Kelliann Amico, APR, Fellow PRSA

(she/her)

President, PRSA Oregon

As 2026 president, Kelliann is championing the imperative that strategic communication must start at the leadership level. A trusted strategic advisor, her PR superpower is helping organizations connect with the people who matter most to them using both time-tested approaches and inventive, nontraditional strategies to meet audiences where they are.

Kelliann joined PRSA in 1987, earned her APR in 1997 and was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows in 2023. Her work has been recognized with multiple PRSA Anvil and Spotlight Awards. She considers PRSA instrumental to her career success and has proudly served in board and committee roles in Oregon and Washington throughout her career. In 2025, she also served on the College of Fellows Professional Development Committee.

In 2025, Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon bestowed Kelliann with the Lois D. Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor presented at its annual Women of Vision Awards.

Kelliann is the founder of Amico, a Portland-based strategic communication firm delivering measurable outcomes for public and private sector clients in the built environment, nonprofit and professional services industries. Career highlights include leading media for the Dalai Lama Environmental Summit in 2013 and serving as a press lead for Hillary for America and the Clinton White House. She has also helped many organizations stay out of the news. Visit amicopr.com. 

A native Oregonian, Kelliann thrives on traveling and spending time with her family, including her trusty furry companions. She recalibrates with walks, swimming and spontaneous yoga poses.

LinkedIn: @Kelliann Amico, APR, Fellow PRSA

Jaimee L. Fox, APR

(she/her)

President-Elect, PRSA Oregon

Jaimee L. Fox is a communications leader with more than 14 years of experience in strategic communications, change management, and internal engagement across the public and private sectors. As Corporate Communications Director at Thesis, a creative agency in Portland, Oregon, she leads internal and external communications, shapes the agency’s brand narrative, and cultivates a high-performance culture.

Before joining Thesis, Fox served as Senior Internal Communications Manager at Panorama Global, where she established and scaled the internal communications framework, enhanced employee engagement, and aligned communication strategies with organizational goals.

She began her career in local government, leading countywide campaigns, coordinating community events, and advancing equity-focused initiatives to address workforce challenges and inclusive opportunities.

An active member of PRSA Oregon since 2015, Fox currently serves on the organization’s board as president-elect.

Fox holds a Master of Arts in Public Relations from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Washington State University. She is also an Accredited Public Relations professional, accredited by the Universal Accreditation Board.

She resides in Vancouver, Washington, with her husband and two children.

LinkedIn: Jaimee L. Fox, MA, APR

Andrea Watson, APR

(she/her)

Immediate Past President, PRSA Oregon

Andrea Watson is a seasoned communications professional dedicated to transparency and community engagement. The compelling case for remaining in public relations is a love of learning new things and a sincere fascination by human behavior. 

With a 25-year career in the public sector, she currently serves as the Communications Director for Molalla River Schools, where she works on behalf of 2,500 public school students and the staff who are committed to equipping every student with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to fulfill their aspirations for a successful post-secondary journey. 

Andrea’s expertise lies in navigating complex political landscapes and high-stakes environments. She has a demonstrated history of passing bond measures in districts historically opposed to taxation, achieving success through authentic relationship building and grassroots canvassing. 

A member of PRSA since 2009, Andrea’s professional growth was rooted in the mentorship of industry leaders within PRSA and the National School Public Relations Association. This commitment to the profession led her to serve as President of the PRSA Oregon Chapter in 2024, following her tenure as Secretary. One of her favorite contributions to the chapter is overseeing the Spotlight Awards judging process, which celebrates excellence in regional public relations.

To maintain the resilience required for public relations, Andrea prioritizes self-care through reading, enjoying live music, immersing herself in nature and the creative outlet of making greeting cards.

LinkedIn: @Andrea Watson, APR

Josh Kulla

(He/Him)

Secretary, PRSA Oregon

Josh Kulla champions visual storytelling as a leadership principle, believing that showing rather than telling is the most effective way to communicate values, build trust and strengthen brands. At the core of his work is the idea that compelling imagery can make complex projects understandable, relatable and memorable.

Josh’s professional superpower is his ability to translate abstract ideas into striking visuals that inform and inspire. Clients consistently rely on his vision and creative execution to elevate large-scale initiatives. 

