Chapter position: Membership chair
Current position: Manager of public relations, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin

What do you find most beneficial about our chapter?
The networking opportunities, especially at the monthly luncheons, are a great benefit to members. We’re a collegial community of communicators in southeastern Wisconsin, and the relationships we have with each other are mutually beneficial.

What do you like best about being a professional communicator?
Helping others understand an issue, why they need to know about it and how it affects them. My focus is primarily on internal communications, so I like coordinating information to coworkers that will help them do their jobs better.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve had to do for work?
As a college intern, my employer had another worker and me remove a phone system from the basement of a building where he had an office. He said the system was just for his office, but he was mistaken. It was for the entire building. We disconnected all phone service for the entire building for several hours.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Spending time with my wife and kids, reading, following Major League Baseball, treasure-hunting at flea markets, camping.

What’s an interesting fact about you?
I don’t know how interesting this is, but I’ve kept a daily diary since I was 12 years old.

Take 5 is a recurring set of questions designed to get to know our chapter’s board members.

Chapter position: Director at large
Current position: Public relations account supervisor, Nelson Schmidt

What do you find most beneficial about our chapter?
Being a member of PRSA allows all ages of communications professionals the ability to network with fellow professionals who they might never otherwise have had the opportunity to engage with. There’s a wonderful mix of backgrounds and experience from corporate, agency and nonprofits that encourages and promotes very beneficial idea sharing. Our monthly luncheon programs provide a unique and convenient way to stay up-to-date on the most relevant PR topics, while networking (did I mention NETWORKING?), while our socials and annual PRPalooza are great events where you can kick back and have some fun in a more casual atmosphere (and network…). We are a super fun (and well-connected) group! #justsayin

What social media outlets do you use?
Personally, I’m very active on Facebook, which, according to my 16-year-old sister, makes me old. I also think that LinkedIn is a great way to stay “virtually connected” with your business network. I have a Twitter account that is essentially random and ridiculous that I don’t keep up with very often… unless there is an awards show or the Packers are playing. I’m also obsessed with Pinterest – I should legitimately look into some kind of rehabilitation program.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I live in Wauwatosa with my 8-year-old daughter, Molly and rescue terrier-mix, Kirby. We spend a lot of time at local parks, museums, festivals, and other wholesome family places. I also enjoy checking out new restaurants and bars throughout the city. Live music and karaoke is my jam (see what I did there?) – but, fair warning: 90s rap WILL happen at karaoke. I apologize in advance to anyone who has or may encounter that. I also am an avid reader and writer (I do work in PR after all!).

What’s your favorite restaurant in Southeastern Wisconsin?
La Merenda is my favorite restaurant in the city for “fancy food.” The atmosphere and quality is just amazing. I also love Cielito Lindo for Mexican food… It’s so cozy and friendly with great, cheap Mexican food. Blue’s Egg is bar none the best breakfast spot in the city. I also love Juniper 61. No – I can’t pick just one…

What’s the best vacation you’ve taken?
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, hands down. We rented a beautiful villa with a salt water infinity pool and a gorgeous view of the ocean – literally the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen in my life. Awesome balance of low-key relaxation and vacation/beach shenanigans. Even with the semi-severe sun stroke I got from floating in the pool drinking cocktails and smoking cigars all day – I’d go there again in a heartbeat.