About Us
Events
Membership & Resources
Student Zone
Board of Directors
President
- Name:
- Sara Hanson
- Bio:
- Sara Hanson began working in public relations in 1999, when she proudly joined the public relations team for Tower Records corporate headquarters in West Sacramento. During her time with Tower Records, she gained an enormous amount of education and appreciation for developing strong relationships with both the media and the community at large, including working with the Sacramento Heritage Festival and a national collaboration with Kenneth Cole to collect clothing for the nation’s homeless, which resulted in collection of over 7,000 bags of clothing. In 2005, Sara became the public relations specialist for Sierra Forever Families (formerly Sierra Adoption Services), a private non-profit adoption agency focused on finding permanent families for children in foster care. Sara expresses that she is thrilled to have learned so much during her time with Tower and that now she is able to apply that knowledge to a very meaningful cause: families for children. Sara has been involved with SPRA for the past six years and has been a member of the board for the past five years. Sara is also heavily involved with the Sacramento theatre community as she has performed in over 60 shows in the area. She has also had the honor of directing and producing numerous shows along with her husband and their production company, ChinaCat Productions.
- Website:
- Sierra Forever Families
Vice President
- Name:
- Erica Taylor
- Bio:
- Erica Taylor has been a member of SPRA since moving to Sacramento in 2003. This is her third year serving as a board member. Erica works as the Communications Manager for Five Star Bank, a local “boutique” bank serving the Great Central Valley. There, she handles marketing, advertising, employee communication, and the bank’s heavy events calendar. Prior to joining Five Star Bank, she served as the Marketing Manager at Capital Public Radio in Sacramento. Before that she worked as the Communications Manager at the Sacramento Children’s Home. Erica started her career in broadcast media and worked as an anchor and reporter at KVIQ-TV in Eureka, CA and as a radio reporter at KQMS – Newstalk 1400 in Redding, CA. She switched to the PR side when she was hired by the local ABC affiliate in Redding, KRCR-TV, as the Promotions and Public Service Director. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Humboldt State University in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Broadcast News and a master’s degree in Communications Studies from California State University, Sacramento.
- Website:
- Five Star Bank
Past President
- Name:
- Amy Wall
- Bio:
- A member of SPRA since 2005, Amy has served as a CAPPIE co-chair twice, Board Secretary, Vice President and President. Amy’s career has taken her full circle from an association policy person, to a public relations and public affairs pro as Vice President at a local PR firm, and back again to the public policy world as the Director of Government Affairs at the California Disability Services Association (CDSA). Amy employs her arsenal of PR and PA skills daily as she works with CDSA’s contract lobbyists, communicates the association’s positions, staffs the public policy committee and guides CDSA and its members in the effective use of advocacy tools including: coalition building, social networks, media outreach, message development and creating materials that are easy to use and distribute.
- Website:
- California Disability Services Association
Treasurer
- Name:
- Damien Mimnaugh
- Bio:
- Damien Mimnaugh, junior associate in APCO Worldwide’s Sacramento office, provides clients with expertise in coalition building, research, grassroots management, online communication and issues management. Prior to joining APCO Worldwide, Mr. Mimnaugh worked for a Sacramento-based public affairs and campaign management firm where he provided media relations, coalition building, copywriting, event coordination and social media services. In 2005, Mr. Mimnaugh was awarded the Barry Goldwater Scholarship from Project Vote Smart for his work in political research. Mr. Mimnaugh is fluent in Spanish and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a Bachelor of Arts in History of Public Policy.
