizations across the health landscape reach expanding audiences and achieve mission-critical milestones. 

• Jamille Bradfield, Director of PR and Media Relations, Morehouse School of Medicine
• Rachel Cushing, Media Director, Lenz Marketing
• Ben Haynes, Acting Director, Communications, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Erin Singer, Director, External Communications, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
• Tiffany Smith, Director, Cookerly PR
• Moderated by: Paul Fulton Jr., Senior Lead, U.S. Public Affairs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  
  

Stronger Together: Leading Communications Across the Atlanta University Center

In this session, communications leaders from HBCUs within the Atlanta University Center discuss the realities of consortium-based communications— where collaboration, trust, and shared purpose are essential. Panelists will explore how they balance distinct institutional identities while aligning collective narratives, managing cross-campus collaboration, and navigating both the benefits and challenges of working in such an interconnected environment.

• Cecelia Cheeks, Associate Vice President, Office of Marketing and Communications, Clark Atlanta University
• Jasmine Gurley, Senior Director of Brand Marketing & Communications and Press Secretary to President Bowman, Morehouse College
• Dorian Harriston, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Morehouse School of Medicine
• Teresa Southern, Manager of Communications, Atlanta University Center Consortium
• Moderated by: Denise Ward, Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing, Spelman College

11:45 a.m. – Noon Break 

Noon – 1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch

1:00– 1:15 p.m. Break

1:15–2:00 p.m. Breakout Session 2

Social Newscasters: Blurring the Line Between Traditional and Social Media

As news consumption continues to shift, people are no longer relying solely on traditional media to get their news. Journalists are building engaged audiences on social platforms and a new type of newscaster is emerging, breaking news in real time, adding context and personality and reshaping how information is shared and trusted. Panelists will discuss how social newscasters and traditional journalists are using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X and LinkedIn to report, amplify stories and build personal brands, and how these shifts are changing media relations, pitching and storytelling strategies.

• Hood Anchor Ye @hoodanchorye
• Jarrell "Indiana" W., Georgia Followers Official @gafollowersofficial
• Vicky Ro, Entertainment Reporter, Access Atlanta
• Eli Zandman, Tomorrow News Today
• Moderated by: Allie Cyr, Account Executive, The Wilbert Group
  
  

Dancing with DEI: How to Maneuver Today's Landscape Without Losing Clients, Funding or Your Values

In today’s charged communications landscape regarding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) many professionals and organizations are finding themselves walking a tightrope. This candid and timely conversation will shed light on the delicate dance that is now part of the communications equation. This panel will unpack how DEI communications experts have had to reshape, reframe or quietly sustain DEI-driven work—while still maintaining credibility, consistency with their values, and a viable business model.

• Kenneth Braswell, CEO, Fathers Incorporated
• Alexis Davis Smith, CEO, PRecise Communications
• Camille Vega,  Senior Human Resources Manager, DEI interventions for Tate & Lyle
• Moderated by Nicole Brown, Senior Account Executive, KQ Communications
  
  

Accreditation in Public Relations: The Process, the Value, the Path Forward

Designed for PR professionals at every stage, this session offers a clear and practical overview of the Accreditation in Public Relations process and its long-term value. Panelists will discuss eligibility, preparation, and how to get started, along with what candidates can expect throughout the APR journey. The conversation will also highlight how earning the APR strengthens individual careers and advances the public relations profession.

• Ronnika A. McFall, MBA, APR, Senior Director of Communications, Mercy for Animals
• Courtney Lee James, APR, Senior Director of Communications and PR, North Highland
• Moderated by: Denise Ward, Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing, Spelman College

2:00– 2:15 p.m. Break

2:15–3:00 p.m. Breakout Session 3

Beyond Silos: Strengthening Collaboration in Communications

Strong communication requires strong connections. This session explores how breaking down organizational silos leads to more aligned messaging, faster response efforts, and a healthier workplace culture. Learn practical ways to build shared objectives, encourage cross‑department engagement, and create communication forums that strengthen trust and collaboration. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to improve teamwork, enhance reliability, and elevate their organization’s overall communication impact.

