Leaving a Lasting Legacy Behind

FPRA was founded in 1938 by Lt. Col. John W. Dillin. Since then, many past presidents have left their legacy and accomplishments with our Association. Thanks to their leadership and contributions to our Association, and our profession, FPRA is recognized as a leader in our industry.


 

2024

Wendy Crites Wacker

Pinnacle Awards Program Introduced
2023

Jay Morgan-Schleuning

2022

Devon Chestnut

2020 & 2021

Alyson Sologaistoa

2019

Gordon Paulus

2018

Ryan Gerds

2017

Terri L. Behling

2016

Roger Pynn

Leadership FPRA Program Developed
2015

Rachel Smith

Image Awards Program Centralized
2014

Chris M. Gent

2013

Jeff Nall

75th Anniversary at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort, St. Petersburg
2012

Melanie Mowry Etters

2011

Jennifer Moss Wilson

2010

Sheridan Becht

2009

Lanette Hart

First African-American President of FPRA
2008

Suzanne A. Rains

2007

Jessica Rye

2006

Adrienne Moore

2005

Leah Lauderdale

2004

Carole Savage

2003

John McShaffrey

2002

Tricia Ridgway-Kapustka

2001

Kathleen M. Giery

2000

Rick Oppenheim

1999

Lynn Schneider

KSC Inc. Chosen as FPRA Management Team
1998

Carol Trivett

1997

Frank Polito

1996

Janet T. Dennis

1995

Virginia Troyer

1994

Jay Rayburn

FPRA Introduces Online Bulletin Board
1993

Marilyn Waters

1992

Donna Z. Davis

1991

Karen Plunkett

1990

C. Del Galloway

First Openly Gay President of FPRA
1989

Mickey G. Nall

1988

Bob Davis

1987

Cathlean Coleman

Presented the first John W. Dillin Award to Founding President John Dillin.
1986

Mary A. O’Reilly

1985

Bob E. Gernert, Jr.

Executive Director 1986-96
1984

Patricia Trubow Hollister

1983

Kay Bartholomew

1982

Joseph J. Curley

“Quotes” Logo Introduced
1981

Dick (Richard) Whalley

1980

Wm. V. Fenton, Jr.

Executive Director 1981-86
1979

J. Donald Turk

1978

William D. Hunter

1977

Roy C. Anderson

1976

Bea Quigg

1975

Robert G. Jones

1974

A. Royce Godshall

Accreditation Program Introduced
1973

L. John Wachtel

1972

Vernon E. Bradford

1971

Doris Wilkes

First Women Elected President of FPRA
1970

James Turner

1969

Grover Jones

1968

Robert A. Dahne

First Paid Executive Director Beginning 1969
1967

James Hunter

1966

Stirling Turner

1965

Robert E. Phillips

1964

Philip E. DeBerard, Jr.

1963

Alan B. Fields, Jr.

Silver Anniversary Conference Held in Winter Haven
1962

J. S. (Jack) Peters

1961

Jack Shoemaker

1960

Cliff D. Davenport

1959

Royce R. Powell

1958

Albert R. McFadyen

1957

J. Blanford Taylor

Association Begins Program to Award Outstanding Work
1956

William S. Chambers, Jr., APR

First Chapters are Formed. Gasparilla (Tampa) is First
1955

Edward D. Whittlesey, APR

1954

Walter J. Page

1953

John W. Dillin, APR, CPRC

Founding President Serves Second Term
1952

Allen O. Skaggs, Jr.

1951

Robert Eastman

Name Changed to Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA)
1950

William Wells

1949

William Rolleston

1948

Russell Kay

1947

Frank Wright, APR

1942-1946

MacDonald Bryan

Served as caretaker during WWII as membership
1941

Ray Billings

Name changed to Florida Publicity and Public Relation Association (FPPRA)
1940

Milton Bacon

1939

Wilton Martin

1938

John W. Dillin, APR, CPRC

Florida Association of Publicity Directors (FAPD)