- Website:
- APCO Worldwide
Secretary
- Name:
- Kristen Lowry-Larson
- Bio:
- Kristen Lowry-Larson has been an active SPRA member since 2006. She served on the CAPPIE committee in 2007 & 2008 and was awarded the SPRA Volunteer of the Year award in 2007. Kristen began working for the California Chamber of Commerce in April 2008 as a Web Editor for HRCalifornia.com and CalBizCentral.com, which support businesses in California by providing employment law compliance information and products. Previously, Kristen was the Communications Director for the California Newspaper Publishers Association providing communications, marketing and public relations support for all CNPA departments and events including CNPA’s Governmental Affairs Day. Before moving to Sacramento in 2006, Kristen was the Public Relations Associate and Playbill Editor for the Pasadena Playhouse in Southern California working on plays such as Doubt and Sister Act: The Musical and with actors such as Michael Richards, Linda Hunt, Kate Mulgrew and Loretta Devine. After graduating in 2003 from Pepperdine University with a B.A. in Journalism, Kristen worked for two years as the Production Assistant and Web Editor for The Malibu Times newspaper and magazine.
- Website:
- California Chamber of Commerce
CAPPIES Co-Chair
- Name:
- Allison Barrett
- Bio:
- Allison Barrett has been involved with SPRA for over four years and is excited to serve on the board again this year as a CAPPIE Co-Chair. With a strong passion for event planning, Allison recently finished her position on the SPRA board as an Events Co-Chair where she planned the 2011 CAPPIE event as well as various SPRA mixers. This is Allison’s third year on the board with her past positions including Programming Chair, Student Liaison and Events Co-Chair.
- Allison graduated from UC Davis with Bachelor’s Degrees in Communication and Sociology. She currently works at Merlot Marketing as a PR Associate Account Executive where she specializes in media relations and event planning for multiple clients. In her spare time, Allison enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her cats.
- Website:
- Merlot Marketing
CAPPIES Co-Chair
- Name:
- Callie Ziemer
- Bio:
- Callie Ziemer is an Account Executive at Edelman. She started at the firm as an intern after graduating from California State University, Chico, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations. At Edelman, Callie has worked across an array of practice areas, including consumer and social marketing, technology, health, corporate and public affairs. Currently, Callie works on accounts for Chevron, Valley Clean Air Now (Valley CAN), the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s “Stay Healthy. Vaccinate.” campaign, and mass notification provider Blackboard Connect.
- Website:
- Edelman
Events Co-Chair
- Name:
- Hans Greenawalt
- Bio:
- Hans Greenawalt joined SPRA as a member in 2006 and is serving his second year as a SPRA board member. He has served on the CAPPIE committee over the last three years. Hans is the Local Marketing Specialist at IKEA West Sacramento where he is responsible for local marketing efforts, event planning and community outreach. He has worked to create a number of programs to benefit local non-profits such as an annual book drive for the Sacramento Children’s Home in addition to marketing IKEA in the local community. Hans holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Evergreen State College in Washington.
- Website:
- IKEA
Events Co-Chair
- Name:
- Andy Larson
- Bio:
- Andy Larson has been involved with SPRA in some capacity for the past 5 years. As a member of the SPRA Board of Directors, Andy has previously served as Secretary and Programming Chair, and is currently a member of the Events Committee.
- Andy graduated with Bachelors of Arts in Communication and Political Science from UC Davis. Since graduating, Andy’s work experience has included work within the public relations, advertising and corporate communications sectors in the greater Sacramento area. Past stints involve work at Edelman Public Relations, Bernard Hodes Group, and currently, at ASC Profiles, a metal roofing manufacturer in West Sacramento.
- Andy has been awarded the SPRA Volunteer of the Year award, and is a past CAPPIE winner for his PR campaign around sustainably built homes by Blue Sky Homes, LLC.
- Website:
- ASC Profiles
Membership Co-Chair
- Name:
- Erin Dunlay
- Bio:
- Erin Dunlay, a manager in APCO Worldwide’s Sacramento office, provides clients with expertise in media relations, issues management and grassroots advocacy.
- Ms. Dunlay has worked on public affairs projects and ballot initiatives on behalf of food and consumer products, energy, and civil justice clients.
