The Minnesota chapter of PRSA has an unprecedented number of new members entering the College of Fellows this fall. Of the 11 new members, three hail from Minnesota - Thomas J. Jollie, APR, Fellow PRSA, senior vice president, Padilla; Paul G. Omodt, APR, Fellow PRSA, owner and principal, Omodt & Associates Critical Communications LLC; and Janet E. Swiecichowski, APR, Fellow PRSA, vice president, CEL Marketing|PR|Design.
“What a fantastic group of representatives we have this year for the College of Fellows,” said Chapter President Greg Zimprich, APR, Fellow PRSA. “Having gone through the process myself I know how discerning it is. This really shines a bright light on all the great PR professionals we have in this state. Minnesota is on the leading edge of the profession. Our congratulations to Tom, Paul and Janet!”
The College of Fellows is an honorary organization within PRSA comprised of 350 active senior professionals and educators, each of whom has left a significant footprint on the public relations profession.
“Election to PRSA’s College of Fellows, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, recognizes the many outstanding accomplishments of these accredited members in the areas of leadership, service and contributions to the public relations profession,” said Debra Peterson, APR, 2019 PRSA Chair. “Members of the College exemplify the very best of PRSA and provide ongoing support to the association, donating their time and expertise as volunteers and mentors to students and professionals.”
The 2019 College of Fellows inductees, who will be welcomed officially at a special ceremony and dinner on Oct. 19 in San Diego, prior to PRSA’s 2019 International Conference.
Members of the College of Fellows serve in Chapter, District, Section and National leadership positions. To qualify for admittance, the public relations professional must have at least 20 years of experience, hold the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential and have demonstrated exceptional capability and accomplishment in the practice or teaching of public relations.