The PRSA National Capital Chapter hosted its annual holiday party on Dec. 9 by recognizing outgoing 2009 board members, presenting awards and helping raise more than $1,200.00 for the Center for Child Protection and Family Support, in partnership with the Independent PR Alliance (IPRA).
More than 60 chapter members attended the event at Mio’s Restaurant in DC. One of the evening highlights included the Diamond Award presentation to Shannon Joyce, PR account executive for Focused Image and the chapter's marketing and publicity co-chair. Shannon, pictured above between Barbara Burfeind and Jeff Ghannam, was recognized for her outstanding service to the chapter and her diligent behind-the-scenes marketing and publicity of the many, many NCC events in 2009.
During the party, the chapter recognized the ten new NCC Accredited in Public Relations (APRs) in 2009 for their hard work and accomplishment. Congratulations to: Jennifer Boone Bemisderfer, APR; Greg Alan Caires, APR; Scott C. Stearns, APR; DeAnn Lee Baxter, APR; Darrin Kayser, APR; Amy L. Philpott, APR; Susanne K. Ollmann, APR; Charles John Holt, III, APR; Claudia Askew, APR; and Pamela Jean Mooring, APR.
The event also provided outgoing 2009 Chapter President Barbara Burfeind, APR, of Department of Defense Visual Information Directorate, an opportunity to turn over the NCC gavel to 2010 President-elect Jeff Ghannam, of Biotechnology Institute. The chapter then hosted a surprise guest when Congressman Joe Baca (D, CA-43) stopped by late in the day to share his holiday wishes with the chapter.