Traci Otey Blunt
SVP, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
The RLJ Companies

1)    Why did you join PRSA? 
PRSA is a tremendous resource for public relations and communications professionals who want to get the most from their career. Being a member will provide me with the opportunity to network with the best and brightest trained professional minds in the field.

2)    How long have you been in the PR field? 
15 years

3)    What skills are required to do your job? 
Being proactive; remaining true to your word i.e. always responding to media inquiries even if you don't have an answer for the reporter; patience; creativity; and the ability to think quickly on your feet and keep your cool/poise under pressure no matter what the situation.

4)    What's your greatest career achievement? 
This is a hard one. Each employment opportunity has advanced my career. I have worked on local, state, and national political campaigns; at every branch of government (local, state, federal); have worked at a political action committee; at a national association; leading PR agencies and now in a corporate office. I believe every job has been a stepping stone for me and has allowed me to have and maintain a solid foundation for each new experience. I wouldn't be where I am today if not for each opportunity. One of my most exciting career moves was being asked to serve as a deputy communications director/director of African American media for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign - that was an exciting, historic and unforgettable experience and I'd do it all over again.

5)    Where would you like to see yourself in five years? 
I truly enjoy working at The RLJ Companies (it's every job I've ever had rolled into one) and see myself here in five years working with Bob Johnson and the portfolio company executives to promote the RLJ brand and the innovative and cutting edge work being conducted across the companies.

6)    How do you begin each day? 
I am truly a morning person. I am up by 5:15 a.m. and most mornings I try (emphasis on try) to get in a work out or a run; walk my "best bulldog" Brutus Warfield Blunt; have a cup of hazelnut coffee loaded with vanilla-flavored creamer (very sweet); while watching "Morning Joe" and scanning the newspapers for any stories that may have an impact on my boss or one of the industry sectors where our portfolio companies lie.

7)    What's your dream job?
I am an avid NFL fan and the Tennessee Titans are my favorite football team (I'm from Nashville). My "dream" job would be to oversee the team's communications and community relations department. But that's just a dream. I am living my dream job now and am fortunate to be exposed to opportunities that challenge my skills and allow me to continue to grow and learn.

8)    Who's your role model, and why do you admire him/her? 
I have a few … my grandmothers, my mom, my Godmother, and my sister. Each of them has exceptional strength, courage, and wisdom and I am the woman I am because of them… (but it wouldn't be fair to not include my Grandfather, Dad, Godfather and husband too!) I have an amazing family!

9)    What's the last book you read or movie you saw?
Game Change by John Heilemann & Mark Halperin

10)    Tips for maintaining the elusive work/life balance? 
I am able to maintain both because you have to define your own balance and determine what the trade-offs are and I think I do a pretty decent job with it.

John J. Lewis
Vice President of Public Affairs
Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO)

1) Why did you join PRSA?

I had spent most of my career in the financial services industry but made a transition four years ago into healthcare and began my current position in January 2009. I was looking for an organization for healthcare communicators and someone directed me to PRSA's Health Academy.

Ufuoma Otu
NCC Membership Committee Co-chair
Account Director
Media & Communications Strategies, LLC

1) Why did you join PRSA?

I joined PRSA because the organization provides great opportunities to connect with other professionals in the industry. Joining the National Capital Chapter was the next step for me because this chapter is known for regularly putting together quality programs throughout the year that really engages and challenges both new and seasoned practitioners.

Margaret DeGrandis
PR Specialist
Volkswagen of America

1) Why did you join PRSA?

PRSA membership was recommended in a book I was reading for young professionals. It emphasized professional involvement. I thought it would be a great way to gain insight into the PR realm and meet other PR professionals.