2023-24 Executive Board Applications
Below are the applications for the 2023-24 executive board. If interested, please download and email the completed application to mgoerl@kent.edu
2023-2024 PRSSA Kent Executive Board
Photo credit: Allison Ewing Photography
President - Madison Goerl (She/Her)
Maddie is a senior public relations student with minors in public health and advertising from Pittsburgh, PA. This is her fourth year in PRSSA and her third on the executive board. She previously served as the VP of Professional Relations and the VP of Fundraising and Community Outreach. In addition to PRSSA, Maddie is working as a public relations intern at Stow-Munroe Falls City School District this year. Maddie enjoys cooking, fitness and spending time outdoors. Inspired by her previous internship at Cleveland Clinic Philanthropy Institute, Maddie hopes to continue to work in healthcare post-graduation. She is looking forward to fostering a love for public relations among Kent State students in the upcoming school year.
VP of Professional Relations - Macy Rosen (She/Her)
Macy is a junior at Kent State University studying public relations. Macy grew up in East Palestine, Ohio, about an hour away from Kent State. This year, Macy will take on the role of VP of Professional Relations for PRSSA Kent. This is her third year in PRSSA Kent and her second year on the executive board. Macy is excited to work alongside her President, Maddie and the rest of the PRSSA Kent executive board. Along with PR, Macy is passionate about the beach, spontaneous adventures and spending time with family and friends. Upon graduating, she hopes to use these passions to become a member of an airline PR team like Delta or American Airlines.
VP of Membership - Katie Masko (She/Her)
Katie Masko is a public relations major with minors in leadership and advertising at Kent State. Katie is from Columbus, Ohio and this will be her 3rd year in PRSSA. As Vice-President of Membership, Katie is excited to connect and support students in any major if PRSSA resources will benefit them and get students involved in PRSSA from day one. Outside of class and PRSSA, Katie works for KentWired as the Social Media Director and works as a Career Peer at Career Exploration and Development (yes, she will look over your resume). Most recently, Katie was the PR/Communications Intern for Destination Cleveland, finding a great love for hospitality, tourism, urban planning and community development. Ultimately, she wants to end up doing something she loves by seeing where the world takes her!
VP of Communication - Chloe Wilson-Henline (She/Her)
Chloe Wilson-Henline is a senior public relations major with a minor in marketing from Pemberville, Ohio. This is her first year as an officer and second year as a member of PRSSA. As Vice-President of Communications, Chloe hopes to keep the newsletter engaging and informative while connecting with the PRSSA community at Kent State. Outside of PRSSA, Chloe enjoys her daily trip to Starbucks, reading, going to concerts and being with friends and family. Chloe is excited to see what this new year will bring!
Chair of Communication and Content Management - Angie Robinette (She/Her)
Angie is a sophomore public relations major with a marketing minor from Green, Ohio. This is her second year involved in Kent PRSSA and her first year on the executive board! Angie will be serving as Chair of Communication and Content Management and hopes to expand her PR skills and knowledge with this role. Outside of school and PRSSA, Angie spends most of her time reading or listening to music.
VP of Fundraising and Community Outreach - Cassidy Grentz (She/Her)
Cassidy Grentz is a junior studying public relations with a minor marketing. Cassidy is from Pittsburgh, Pa. This will be her second year on the PRSSA Board and she will be serving as VP of Fundraising and Community Outreach. Outside of PRSSA, Cassidy loves coffee, traveling and binge watching tv shows.
Ohio native Chania Crawford is a junior majoring in public relations at Kent State University. This is her third year being involved in PRSSA Kent, and second year on the executive board. Chania will be serving as the Co-Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Chania hopes to continue her DEI&B efforts in creating an inclusive environment for her peers and fellow board members. She is always looking for new opportunities and to connect with PR professionals around the world. She has an interest in the entertainment, music, fashion, agency, and tourism industries. Outside of PRSSA and school, she enjoys working out, shopping and hanging out with friends and family.
Co-Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Blake Serrano (He/Him)
Blake Serrano is a junior public relations major from Houston, Texas who has minors in marketing and advertising. This is his third year in PRSSA and second serving on the PRSSA executive board. He is eager for his role as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging co-chair and hopes to further emphasize the importance of diverse perspective and voices in public relations. Blake initially joined PRSSA to meet more people in the PR major and to get insight on various industries in PR. Outside of school, Blake loves hanging out with friends, binging any type of reality TV, going to the gym and playing tennis.
