Capital Chapter Shines at FPRA 2025 PR & Communications Summit

The Florida Public Relations Association’s 2025 PR & Comms Summit, FPRA’s 85th annual conference, brought together hundreds of public relations and communications professionals from across Florida for three days of networking, professional development, and celebration. Held August 3–6 in Orlando, this year’s summit was a resounding success — and a particularly proud moment for the FPRA Capital Chapter, which earned top honors and saw its members take on influential roles at the state level.

Capital Chapter Wins Two Statewide Awards for Engagement and IDEA

One of the highlights of the Summit was the FPRA Presidents’ Luncheon, where outstanding chapter achievements were recognized. The Capital Chapter stood out by earning two prestigious awards: the President’s Award for Member Engagement and the President’s Award for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA). Presented by FPRA State President Julie Frey, APR, CPRC, these accolades honor the chapter’s exceptional efforts in engaging its membership and championing diversity and inclusion.

Under the leadership of 2024–2025 Chapter President Valencia L. Scott, the Capital Chapter launched programs that exemplify why it received these awards. The chapter proudly celebrated Women’s History Month with the “Her Voice. Her Impact. HerStory.” campaign and networking mixer to uplift women communicators. It also spotlighted Black excellence in PR during Black History Month with the “Trailblazers & Difference Makers” series, recognizing the contributions of Black professionals to the industry. Additionally, the chapter actively involved members in shaping future programming through surveys to ensure events and professional development opportunities meet their needs. These initiatives, rooted in purpose and inclusion, are exactly what the President’s Awards were designed to honor.

Capital Chapter Members Win Big at PR & Comms Summit

In addition to the chapter’s awards, individual Capital Chapter members brought home top statewide honors:

  • April Salter, APR, CPRC – Named FPRA Member of the Year.
  • Heidi Otway, APR, CPRC – Named FPRA Mentor of the Year.

These recognitions shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent, leadership, and generosity within our chapter.

Capital Chapter Leaders Step Up on the State Stage

The Summit also showcased the Capital Chapter’s strong presence in FPRA’s statewide leadership. Several members were installed into key roles for the 2025–2026 Executive Committee and Board:

  • April Salter, APR, CPRC – Installed as FPRA State President-Elect. A past Capital Chapter President, April will serve as FPRA President in the next term, following a successful tenure as Vice President of Finance.
  • Heidi Otway, APR, CPRC – Installed as Vice President of Sponsorship Development. Also a past Capital Chapter President and partner at SalterMitchell PR, Heidi will lead statewide sponsorship efforts for the coming year.
  • Valencia L. Scott – Installed as Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Serving as the 2024–2025 Capital Chapter President, Valencia will now lead FPRA’s IDEA initiatives at the state level.
  • Kelly Corder, APR, CPRC – Installed as Chair of FPRA’s Counselors’ Network. Kelly, the Capital Chapter’s seasoned industry leader, will guide statewide programming and engagement for FPRA’s accredited veteran professionals after serving as CN Chair-Elect.

This outstanding representation reflects the caliber of leadership within the Capital Chapter and its continued impact on shaping FPRA’s statewide vision and success.

Golden Image Awards Shine on the Capital City

The Summit also celebrated excellence in public relations through FPRA’s prestigious Golden Image Awards. This year, several Capital City organizations and agencies earned statewide recognition for outstanding campaigns and communications programs, including:

  • Sachs Media
  • SalterMitchell PR
  • Leon County Government

These wins highlight the exceptional talent within the Capital City’s PR community and reflect the high standards our members and partners uphold.

New Chapter President Sworn In

The Summit also marked a leadership transition for the Capital Chapter. Lauren Helm, APR, CPRC was officially sworn in as Chapter President for 2025–2026, succeeding Valencia Scott. Lauren, a past “Member of the Year” honoree, now leads the chapter during a time of momentum and growth, with a membership of over 100 professionals and recent statewide accolades to build upon.

Looking Ahead

From double President’s Awards to statewide individual honors, Golden Image wins, and a strong showing in state leadership, the FPRA Capital Chapter made a powerful impression at the 2025 PR & Comms Summit. As we enter a new chapter year, we celebrate our collective achievements and look forward to continuing to empower, expand, and elevate the public relations profession across our region and the state.

Join us in congratulating our award winners and leaders at our upcoming 2025 Excellence in Communications Awards & Leadership Celebration, Thursday, August 28.