Account Supervisor,
Van Eperen Public Relations

Why did you join PRSA? 

As a PR student at the University of Maryland, I found my activities with PRSSA both personally and professionally rewarding. When I completed my bachelor’s degree, I continued to participate in PRSA-NCC. However, I had to put my membership on hold when I began taking classes part-time for my master’s degree while also working full time. Now that I have completed the program, I am glad to again be an active member. I am particularly excited to help keep members informed about news and events as the new chapter newsletter editor.

How long have you been in the PR field?

I taught myself to write my first press release as a freshman in college working part-time for a campus organization. From that moment in 1996 I caught the PR bug and have enjoyed the variety and excitement the career offers every day since.

What skills are required to do your job?

As the account supervisor in a growing Montgomery County, Md. firm, I am challenged to use nearly every skill in the PR ‘tool box’ plus some. From strategic planning to writing, graphic design, and media relations, to hiring staff, I do a little of everything to ensure our clients receive the best service and achieve their communications goals.

What’s your greatest career achievement? 

I am proud to have completed my master’s degree. It was a huge challenge to first figure out what I wanted to learn about for two to three years and then finish the program while at the same time working full time, planning a wedding and buying and selling a house. Thankfully I was able to do it all and still maintain a little sanity with the support of my wonderful husband, family, friends and co-workers. Today I especially enjoy volunteering my design skills for nonprofit organizations such as Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training (GRREAT) and The Arc of Montgomery County.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

Enjoying spectacular artwork at the Uffizi in Florence, Italy? Seriously, I hope to continue to enjoy success in my career while also spending lots of time with my wonderful family and friends. I especially like to travel.

How do you begin each day? 

I start my day by spending time with my Golden Retriever Tarquin, whom we rescued from GRREAT. As soon as I open my eyes, he pops up his big doggie head, sticks his wet nose in my face and flashes his big doggie smile. He’s always there to pour on the love.

What’s your dream job? 

My favorite quote is from Walt Disney “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Well, I literally listed all of the things I was looking for in a new position and I was lucky enough that Laura Van Eperen offered it to me. It’s terrific.

Who’s your role model, and why do you admire him/her? 

I am lucky enough to have many in my life. I admire my parents for their compassion, kindness and generosity and my great grandmother because she was able to live on her own until she was 93. I admire my husband because he is the smartest and most down to earth person I know. And I admire my professional mentors because they pride themselves on perfection and are always there to bounce around ideas and solve problems with.

What’s the last book you read or movie you saw? 

I recently saw Beowulf and was blown away by the capabilities of the digital 3D technology. In addition, it was fun to compare the creative license taken with the ancient story to what was presented in the film. I liked it more than I thought I would.

Tips for maintaining the elusive work/life balance?

When things around the house start to have more chew marks than usual, I know I have to start spending more time with Tarquin, my husband John and cat Subotai. The dog is my “work-aholic-meter”.

If you have joined the Chapter within the past six months and would like to receive a questionnaire, please contact newsletter@prsa-ncc.org. To view past new Member Spotlights, visit the membership section of the Web site.