Web and Social Media Co-Manager - Camryn Lanning (She/Her)
Camryn is a senior public relations student with minors in advertising and sociology. Before attending Kent State University, Camryn grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA. This is her third year being involved in PRSSA and her second year serving on the executive board. This year, Camryn is thrilled to be one of the Web and Social Media Co-Managers and hopes to use her past DEI&B perspective to further PRSSA's digital development. Outside of PRSSA, Camryn is also involved in A Magazine and has her own radio show on Black Squirrel Radio. This past summer, she was also a Corporate Marketing Intern for Smithers-Oasis Co. and will be continuing this position. Outside of her work, Camryn enjoys fashion, journaling, reading, listening to music, collecting records and hanging out with her friends.
Web and Social Media Co-Manager - Alex Zito (He/Him)
Alex is a senior public relations major and advertising minor from Hudson, OH. This is his second year being involved in PRSSA and his first year on the executive board, serving as one of the Web and Social Media Co-Chairs. Alex seeks to utilize his skills to create a unique, engaging and recognizable brand for the PRSSA social media channels. He is always looking to connect with professionals and learn more about the digital side of PR. Alex is passionate about creative storytelling, digital design, working out and spending time with friends and family. He plans on pursuing a creative career in content creation.
Chapter Account Executive - Genevieve Krejci (She/Her)
Genevieve Krejci is a senior public relations and advertising double major at Kent State. Genevieve is from Medina, Ohio. This is her third year in Kent PRSSA and her second year as an officer! As Chapter Account Executive, Genevieve hopes to create connections with younger students and help them become the best they can be. Outside of PRSSA, Genevieve enjoys snowboarding, watching every TV show ever made, and spending time with friends and family. Genevieve is beyond excited about the new semester and what it will bring.
Special Events Coordinator - Evelyn Willett (She/Her)
Evelyn is a public relations junior at Kent State University. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve as this year's special events coordinator and can't wait to work with PRSSA Kent's talented team. She hopes to one day work in the event planning, employee relations, non-profit or CSR sector. Until then, Evelyn enjoys participating in on-campus organizations, hiking, sewing, crocheting and working on her small boutique, Little Flower Life.
National Millennial/Gen Z Community - Mia Cadle (She/Her)
Mia is a senior public relations major at Kent State University. She has been involved with PRSSA since her freshman year and during her sophomore year, she began to work more with NMGZ. Since then, she has traveled to Boston and New York City with the group. This year, she is continuing her position on the PRSSA executive board as the NMGZ Chair. When she is not working with PRSSA or NMGZ, Mia loves to read.
Faculty Adviser: Michele E. Ewing, APR (She/Her)
Michele Ewing, APR has more than 15 years experience in agency and corporate public relations. Before joining the Kent State faculty, Michele was a vice president at Marcus Thomas LLC, an advertising and public relations agency in Cleveland and Youngstown.
During her 12-year tenure at Marcus Thomas, Michele played an active role in the management and growth of the public relations division with emphasis on the division's healthcare, internal and marketing public relations communications practices. Prior to Marcus Thomas, Michele worked for two Ohio hospitals.
Under her direction, PRSSA Kent has won six national PRSSA Teahan awards and numerous Kent State Student Involvement honors.
Michele teaches PR Campaigns, Public Relations Tactics and Principles of Public Relations courses. During the spring semester 2012, Michele co-taught the new Global Advertising and Public Relations course, which included a two-week study abroad experience in London.
Michele's research interests include internal communications, social media, student engagement and career preparation.
Follow Michele on Twitter @meewing, connect with her on Linkedin or email her.
During her 12-year tenure at Marcus Thomas, Michele played an active role in the management and growth of the public relations division with emphasis on the division's healthcare, internal and marketing public relations communications practices. Prior to Marcus Thomas, Michele worked for two Ohio hospitals.
Under her direction, PRSSA Kent has won six national PRSSA Teahan awards and numerous Kent State Student Involvement honors.
Michele teaches PR Campaigns, Public Relations Tactics and Principles of Public Relations courses. During the spring semester 2012, Michele co-taught the new Global Advertising and Public Relations course, which included a two-week study abroad experience in London.
Michele's research interests include internal communications, social media, student engagement and career preparation.
Follow Michele on Twitter @meewing, connect with her on Linkedin or email her.