He joined PRSA in 2024 and was named PRSA Oregon’s 2025 New Professional of the Year. Josh has also earned two Spotlight Awards and an Award of Merit, recognitions that reflect his commitment to excellence in the public relations profession.

Josh is the owner and operator of Josh Kulla Construction Media, where he works primarily with clients in the architecture, engineering, construction and public sectors. His work has supported external communications for the Port of Portland, including the award-winning redevelopment of Portland International Airport’s main terminal, as well as the Willamette Water Supply Program, a major effort to deliver modern, seismically resilient water infrastructure to the west side of the Portland metro area. He also served for nearly four years as the official photographer for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, the largest public works project in the Pacific Northwest, documenting its progress and impact through powerful, accessible imagery.

Outside of work, Josh volunteers with local charitable organizations including the Gresham Historical Society and Snow Cap Food Pantry and Warehouse.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-kulla-9a97a717/

 

Becca Mallery

(she/her)

Treasurer, PRSA Oregon

Communications Director and Public Information Officer (PIO), Greater Albany Public Schools

Becca Mallery is a communications leader who believes clear, accessible and transparent communication is essential to building trust between public institutions and the communities they serve. She is especially passionate about making complex or sensitive information understandable, equitable and human centered.

Becca currently serves as the Communications Director and Public Information Officer (PIO) for Greater Albany Public Schools, where she oversees districtwide communications, digital strategy, crisis response and community engagement. Her work spans website management, social media, newsletters, accessibility compliance and high stakes communications that support students, staff and families across the district.

Known for her ability to bring structure and clarity to fast moving or high pressure situations, Becca’s professional strengths include crisis communications, strategic messaging and building systems that support consistency and transparency. She is proud of her work leading districtwide communication initiatives and advancing accessibility focused practices to ensure information is available to all families.

Becca is an active member of PRSA Oregon since 2024 and currently serves on the PRSA Oregon Board as Treasurer. She values PRSA Oregon for its commitment to professional growth, ethical practice and meaningful connection among communications professionals.

Outside of work, Becca enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and recharging through creative projects and puzzles.

Kassie Swenson, M. Ed., APR

(she/her)

Membership Co-Director, PRSA Oregon

Kassie Swenson is a communications leader who brings a collaborative, strategic approach to board service, focused on ensuring members feel welcomed, informed, and supported. 

Her PR superpower is pairing strategic vision with disciplined execution to deliver research-backed communications strategies that build trust and produce measurable results.

Kassie joined the Public Relations Society of America in 2024 and earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) the same year. She is currently serving her second year as PRSA Oregon’s Membership Co-Director, where she works to grow and retain membership, deepen engagement, and strengthen relationships across the chapter. Kassie values PRSA for its role in building community, sharing knowledge, and advancing excellence within the communications profession.

Professionally, Kassie is the CEO and Founder of NW Strategic Communications & Consulting. With more than 14 years of experience in public relations and strategic communications, she partners with public-sector, education, and mission-driven clients to navigate complex issues, strengthen community trust, and achieve successful outcomes. Her career highlights include leading Federal Way Public Schools’ first strategic plan and logo refresh in 20 years and directing four successful ballot measure information campaigns, including two school levies, a $450 million school construction bond, and a fire benefit charge for South King Fire.

Outside of her professional work, Kassie enjoys hiking and mountaineering, where she finds challenge, beauty, and greater perspective.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassieswenson

Vicki Guinn, MS

(she/her)

Membership Co-Director, PRSA Oregon

Vicki Guinn is a native Oregonian and she currently serves as a public relations strategist for Legacy Health, a local health care organization responsible for media relations, community engagement, strategic communications, issues management, and crisis management. 

She’s held similar positions in public health and other health care organizations. Guinn paused her PR career to work in learning and organizational development for several years, where she coached directors and teams on communication. 

Guinn served as a part-time communication instructor at a local community college. 

She has extensive experience in corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion work, including anti-racism initiatives, and has taught inclusive communications. Her expertise is in storytelling, reputation management, media relations and issues/crisis management.

She holds a BS in broadcast communication from Oregon State University and an MS in communication theory from the University of Portland. Outside of work, she serves on the Oregon State University Advisory board, and other boards oriented toward youth and education. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, partner dancing, bicycling, and spending time with family and friends.  