- Prior to joining APCO, Ms. Dunlay worked for a Sacramento-based public relations firm where she provided services in media relations, copywriting, coalition building, event planning, and materials development for a clients, including Indian tribes, medical trade associations and developers. Previously, she was a copy editor for the Omaha World Herald.
- Ms. Dunlay graduated with honors from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is an active member of the Sacramento Public Relations Association.
- Website:
- APCO Worldwide
Membership Co-Chair
- Name:
- Margeaux Esler
- Bio:
- Margeaux joined the Randle Communications team in May 2008, after serving as an intern with the company while completing her bachelor’s degree in Communications at the University of California, Davis. As an Assistant Account Executive, Margeaux provides account support for several Randle clients including the University of Phoenix, California Family Fitness, California Association of Realtors, Riverside Building Industry Association, Placer County Transportation Planning Agency and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers.
- While attending college, Margeaux had several internships with the UC Davis Communications Research Department, where she conducted case studies and analyzed data on communicative behavior and persuasion. She graduated with honors from the University of California, Davis in June of 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Margeaux’s interests in mass media influence and persuasion have developed into a passion and talent for public relations and strategic message development.
- Born and raised in Salinas, California, Margeaux has always enjoyed a very active life which includes swimming, camping and boating. Margeaux recently completed her first triathlon and half marathon; continuing her love of physical activity and commitment to her community.
- “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Robert Collier
- Website:
- Randle Communications
Programming Co-Chair
- Name:
- Charlotte Phillips
- Bio:
- Charlotte joined SPRA in 2008 and this is her second year serving as a board member. Charlotte started her career assisting with special events, constituent communications and serving the needs of California’s 3rd Congressional District. This government affairs experience positioned Charlotte well for her transition into the world of public relations agencies.
- After nearly five years of honing her public relations and event planning skills at a local public relations and public affairs firm, Charlotte joined the team at Wallrich Landi as an Account Executive. Charlotte has proven instrumental in message development and the creation of collateral and website content. She is an expert in event planning, traditional and social media strategy and relationship building. She consistently delivers creative solutions to a variety of client challenges. Today Charlotte performs client service and management functions while developing and implementing PR strategy for a variety of clients.
- Charlotte received her Bachelor of Arts in mass communications and journalism with an emphasis in public relations from California State University, Fresno.
- Website:
- Wallrich Landi
Programming Co-Chair
- Name:
- Cherise Estes
- Bio:
- Cherise Estes, associate in APCO Worldwide’s Sacramento office, provides clients with expertise in media relations, event management, social media and strategic corporate communications.
- Ms. Estes’ works on a diverse range of issues, including food and consumer products, education, energy and natural resources.
- Prior to joining APCO, Ms. Estes worked as a communications assistant for the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs where she provided media relations, copywriting, event coordination and creative development services. During her tenure, she developed briefing materials regarding state legislation to create a new certification and licensing system for alcohol and drug counselors.
- Ms. Estes currently serves as Programming Co-chair for Sacramento Public Relations Association and is a member of Sacramento Metro-Edge. In 2009, she was awarded the State Information Officers Council Stephan Brophy Scholarship for her communications experience in government service and for pursuing degrees leading to a career in the media.
- Ms. Estes graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and marketing.
- Website:
- APCO Worldwide
Public Relations Co-Chair
- Name:
- Karen Strong
- Bio:
- Coming Soon
- Website:
- Strong Communications
Public Relations Co-Chair
- Name:
- Kimberly Keyes
- Bio:
- Kimberly Keyes is an account coordinator in Katz & Associates’ Sacramento office. She works primarily on the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District’s Spare the Air and Check before You Burn campaigns. Kimberly’s work with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District is primarily community and social media outreach. Kimberly manages the development and distribution of the Spare The Air newsletters and establishing web link partnerships. She manages the social media efforts of Spare The Air and Check before You Burn through Twitter, Youtube and Facebook. Previously, Kimberly worked on CalRecycle’s Greenroads campaign where she was the liaison for Tire Amnesty day coordinators throughout California. This included developing and pitching news releases for each event. She managed the campaign’s web link, newsletter, and media outreach efforts. She also assisted with workshop planning, event appointments, and jurisdiction outreach.
