Member Spotlight: Mary Margaret Hull, APR
Posted on Sep. 7, 2016 / Subscribe 0
This Member Spotlight profiles Mary Margaret Hull, APR, who is the lead communications coordinator for the Southwest Florida Water Management District. She joined PRSA Tampa Bay in 2012, served last year as the inaugural PRestige Awards chair, and this year was appointed a board member and also serves as the PRestige Awards co-chair and a member of the Membership Committee.
1. First news publication you read in the morning?
I’m a fan of News Channel 8, which I watch every morning while making a smoothie for breakfast. When I arrive to work, I read the daily DEPNews Clips (from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection).
2. First public relations job?
My first job out of college was water conservation specialist for the City of Tampa. I developed communications tools and programs to increase awareness and promote actions that conserve water for youth and adult groups.
3. Most important career mentor?
I’ve worked for some wonderful bosses over the years, and each one has provided meaningful mentoring to me along the way, including Wendy Nero; India Williams; Honey Rand, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA; Beth Putnam; Michael Molligan; and Robyn Felix.
4. Top grammar, style or writing pet peeve?
It annoys me a little when I see (1) misuse of apostrophes, like “1980’s,” “60’s” or “PDF’s”; (2) two spaces after a period (use find and replace to correct); and (3) “web site” written as two words (when the official spelling for it, according to AP style, has been one word since 2010).
5. Most rewarding accomplishment in public relations?
Earning my Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), on Aug. 29, 2014, was the most rewarding PR accomplishment in my life.
6. Advice to new public relations professionals?
Join and actively volunteer with your local PRSA chapter! It’s a great way to gain skills for your résumé that you aren’t using in your regular job.
7. Job you would pursue if you weren’t in public relations?
If not in PR, I’d like to be an organic farmer.
8. Favorite movie?
Two of my all-time favorites include Forrest Gump and the animated film The Incredibles.
9. Favorite vacation?
My husband and I went to Alaska for two weeks before we started our family. Some highlights were taking guided salmon and halibut fishing trips; riding in a helicopter to a glacier and walking around on it; hiking in Denali National Park; whale watching in the Gulf of Alaska; visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward; and meeting some wonderful Alaska residents.
10. Any three dinner guests?
I would love to invite Rachel Carson, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas and John Muir over for dinner. My husband is an excellent cook.
In my free time, I enjoy running with friends. I’ve run 14 races during the past four years, including seven half-marathons, and I’m looking forward to my first Ragnar trails race in December at Alafia River State Park.
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