Chapter History/Bylaws

Chartered in 1947, PRSA’s primary objectives are to advance the standards of the public relations profession and to provide members with professional development opportunities through continuing education programs, information exchange forums and research projects conducted on the national and local levels.

The history of the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of PRSA dates back to 1986, when Fort Worth-area members of the Dallas-based North Texas chapter petitioned the National Assembly for a chapter of their own.

PDF of the Chapter Bylaws.

The following PRSA members signed the chapter charter:

  • Sami L. Roop

  • Paul O. Ridings, APR

  • Dennis Roberson

  • Sally Werst

  • Carolyn Stephens

  • B. Kim Forman, APR

  • Loyd Turner

  • Roger Rienstra, APR

  • John Seelig, APR

  • Drenda Williams Witt

  • Karen C. Cook

  • Jim Wilson

Several other PRSA members transferred their memberships from the North Texas chapter to the Greater Fort Worth chapter to help the fledgling chapter grow.

Today, the chapter boasts more than 190 members. Its monthly programs and periodic seminars provide professional development and networking opportunities for public relations professionals and students. Its community service projects provide local non-profit organizations with pro bono PR expertise. The chapter also supports PR education programs at several area universities and gives an annual scholarship to PRSSA members attending Texas Christian University and Abilene Christian University. As one of eight chapters in Texas and part of the six-state PRSA Southwest District, the chapter offers a means to connect members with colleagues throughout the state, region and across the country.

Past Presidents of the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of PRSA

  • 2025 – Reggie Johnson, APR

  • 2024 – Kim Brown, APR

  • 2023 – Jessamy Brown, APR

  • 2022 – Tracy Greene

  • 2021 – Lesley Dupre

  • 2020 – Laura Van Hoosier, APR

  • 2019 – Beth Lamb, APR

  • 2018 – Lisa Albert

  • 2017 – Claire Armstrong

  • 2016 – Liz Heck Confiliano

  • 2015 – Michelle Clark, APR

  • 2014 – Richie Escovedo, APR

  • 2013 – Chris Smith

  • 2012 – Allyson Cross

  • 2011 – Carol Murray, APR

  • 2010 – Tom Burke, APR

  • 2009 – Andra Bennett, APR

  • 2008 – Laura Van Hoosier, APR

  • 2007 – Marc Flake

  • 2006 – Holly Ellman

  • 2005 – Heather Senter, APR

  • 2004 – Pamela Smith

  • 2003 – Roger Partridge

  • 2002 – Kristie Aylett, APR

  • 2001 – Mary Dulle, APR

  • 2000 – Kim Speairs, APR

  • 1999 – Paul Sturiale, APR

  • 1998 – Beth Park, APR

  • 1997 – June Norman, APR

  • 1996 – Henry Stewart, APR

  • 1995 – Douglas Ann Newsom, PhD, APR

  • 1994 – Linda Johnson

  • 1993 – Susan Schoolfield, APR

  • 1992 – Bill Lawrence, APR

  • 1991 – Carolyn Stephens

  • 1990 – Carolyn Stephens

  • 1989 – Julie Wilson, APR

  • 1988 – Sally Werst

  • 1987 – Sami Roop, founding president

GFW PRSA College of Fellows

The Greater Fort Worth chapter counts among its members twelve (12) professionals who have been elected to PRSA’s esteemed College of Fellows. They are:

  • Beth Lamb, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2026)

  • Sandra Brodnicki, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2022)

  • Laura Van Hoosier, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2022)

  • Margaret C. Ritsch, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2016)

  • Kay F. Barkin, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2016)

  • Robert T. Hastings, Jr., APR+M, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2016)

  • Gigi Westerman, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2013)

  • Dr. Amiso George, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2010)

  • William M. Lawrence, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2005)

  • Mary Dulle, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2004)

  • Carolyn Bobo, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 2001)

  • Douglas Ann Newsom, PhD, APR, Fellow PRSA (Class of 1990)

If you are an accredited PRSA member with more than 20 years of experience, you may be eligible to become a Fellow. Click here for more information.

                    

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