Professional Adviser: Carrie Ann Kandes
Connect with Carrie on LinkedIn or contact her via email. Carrie Kandes is a public relations (PR) and marketing communications leader with more than 20 years of in-house and agency experience. Adept in relationship cultivation and team building, she is skilled across public relations sub-disciplines, has expertise in brand development and has led integrated marketing communications campaigns and teams. During her career, Carrie has worked with both consumer and business-to-business brands in the healthcare, financial, manufacturing, nonprofit, security and transportation segments.
Carrie is currently the director of marketing for the Youngstown and Lorain regions of Mercy Health, the largest health system in Ohio. In this field leadership role, Carrie drives strategies to enhance the reputation of and drive patient volumes for the system within Northeast Ohio. Her responsibilities include leading region-specific marketing planning and execution, focused on activities that effectively position and differentiate Mercy Health; strengthen audiences’ connection to the brand; drive reputation for quality; and increase awareness, consideration and preference.
Prior to her tenure with Mercy Health, Carrie spent a decade in agency leadership, including ownership of her own consultancy, as well as serving as the vice president and associate director of PR for Cleveland’s Marcus Thomas. She built effective programs, delivered strategic counsel, advised leaders and positioned brands for clients including Akron Children’s Hospital; Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems; Diebold, Incorporated; FirstLight® Home Care; Lifebanc; Nestlé Waters North America; Shearer’s Foods; Sherwin-Williams; Technology Management, Inc.; Volvo Group Trucks North America; Westfield Group; and WKSU. During the first half of her career, Carrie served in various public relations and marcom roles with organizations including Diebold and Summa Health System.
Carrie is a Kent State University (KSU) alumnus and has been an adjunct professor in the university’s PR sequence. She is a frequent guest lecturer and currently a professional adviser for the KSU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Carrie served as the president of the organization’s Akron-Area Chapter and a director for the Greater Cleveland Chapter. In 2012, she was recognized for her work mentoring students and young professionals with the Greater Cleveland PRSA Davis Young Award. A graduate of Leadership Akron (Class XXVI), Carrie was named one of Akron’s “30 for the Future” by the Greater Akron Chamber. She has been active in the community, most recently working for akhia communications, a northeast Ohio communications firm.
Connect with Carrie on LinkedIn or contact her via email.
Carrie is currently the director of marketing for the Youngstown and Lorain regions of Mercy Health, the largest health system in Ohio. In this field leadership role, Carrie drives strategies to enhance the reputation of and drive patient volumes for the system within Northeast Ohio. Her responsibilities include leading region-specific marketing planning and execution, focused on activities that effectively position and differentiate Mercy Health; strengthen audiences’ connection to the brand; drive reputation for quality; and increase awareness, consideration and preference.
Prior to her tenure with Mercy Health, Carrie spent a decade in agency leadership, including ownership of her own consultancy, as well as serving as the vice president and associate director of PR for Cleveland’s Marcus Thomas. She built effective programs, delivered strategic counsel, advised leaders and positioned brands for clients including Akron Children’s Hospital; Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems; Diebold, Incorporated; FirstLight® Home Care; Lifebanc; Nestlé Waters North America; Shearer’s Foods; Sherwin-Williams; Technology Management, Inc.; Volvo Group Trucks North America; Westfield Group; and WKSU. During the first half of her career, Carrie served in various public relations and marcom roles with organizations including Diebold and Summa Health System.
Carrie is a Kent State University (KSU) alumnus and has been an adjunct professor in the university’s PR sequence. She is a frequent guest lecturer and currently a professional adviser for the KSU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Carrie served as the president of the organization’s Akron-Area Chapter and a director for the Greater Cleveland Chapter. In 2012, she was recognized for her work mentoring students and young professionals with the Greater Cleveland PRSA Davis Young Award. A graduate of Leadership Akron (Class XXVI), Carrie was named one of Akron’s “30 for the Future” by the Greater Akron Chamber. She has been active in the community, most recently working for akhia communications, a northeast Ohio communications firm.
Connect with Carrie on LinkedIn or contact her via email.
Professional Adviser: Stephanie Duffy
Stephanie Duffy is a Vertical Marketing Manager at nVent focusing on energy storage, e-mobility, utilities and renewables. Prior to working for the manufacturer, she worked in the agency world gaining experience in writing, media relations, strategic public relations, social media planning, event planning and project management.
She has worked with clients in several practice areas and industries including building products, Northeast Ohio non-profits and entertainment. Stephanie is a 2011 Kent State University and PRKent graduate, where she served as President of the Kent State PRSSA Chapter and was part of the 2010 Bateman team.