Vicki has been active with PRSA Oregon serving on the board and starting the DEI Committee. She earned the William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. 

Jonathan Yost, APR

(He/Him)

Professional Development Co-Director, PRSA Oregon

As Professional Development Director, Yost is focused on making PRSA programming practical, accessible, and rooted in the realities of modern communications work. His guiding belief is simple: professional development should make our jobs easier.

Yost’s PR superpower is translating dense, jargon-heavy, “nerd words” into “people speak” that audiences not only understand, but trust  —  a skill honed across 20 years in Tribal and state government, casino gaming, public safety, and other highly-regulated environments.

Jonathan joined PRSA in 2013 through Southern California’s Inland Empire chapter and has remained actively involved ever since. He previously served as Social Media Director for PRSA Inland Empire, as professional advisor to Cal Poly Pomona’s PRSSA chapter, and as faculty advisor for the California State University, San Bernardino chapter. PRSA has played a central role in his career, providing the mentorship, peer learning, and ethical grounding that continue to shape how he approaches communications, leadership, and professional development.

Jonathan is the Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), where he leads content and engagement strategies for more than 415,000 members and 900 participating employers. His work has supported award-winning strategic campaigns and earned national recognition, including being named Pension Communicator of the Year by the National Conference of Public Employee Retirement Systems. He also teaches public relations at George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies.

Outside of work, Jonathan recharges by hiking the Oregon coast with his family, photographing live music, and maintaining an ongoing (and very serious) search for the best nachos wherever he goes.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanayost

Shirell Hennessey

(She/Her)

Professional Development Co-Director, PRSA Oregon

Shirell Hennessy is an accomplished brand marketing and communications leader with deep experience providing strategic counsel across corporate, nonprofit, higher education, and technology sectors. She is known for translating complex goals into clear, integrated marketing and communications strategies that reach the right audiences and drive measurable impact.

A thoughtful, outcomes-driven strategist and skilled storyteller, Shirell excels at uncovering compelling narratives and activating them across digital, broadcast, and earned media channels. Her expertise spans the full communications ecosystem—from shaping messaging frameworks and pitching press and feature stories to securing meaningful coverage across print, broadcast, and digital outlets.

A collaborative and forward-thinking leader, Shirell has led long-term B2B and B2C communications initiatives that strengthen brand clarity, improve ROI, and increase operational efficiency. She has directed high-visibility media relations programs and partnered closely with cross-functional teams to ensure communications are tightly aligned with organizational priorities and business outcomes.

Shirell joined PRSA Oregon in 2023 and is an active member, serving as Co-Chair of the Professional Development Committee, where she helps guide programming that supports communications professionals at all career stages. Her role includes planning the Northwest Communicators Conference, planning and overseeing monthly webinars, and in-person professional development events.

Outside of work, Shirell enjoys reading, cinema, great food, and the arts. A Portland native, she stays grounded through community connection, travel and regular time at the Oregon Coast.

LinkedIn: @Shirell Hennessy

Carol Festernmacher, APR

(She/Her)

Advancement Director, PRSA Oregon

In her second year as Advancement Director, Carol A. Fenstermacher, APR is a servant leader and sees her board role as a cheerleader for members wanting to get their APR, and a matchmaker – getting current APRs involved as mentors, panel members and instructors for the APR Prep Class.

After 40+ years as a communications professional for non-profits, government and K-12 education, Carol retired in 2021 and started her own firm, FenstermacherPR, specializing in strategic communications and bond communications for small Oregon school districts. In addition, she conducts communication audits for school districts across the country. She is known for remaining calm during a crisis and has the ability to see the ‘forest’ and the ‘trees’ when seeking solutions to organizational issues.

She received her APR in 2004 as a member of the National School Public Relations Association and joined PRSA in 2007. In 2024, she received the Olga M. Haley Mentorship Award and a Spotlight Award for the Gervais School District Bond Measure. Carol previously served on the Board as a Director-at-large, and treasurer. She has also held leadership positions in other professional communication organizations, including President of the National School Public Relations Association and National President of Women In Communications, Inc.

Carol currently serves on the University of Portland’s National Alumni Board. In her spare time, she loves to travel with her husband Sam, read, and spend weekends at their cabin snuggling with their four-legged family members Harley and Gibbs.

