Looking for inspiration in writing your PRoof entries? Join a panel of previous PRoof winners to gain a “behind the scenes” look at the work that went into those entries and hear what they learned about the submission process.
PANELISTS
Rick Chambers, APR
Owner & President, Rick Chambers & Associates
Rick brings over 40 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations and marketing. He began his career as a journalist, then entered the public relations field in the pharmaceutical industry, spending 25 years in key leadership roles. He launched his own firm, Rick Chambers & Associates, LLC, in 2012. Among his awards are nine PRoof Awards, including the Premier (best-in-show) honor in 2009, plus the 2004 Distinguished PR Practitioner of the Year Award. Rick is also a published author and a former screenwriter for Star Trek New Voyages.
Lisa Taylor
Director, SaboPR
Lisa Taylor is a director at Sabo PR with more than seven years of experience planning and executing integrated communication projects and campaigns. In 2022, she led a successful millage education campaign for the City of Kentwood, which earned Best in Show at the most recent WMPRSA PRoof Awards and a Diamond Award from the PRSA East Central District. She is also responsible for coordinating the firm’s PRoof entries each year.
Lisa recently served on the WMPRSA Board of Directors and has championed mentorship opportunities through the Professional Development Committee. She developed and launched the Mentor Match program in fall 2021, and has connected nearly 100 mentor/mentee pairs since inception.
Matt Fors
Director, Strategic Marketing & Research, Holland Hospital
Matt Fors directs strategic marketing and research at Holland Hospital in Holland, MI where he works with leadership, service line teams and medical staff to identify opportunities, develop services and grow business in line with market needs. Holland Hospital has served the West Michigan lakeshore region for over a century, earning national recognition for delivering top quality care, exceptional patient experiences and superior value. During his career, Matt has guided cross-functional teams from leading organizations in a wide range of industries, both domestically and internationally. He earned his MBA at Michigan State University in East Lansing.
Monique Bird
Social Media Recruitment Coordinator, Holland Hospital
Monique Bird is the social media recruitment coordinator at Holland Hospital and brings over 7 years of marketing expertise to her role, helping her lead strategic initiatives to attract and engage top talent within the health care field. She holds a bachelor’s degree in integrative public relations with a minor in advertising from Central Michigan University.
Beth Dornan, APR
Owner, The Comms Squad, LLC
Beth Dornan, APR, won Best of Show in the 2012 PRoof Awards for "My Grand Rapids in 6 Words." This Amway, MLive and City of Grand Rapids campaign encouraged people to share a few words describing why they love our community. She was honored by WMPRSA in 2022 as PR Professional of the Year. Beth is a communications consultant and adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University.
Jeremy Bakken
Senior Director, Communications & Community, Priority Health
Jeremy is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for Priority Health’s internal and external communications to engage members, employees, board members, executives, media/public, community partners and other key stakeholders. He has more than 20 years of public relations, community relations, corporate social responsibility and marketing experience.
SCHEDULE
Networking: 4:30-5:00 pm
Program: 5:00-6:00 pm
The event will include light appetizers and a pay-your-way bar featuring Founders' best brews!
REGISTRATION
This program will be in-person only and will not be recorded.
Members $25
Future Members: $35
Students and Un-/Under-employed: Free
AMA Members: $25
ASL interpretation is available on request when registering at least one week in advance.
Please register by February 13.