Since graduation, she has served on several boards including AAF-Akron, PRSA Akron and the Akron Zoo’s Summer Safari fundraiser. Stephanie lives in Akron-area with her husband and daughter. As an overly-obsessed soccer fan, she can be found at a soccer game on any given weekend.
Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn or contact her via email.
She has worked with clients in several practice areas and industries including building products, Northeast Ohio non-profits and entertainment. Stephanie is a 2011 Kent State University and PRKent graduate, where she served as President of the Kent State PRSSA Chapter and was part of the 2010 Bateman team.
Since graduation, she has served on several boards including AAF-Akron, PRSA Akron and the Akron Zoo’s Summer Safari fundraiser. Stephanie lives in Akron-area with her husband and daughter. As an overly-obsessed soccer fan, she can be found at a soccer game on any given weekend.
Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn or contact her via email.
Professional Advisor: Sophia Iannelli
Sophia Iannelli is a marketing content manager at BelFlex Staffing & Intellex located in Cincinnati, Ohio. In this role she oversees all marketing efforts (social media coordination, campaign management, content creation, project management etc.) for both companies.
Previously, Sophia worked at Mike Albert Fleet Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio. In her role as Marketing Specialist, she coordinated marketing efforts such as content creation, project management and campaign management for three of its companies.
Sophia is a 2020 Kent State University and PRKent graduate, where she held four positions on the PRSSA Kent executive board, serving as president during the 2019-20 academic year. She remains a member of PRSA.
During her time at Kent State, Sophia also worked with Kent State Student Media as the marketing and promotions manager.
Outside of work, she is a huge fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and Xavier Musketeers and loves spending time with her friends, family and fur-baby, Hopper. You can always find Sophia at the nearest Skyline Chili!
Connect with Sophia on LinkedIn or contact her via email.
Previously, Sophia worked at Mike Albert Fleet Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio. In her role as Marketing Specialist, she coordinated marketing efforts such as content creation, project management and campaign management for three of its companies.
Sophia is a 2020 Kent State University and PRKent graduate, where she held four positions on the PRSSA Kent executive board, serving as president during the 2019-20 academic year. She remains a member of PRSA.
During her time at Kent State, Sophia also worked with Kent State Student Media as the marketing and promotions manager.
Outside of work, she is a huge fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and Xavier Musketeers and loves spending time with her friends, family and fur-baby, Hopper. You can always find Sophia at the nearest Skyline Chili!
Connect with Sophia on LinkedIn or contact her via email.
Professional Advisor: Sheila Vandergriff
Sheila Vandergriff is a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio. She has over 20 years of nonprofit communications, development and public relations experience working with independent organizations, in higher education and in healthcare. With a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University, she began writing engineering reports for a global manufacturer.
Afterwards, she worked at a nonprofit organization where she wrote grants, cultivated partnerships and developed educational programs.
Sheila joined the Hiram College development department assuming responsibility for leadership giving, student projects and cross-country events.
She then transitioned to Summa Health System where she built the fundraising communications platform for the Foundation and formulated publications. With a passion for animal welfare, Sheila returned to an independent nonprofit as the executive director. It was a chance to provide direction, to use her expertise and to be part of an exceptional group of people dedicated to helping animals in need. It also led to collaboration with civic leaders, law enforcement and other animal welfare agencies.
Sheila holds a master’s degree from Kent State University in Journalism, Mass Communications and Public Relations. She’s served on various boards and is a graduate of Leadership Portage County. Currently, Sheila's duties include marketing and business development. Outside of work, Sheila travels, enjoys photography and gardening, and is an avid genealogist.
Connect with Sheila on LinkedIn or contact her via email.
Afterwards, she worked at a nonprofit organization where she wrote grants, cultivated partnerships and developed educational programs.
Sheila joined the Hiram College development department assuming responsibility for leadership giving, student projects and cross-country events.
She then transitioned to Summa Health System where she built the fundraising communications platform for the Foundation and formulated publications. With a passion for animal welfare, Sheila returned to an independent nonprofit as the executive director. It was a chance to provide direction, to use her expertise and to be part of an exceptional group of people dedicated to helping animals in need. It also led to collaboration with civic leaders, law enforcement and other animal welfare agencies.
Sheila holds a master’s degree from Kent State University in Journalism, Mass Communications and Public Relations. She’s served on various boards and is a graduate of Leadership Portage County. Currently, Sheila's duties include marketing and business development. Outside of work, Sheila travels, enjoys photography and gardening, and is an avid genealogist.
Connect with Sheila on LinkedIn or contact her via email.