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President Spotlight: Terri Durdaller

Posted on Jul. 27, 2023  /  Home Page, Member News  /  Subscribe 0

This special President Spotlight profiles Terri Durdaller, who is the 2023 president of PRSA Tampa Bay and who is also vice president of communications for Lutheran Services Florida. She joined PRSA Tampa Bay in 2018 and previously served as treasurer and a member of the Programs Committee.

1. Reason you wanted to become PRSA Tampa Bay president?
One reason is that, as a PR professional in the nonprofit sector, I set a goal for myself to strengthen my skill in development, because this skill is crucial for career advancement in a nonprofit. In particular, I wanted to challenge myself to bring in $2,000 or more this year in sponsorships. (As a shameless plug, if you have ideas on companies that we missed in the past, or if you think your company would benefit from our promotions, please get in touch with me!) Another reason is that I simply want to give back to PRSA Tampa Bay because it has given me so much.  

2. Major goals for the chapter this year?
One is to increase sponsorships to provide more opportunities to bring in national speakers. A second is to host programs at a variety of local hot spots to reach and engage the widest number of prospective members and current members. 

3. Biggest challenge in getting back to more in-person events with the chapter’s activities following COVID-19 restrictions from the past few years?
Inflation! This year, our Programs Committee has been partnering with new venues around Tampa Bay where we have never held events before to spark excitement and entice members to leave their home offices and come out! But with rising costs, it’s become challenging to fit some of these gems within our budget. 

4. Most rewarding moment as a PRSA Tampa Bay officer so far?
Finding my tribe of strong dynamic women leaders! When I first joined PRSA Tampa Bay 10 years ago, I was without a job and felt I had nothing to offer, so I dropped out after the first year. Now I know how incredible and supportive our chapter can be if you stick with it, even if you don’t know anyone. Having a network has moved me through some challenging times. Members like Josh Carrasco, APR, Kaley Infield, APR, and Laura Fontanills, APR, have kept me engaged and always coming back!

 
Me (right) with (from left) former PRSA Tampa Bay president (2021) Josh Carrasco, former PRSA Tampa Bay president (2022) Kaley Infield, and incoming PRSA Tampa Bay president (2024) Laura Fontanills.

5. First news publication you read in the morning?
Axios Tampa Bay, because smart brevity is the only way to capture my attention! I love starting my morning by sipping a cup of herbal tea and learning nuggets about what’s happening locally. 

6. First public relations job?
Director of communications in the Missouri secretary of state’s office. I was interning at Jane magazine in New York City after graduating from journalism school at the University of Missouri, and I was applying to jobs in both New York and Missouri. It seemed to be destiny to go back to Missouri for this job, which launched my political career and love for state government. The secretary of state, Matt Blunt, was running for governor, and he won the election 10 months later. I was chosen along with a handful of others from the secretary’s office to work in his new administration. The next four years were fascinating!   

7. Most important career mentor, and why?
Trish Vincent, chief of staff for the then-governor of Missouri, Matt Blunt. Mobile devices back then weren’t what they are now, so Trish had to carry a stack of files through the Capitol hallways in order to stay on top of everything, and her knowledge of the governor’s policies and platforms always amazed me. She had a strong work ethic and mentored many young women who were trying to make a name for themselves in the political arena. 

8. Top grammar, style or writing pet peeve? 
Using clichés, like “think outside the box” or “it is what it is,” in any form of writing. 

9. Most rewarding accomplishment in public relations?
Having submitted presentations and workshop proposals to conferences outside of the area that my organization, Lutheran Services Florida, serves, in order to expand the reach for our social services. Having been able to present my organization’s case studies and innovations to outside industries has enabled us to raise awareness, build relationships, and generate funding with significant new sponsors and audiences. 

10. Advice to new public relations professionals?
Follow your instincts, speak up, stay authentic, and start saving now! Build a tribe of strong professionals around you who will encourage you, support you, celebrate with you, mourn with you, and tell you the truth even when you don’t want to hear it. 

11. What job you would pursue if you weren’t in public relations?
I can’t imagine doing anything else besides public relations for social services, but if for some reason I couldn’t, I would probably own a loose-leaf tea and bakery shop with lots and lots of books!  

12. Favorite movie?
I’m not much of a movie fan, but instead what I love to rewatch are some of my favorite sports events, especially football games. Every year, to kick off the new football season, my dad and I watch Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI, two games where the New York Giants were underdogs and beat the favored New England Patriots, and two games where quarterback Eli Manning was voted MVP, making him one of just five players to ever have earned more than one Super Bowl MVP award. 

 
My father and I rewatching our favorite Super Bowls. 

13. Favorite vacation?
Cabo San Lucas, at the southern end of the Baja Peninsula in western Mexico! Thirty of my family members and I meet there every January to unwind after the craziness of the holidays.

 
Good times in Cabo San Lucas! 

14. Any three dinner guests?
One is my grandmother, whom I’m named after and spent my childhood and teenage years adoring. She was a nurse at the hospital where I was born, in New Rochelle, New York, and after I was placed in a bassinet, the other nurses put a sign above me that read “Teresa’s Baby.” For the other two guests, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Audrey Hepburn.  

 
My grandma and I. 

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