- Prior to joining Katz & Associates, Kimberly managed the Unite to Save Lives campaign for BloodSource. She planned and implemented the campaign as the student campaign manager. She over saw all events, material development, and media relations committees
- Website:
- Katz & Associates
Sponsorships & Vendor Relations
- Name:
- Paul Chance
- Bio:
- I am a dad, a business owner (which means I do it all and then some) and all around good guy.
- My interests include playing with my kids, jet skiing, and volunteering at local non-profits.
- Website:
- Time Printing
Student Liaison Co-Chair
- Name:
- April Mae Saenz Johnson
- Bio:
- Prior to finding a passion for PR, April studied photography, film, and creative writing. In 2007, she engaged her greatest passion- helping underprivileged children. For 11 months April served as an intern for a mission organization in the Free State region of South Africa. She worked with indigenous young adults as a co-teacher for HIV/AIDS education to primary school students. April was also program director for weekly children’s lessons at Hope House Orphanage. It was during her time in South Africa that April’s interest in public relations flourished as she discovered personal joys in building relationships between people and cause-related organizations. Upon returning home to Sacramento, April immediately changed her major and pursued a career in public relations.
- In 2008, through the annual student networking and career day, April made connections as a public relations intern during Sierra Adoption Services rebranding efforts to their current name: Sierra Forever Families. In 2009, she joined Sierra’s Fund Development department as Database Manager and Signature Events Coordinator. Johnson graduated from California State University, Sacramento, in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, concentration in Public Relations.
- This is April’s first year as a Board Member for SPRA and she gladly looks forward to serving as co-chair for the Association’s student networking and career day.
- Website:
- Sierra Forever Families
Student Liaison Co-Chair
- Name:
- Christina Kiefer
- Bio:
- Christina Kiefer joined the Randle Communications team in November 2006. As an Account Manager, she manages a number of accounts including University of Phoenix, California Family Fitness, and Enel Green Power. In addition to supporting Randle clients, she serves as the lead on expanding the firm’s social media practices.
- Kiefer has a true passion for media relations and messaging work, and has served as a spokesperson on behalf of Randle clients. She also provides strategic counsel and support on a number of the firm’s high-profile public awareness campaigns, and brings her expertise in working with several different members of the media. Prior to joining the Randle team, Kiefer worked for a non-profit organization, Project Help, to create awareness and publicity for their Family Meals campaign, and the 2006 California State Fair in the Media Relations and Special Events Department.
- Kiefer graduated from California State University, Sacramento, in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, with a concentration in Public Relations. She is currently a member of the Sacramento Public Relations Association (SPRA) Board of Directors where she serves as the chair for the Association’s student career and networking day.
- Christina resides in Sacramento with her husband Andrew, and miniature dachshund puppy Tate. In her spare time, Kiefer enjoys running, traveling to Napa to wine taste, gourmet food, and rooting for the CAL Bears’ football team.
- Website:
- Randle Communications
Webmaster
- Name:
- Justin Dyke
- Bio:
- Justin Dyke joined the Randle Communications team in July 2010. As an Account Coordinator, he provides project support and assistance for several Randle clients including University of Phoenix, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers, Kern County Water Agency, Enel Green Power, and the Riverside County Chapter of the Building Industry Association.
- Dyke graduated from the University of California Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in June 2009. While in college, he worked in retail sales as an Assistant Store Manager for Mainland Skate & Surf.
- Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Dyke is an avid hockey fan and participant, enjoys spending time outdoors, and is an automotive enthusiast.
- “Nobody’s a natural. You work hard to get good and then work to get better” -Paul Coffey
- Website:
- Randle Communications