Michael Mannheimer

(He/Him)

Volunteer, PRSA Oregon

As the volunteer coordinator for the 2026 board, Michael is all about creating connections, fostering opportunities for new PRSA recruits and veteran members to make a difference and feel an increased sense of pride in the chapter. Michael’s communications superpower is distilling complex topics into creative and engaging content. 

Michael joined PRSA in 2022 and has served on the board for the past four years, with roles as the communications co-chair, assembly delegate and a previous stint as volunteer coordinator. 

He currently works at Amico as the director of words and GIFS (yes, that’s a real title) where he helps clients in transportation, construction and education tell their stories through innovative digital media initiatives. Since joining Amico, Mannheimer has directed the social media strategy for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, the largest public works project in the Pacific Northwest. His work on the project earned him two Spotlight Awards for Social Media Content development in 2022 and 2023. His role with Amico, including his work for the IBR program, positioned him to achieve recognition by the Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon as a 2025 Phenom. 

Outside of the office, Michael spends most of his time exploring Portland’s parks and coffee shops with his wife, daughter and loyal Australian Shepherd. 

 

Sylke Neal-Finnegan, APR

(She/Her)

DEI Director, PRSA Oregon

Sylke Neal-Finnegan, APR, returns to PRSA Oregon’s board of directors as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. With nearly 30 years of public relations experience in travel and tourism, she will focus on advancing PRSA’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as core values that strengthen the communications profession and support meaningful engagement for all members. In this role, she will work to bring together communicators from diverse backgrounds and create opportunities for connection, learning and representation within the chapter.

As a public relations practitioner, Sylke is guided by the principles of truth, transparency, loyalty and fairness. She strives to practice what she preaches by ensuring all communications are accurate and ethical, and by never taking credit for the work of others.

Sylke joined PRSA in 1999 and earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2002. Over the years, she has been an active volunteer, serving on committees and boards of directors in both her first chapter, the Las Vegas Valley Chapter, and her current home, PRSA Oregon. PRSA has supported her commitment to lifelong learning, and the friendships and professional relationships she has built through the organization over the decades have been invaluable.

She currently serves as vice president of communications and public relations for Explore Tualatin Valley, a destination marketing organization that promotes Washington County, Oregon, as a travel destination. As a member of PRSA’s Travel & Tourism Section, she works with travel writers across the country and develops content for websites and marketing materials, including brochures and visitor guides.

Outside of work, Sylke enjoys movies, concerts and stand-up comedy shows, traveling to museums, and exploring the wineries of Tualatin Valley and beyond.

You can connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/sylkefinnegan.

Maureen Brakke

(She/Her)

Communications Co-Chair, PRSA Oregon

Maureen is a seasoned communications professional centered on fostering a fun and collaborative environment where respect and growth are key. By prioritizing growth, she empowers teams to reach their full potential while embracing creativity and teamwork.

With a 13-year career in the public sector, she currently serves as the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for Western Oregon University, where she manages all communications and general marketing for the university.  

Maureen’s expertise lies in crisis and strategic communications. Throughout her career, she has successfully managed multiple crises and sticky PR situations and helped organizations navigate reputation management.

A member of PRSA since 2013, Maureen has enjoyed being part of a collaborative network of PR professionals and has relied on close peers and mentors to help her through challenging professional situations.

In her limited spare time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, kettlebell workouts, Jiu Jitsu, cooking, coffee shops, music, traveling, and spending time with her very active seven-year-old daughter.

Lizette Santiago

(She/Her)

Communications Co-Chair, PRSA Oregon

She is a passionate creative thinker and marketing and communications professional, specializing in brand building, content creation and social media strategy. 

She currently serves as the marketing communications specialist at the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation in Beaverton, Oregon. 

She works collaboratively with a team responsible for internal and external communications, including marketing, media relations, graphic design, social media, the website, photography and videography.

Email Lizette: programs(at)prsaoregon.org

John Charles Mitchell, APR, Fellow PRSA

(He/Him)

 PRSSA Liaison, PRSA Oregon

John is a retired senior instructor of public relations in the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication (1986-2019). 

Currently, a public relations consultant, author, voice talent and professional adviser to the University of Oregon chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, John serves on the PRSA National Advisory Board for PRSSA.

