Member Spotlight: Paula MacDonald
Posted on May. 4, 2016 / Subscribe 0
This Member Spotlight profiles Paula MacDonald, APR, who is president and owner of Image Suite PR, a digital PR agency serving the hospitality industry. She joined PRSA Tampa Bay in 2012, served previously on the Digital Communications and Agency Leaders committees, and this year was elected a board member and named co-chair of the Accreditation Committee.
1. First news publication you read in the morning?
Social Media Current to fulfill my social media obsession, followed by Hotel News Now Daily Update.
2. First public relations job?
As I transitioned from a video and multimedia production role, I landed my first PR-focused position with the newly formed Office of Public Information for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Tampa in 2000. I later became the first public information officer for the City of Temple Terrace, in 2005.
3. Most important career mentor?
I found a most unlikely mentor in my former boss’s executive assistant when I worked for the City of Temple Terrace. Cathy Tack is a feisty, no-nonsense lady with a quick wit and a passion for doing the right thing, and I value her friendship and support beyond our time working together.
4. Top grammar, style or writing pet peeve?
Overused phrases, such as “Can I pick your brain?”
5. Most rewarding accomplishment in public relations?
Earning my APR in 2015, after more than 10 years of studying and stalling on initiating the process. Something was always getting in the way, but the truth was that I was getting in my own way.
6. Advice to new public relations professionals?
Don’t be afraid to dive in to anything and everything. Search your heart for the career that you love, and don’t settle for just a paycheck.
7. Job you would pursue if you weren’t in public relations?
If I were not having such a great time in PR, I would probably focus my sights on becoming a screenwriter and motion picture director, which is what I was originally trained to do with my education.
8. Favorite movie?
I’m a Star Wars fan from way back, and Yoda’s my guy. “Do or do not. There is no try.”
9. Favorite vacation?
Anyplace my family can take our two dogs, an Australian shepherd and a border collie. We’ve only traveled locally across the state with them, but we look forward to a trip to see snow in the future.
10. Any three dinner guests?
Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber and George Lucas.
As a child, I was a nationally ranked BMX racer, and I still enjoy riding BMX bikes. I even tried racing again a few years ago in the cruiser class, and even though I haven’t raced competitively since 2012, as you can see in this photo from a Sarasota track, I have a lot of fun!
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