Managing Our Priorities

A Message from Kaylin Staten, APR

Hi PRSA ECD community, I hope you have had a great summer and moments of relaxation that have allowed for a bit of a reset. Lately, as more tasks pile up on my plate, I have been focusing on what to keep and what to let go of, which is exceedingly challenging. I am sure you can relate! In more than one instance, I have either told myself or someone else that “done is better than perfect.” As a recovering perfectionist, this reminder occurs almost daily. And I’ve heard it from others lately, too – both in ECD realms and otherwise. So, I know the universe is trying to tell me something!  As I pen this letter for August, my level of excitement increases with each typed word (and I have been known to wear my heart on my sleeve). PRSA ECD has so many impactful events and initiatives either already underway or on the horizon. This newsletter will give you a preview of what is to come from PRSA ECD and also continue to tell the important stories of our Chapters. I am thrilled to be back in person for our QuickStart Leadership Conference! This year’s theme is “Amplifying Voices, Driving Impact,” and it’s slated for Sept. 16, and I hope each of you will consider coming to Columbus for this day filled with professional development, leadership resources, networking opportunities, and more. We have not had an in-person QuickStart since before the pandemic, and it will be lovely to see you in person and to experience the camaraderie in the same physical environment! Read this newsletter and also stay tuned for more information. Additionally, our PRSA ECD Board Retreat will be the day before on Sept. 15, with a happy hour after our meeting. If you are a Chapter leader or member and are already in town for QuickStart, we would love to have you there! I also want to extend a warm welcome to our newest board member, Director-at-Large Kim Skeltis, APR, with the West Michigan Chapter and her own consultancy, Blue Blaze PR. Kim’s appointment is the result of the special appointment I mentioned in our last newsletter and other communications. Kim will be taking the helm of our social media and some blog posts on our website. We are happy to have you, Kim, and look forward to working with you! I also encourage you to submit your campaigns and tactics during this year’s Diamond Awards. I have seen so many success stories this year with our Chapters’ awards programs. I invite you to submit those already award-winning entries for a chance to add a Diamond Award to your collections. The Call for Entries and more information is located at www.prsaecd.org/awards/diamond-awards.  Please stay tuned for more information about our impending 360 Survey, information about our nominating committee and Board 2024 slate, upcoming Leadership Forums during our board meetings, our 2024-2027 strategic plan, Platinum Award results, and much more. We have so much going on in our District – and there’s never a dull moment! I appreciate each of our Board members (and our administrator, Jen Gilman!) who work so diligently and passionately to advance the work of our District and PRSA in general. We are a true team, and we couldn’t accomplish nearly as much individually as we do collectively. I am always so inspired by your leadership and the work you do. Keep in touch with everything going on with PRSA ECD on our social media channels, as well as www.prsaecd.org. We always welcome your feedback and collaboration on projects, events, and other initiatives as well. One of my favorite parts about being Chair is seeing all of the wonderful work our Chapters are doing and then chatting with you during our roundtable discussions and in other settings. Keep up the exceptional work! I hope you have a wonderful end of the summer. As schools come back in session and we approach even more deadlines, my hope is that you take some much-needed time for yourself. We don’t always do that as PR practitioners and within our other roles. This, too, is another daily reminder I try to practice. Thank you, as always, for all you do! Warmly, Kaylin Kaylin R. Staten, APR 2023 ECD Board Chair