FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter Member Lauren Stillwell Bernaldo Earns Professional Public Relations Accreditation

FORT MYERS, Fla.  – Lauren Stillwell Bernaldo, APR, of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), recently earned her professional public relations accreditation, and received the designation of Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

Bernaldo joins the more than 4,300 active public relations professionals worldwide who represent an elite group of skilled professionals committed to practicing with high ethical standards, including 42 currently in Southwest Florida.

Bernaldo serves as the chief communications officer for the Lee County Tax Collector where she increases public awareness through community engagement while helping build a supportive and innovative organizational culture. After graduating with a degree in media and politics, Bernaldo spent over 20 years as an award-winning writer, producer, executive producer and assistant news director at NBC4 in Columbus, Ohio, MSNBC and NBC2/ABC7 in Fort Myers, Fla. Prior to her current role, she served as director of communications, chief of staff, and chief engagement officer for the School District of Lee County. Bernaldo is a mother to three exceptional children, wife to a wonderful husband, an avid reader, an accomplished microwave dinner preparer, and a lifelong Cincinnati Bengals fan, which she has always been proud to admit.

To earn public relations accreditation, candidates must pass an oral presentation and rigorous written examination administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is an alliance of eight national and statewide professional associations dedicated to furthering the field of public relations and the development of public relations professionals. FPRA is a member of the UAB.

About the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. It is comprised of 15 professional and 14 student chapters throughout the state, providing professional development, networking and professional recognition opportunities. The Southwest Florida Chapter serves professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For additional information, please visit the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA website at www.fpraswfl.org.