• Janna Dawson, Director, External Communications, Primrose Schools
• Doug Goodwin, Director, Communications Programs and Project Management, Georgia Tech
• Kari Saunders, Lead Advisor, Corporate Communications and External Affairs, Chick-fil-A
• Moderated by: Kelly Petty, Communications Manager, Georgia Tech
  
  

When Turbulence Hits: Navigating Crises with Confidence

This session explores how communicators can rise above disruption and help their organizations "Soar to New Heights," even in the most challenging moments. Hear from experienced leaders as they share strategies for building resilient crisis response plans, aligning stakeholders under pressure and communicating with speed, transparency and confidence. From managing misinformation to protecting reputation across fast-moving digital channels, this panel will deliver real-world insights and practical tools to help you navigate uncertainty and lead with clarity.

• Dan Curran, President, Curran Public Relations
• Loretta Lepore, Founder, Lepore Associates
• E. Gayle Saunders, APR, CEO, The Saunders PR Group
• Moderated by: Renae Jackson, Equity & Engagement Director, City of Decatur
  
  

Inside Out: Activating Employees as Authentic Brand Influencers

Today's world demands authenticity from companies. Social media has blurred the lines between the workplace and the marketplace, and companies must leverage employees to ensure alignment inside and out. This moderated discussion will explore the use and importance of empowering employees as internal influencers and organic brand ambassadors and will dive into how both are key strategies for organizations to create engagement and organizational alignment.

• Ashley Bush, Director of Communications, Southwire
• Haley Fleming, Senior Account Executive + Manager, Arketi Group
• Moderated by: Shana Keith, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications, Cox Communications

Find Your Co-Pilot: Student Speed Mentoring

Ready to find your professional co-pilot? Join us for a student and young-professional-focused session designed to bridge the gap between emerging talent and the industry’s most seasoned leaders. This isn't just a networking event—it’s the starting line for a long-term mentorship that can redefine your career trajectory. We’ll dive into PRSA Georgia’s free mentorship program, giving you a front-row seat to the high-level support our mentors provide. From mastering salary negotiations to breaking into high-stakes niches like crisis comms, get the blueprint for success from those who’ve already built it.

Participating mentors include:

• Carla Butler, MBA, Corporate Communications Specialist, Oldcastle
• Rachel Cushing, Media Director, Lenz Marketing
• Caroline Evans, Communications Manager, Oldcastle
• Paul Fulton Jr., Senior Lead, U.S. Public Affairs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Laura Mercer, Senior Account Executive, Arketi Group
• Alyssa Thys, Director of Communications, Oldcastle
• Rocio Rivera, APR, JM, Communications Partner, Tate & Lyle
• And more!

3:00–3:15 p.m. Break

3:15–4:00 p.m. Breakout Session 4

Future Proofing Communications: The Strategic Role of AI

AI is transforming how communicators plan, create, and measure their work. This session cuts through the hype to explore practical, responsible ways to use AI for research, content development, and workflow efficiency. Panelists will share real examples, best practices, and the biggest risks to watch—including privacy, copyright, and trust. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to start using AI effectively today and insights on the skills communicators need to stay ahead.

• Emily Arthur, Director of Digital Strategy, Full Tilt Consulting
• Jacob Gnieski, Associate Director of Media Relations, Health Science Communications, Emory
• Jennifer Jones Mitchell, Founder and CEO of Human Driven AI
• Ian Webb, Director of Brand Marketing, Georgia Tech
• Moderated by Luca Magnanini, Director of Enrollment Marketing and Communications, Emory University
  
  

Whether You Say "Nitch" or "Neesh," Find Yours Here

PR is not a one-size-fits-all solution - and neither are you. So why are you still trying to do it all? This panel is for PR professionals who geek out over crisis comms, live for a good media list or secretly love writing a killer byline. Whether your superpower is wrangling a niche industry few understand, serving an audience you deeply connect with or applying a skill set so specific it practically has its own zip code, you can build a business or career around the things you do best. Hear from four experienced PR professionals who will share their career experiences and expertise - and how they leaned into what they love and built thriving practices.

• Dan Curran, President, Curran Public Relations
• Debbie Fitzgerald, President, Fitzgerald PR, Inc.
• Hank Sforzini, Principal, R. Henry PR
• Moderated by: Kelly Frommer, President, Willeo Communications
  
  

Burnout, Boundaries, and Mental Wellness for Communication Professionals

This session explores burnout, boundaries, and mental wellness within the communications field, highlighting the unique risks faced by practitioners at all levels. Attendees will gain insight into how anxiety, chronic stress, and blurred work-life boundaries impact performance and overall well-being. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of burnout, stronger recognition of common mental health red flags, and practical boundary-setting tools that support both professionalism and personal wellness.

• Hannah Jordan, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor at Atlanta Wellness Collective
  
  

4 p.m. — End of Conference