After 24 years at Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB), where he managed public relations strategies and communications to customers, the news media and the general public, he retired from the public utility in 2008.

Prior to EWEB, John served as public relations director at McKenzie-Willamette Hospital in Springfield; writer/editor for the U.S. Forest Service in Seattle; and reporter, photojournalist and editor for several Northwest newspapers. 

He earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Oregon and completed graduate studies in journalism at the University of Oregon, and marketing communications from Washington State University.

A member of the Public Relations Society of America since 1990, he received his Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2000 and was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows in 2012. 

In 2011, he received the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communications Award for Outstanding Teaching by an Adjunct Professor. He's the recipient of the PRSA Oregon William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 and the PRSA Oregon Olga M. Haley Mentorship Award in 2019.

LinkedIn: @John Mitchell, APR, Fellow PRSA

Mara Woloshin, APR, Fellow PRSA 

(She/Her)

Assembly Delegate, PRSA Oregon

.

Clients facing complex and high-stakes challenges rely on Mara Woloshin, principal of Woloshin Communications, for clear, ethical and strategic communication solutions. For more than two decades, local and national organizations have turned to Woloshin Communications to navigate regulatory, labor, litigation and compliance issues with accuracy, transparency and credibility. 

Mara is known for her ability to translate complex subject matter into accessible, trustworthy messaging for diverse stakeholders, including regulators, employees, media and the public. Her work includes executive and management counsel; transparent engagement with local and national media across traditional and social platforms; and development of sustainable business models. She also supports employee trainings in lead generation and outreach to multilingual and multicultural audiences.

With extensive experience in federal and state compliance related to health care, energy and conflict resolution, Mara brings a disciplined, realistic and ethical approach to risk management and public engagement. Since 2012, Mara, as a licensed health insurance agent and marketer, has placed a strong focus on advocacy, particularly supporting the rights and benefits of diverse and aging populations. She is a certified Retirement Life Coach. Visit Woloshin.com

Mara joined PRSA and earned her APR in 1989 and was inducted into the College of Fellows in 2005. Along with serving as President of PRSA Portland Metro Chapter in 1999, she has held leadership and committee roles at the chapter and national level. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her work including the William Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. 

LinkedIn: @Mara Woloshin, APR, Fellow PRSA

Stacy Moe-Kean, APR

(She/Her)

Assembly Delegate, PRSA Oregon

Stacy Moe Kean, APR is a longtime PRSA member and currently serves on the PRSA Oregon Board as Assembly Delegate. She joined PRSA in 1999 and earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2011. Stacy previously served as President of PRSA Oregon in 2024 and was honored with the chapter’s Ron Schmidt Community Involvement Award in 2016. Currently, she is president of Kean Communications, LLC.

Stacy’s leadership philosophy centers on ethical, clear communication and the vital role a strong PR community plays in fostering trust between organizations and the public. Her professional “superpower” is generating creative ideas through collaboration.

When she’s not working in PR and communications, Stacy is a historical fiction novelist. Her debut novel was published in November 2024.

LinkedIn Profile

 

Sally Ridenour, APR, Fellow PRSA

(She/Her)

Assembly Delegate, PRSA Oregon

Sally Ridenour is a PRSA superfan. She joined PRSA in 2000 and has been actively involved ever since. Sally is accredited in public relations and a member of the prestigious College of Fellows. The opportunities that PRSA offers for professional development, mentoring, friendship, support and growth are tremendous. Sally credits PRSA for helping her achieve success in her public relations career. 

“You get out of PRSA what you put into it,” says Sally. “Getting involved, learning new things and giving back to our community are important to your growth as a professional communicator.”

This year Sally is serving as an assembly delegate representing our chapter at PRSA’s annual business meeting. She’s held multiple leadership positions in the past. Her superpower is kind but blunt guidance. She’ll tell it like it is in a fun and affirming way. 

An award-winning communicator, Sally currently works for the Oregon Department of Transportation as the chief content strategist. She specializes in web-based communications, user experience and content strategy. She helps state agencies educate, inform and serve Oregonians through innovative digital communications. 

In her spare time, Sally enjoys traveling, shopping for vintage treasurers, entering recipe contests and playing with her dogs.

Find Sally on LinkedIn.