President Spotlight: Laura Fontanills, APR
Posted on Mar. 28, 2024 / Member News / Subscribe
This special President Spotlight profiles Laura Fontanills, APR, who is 2024 president of PRSA Tampa Bay and who is also marketing and communications director at the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. She joined PRSA Tampa Bay in 2006 and has previously served as a member of the Programs Committee, the Media Roundtable Program Committee, and the PRSSA and New Professionals Committee.
1. Why did you want to become PRSA Tampa Bay president?
I have served as chair or president for a couple of other organizations in the past, but nothing to this scale. I really wanted to challenge myself and hone my leadership skills while giving back to the chapter.
Our 2023 president, Terri Durdaller, passes me the gavel at our chapter’s holiday mixer last December.
2. Major goals for the chapter this year?
We’ve made a commitment this year to invest in our chapter and members. Immediate Past President and Membership Chair Terri Durdaller and President-Elect Justin Herndon, APR, have put together a membership strategy in order to increase member engagement and retention.
We also have a strong focus on programs, which is especially important as we get back to more in-person events this year.
Additionally, we are looking to revamp our Prestige Programs and have greater participation this year. We’ll be unveiling a new platform for the submission process that will be more user-friendly and will eliminate many problems that people have experienced in the past. Our goal is to increase the number of submissions this year by 50.
As a final note, we are aiming to increase collaboration across committees and starting to see progress in this area. For example, a member of the Digital Communications Committee is sitting in on the Programs Committee meetings, and some members of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee are participating on other committees. This is improving our planning and communication for several events and initiatives.
3. First news publication you read in the morning?
Difficult to say because there are so many, and I don’t always read them in the same order. I subscribe to a load of e-newsletters that I peruse every morning, including ones from the Tampa Bay Times, the New York Times, the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Axios Tampa Bay, Florida Trend, and the Business Observer.
4. First public relations jobs?
Before my current role, my career was with local PR firms, starting with Tucker/Hall, then Common Language, and then B2 Communications.
5. Most important career mentor, and why?
My current boss, Michelle Bauer, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with twice over the last 15 years. We’ve accomplished a lot together, and I’ve learned a great deal from her. Early on in my career, she put a lot of trust in me that really helped build my confidence, and she’s always been there for me and been one of my biggest advocates.
Receiving an award from the International Economic Development Council last year for the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council’s LinkedIn lead-generation campaigns.
6. Top language usage or writing pet peeve?
Probably when people mistakenly use a possessive when they mean to use a plural.
7. Most rewarding accomplishment in public relations?
Earning my APR in 2013 was a proud moment, especially after so many hours of study and preparation.
With my partner, Ivo, on a recent staycation in Tierra Verde, Florida.
8. Advice to new public relations professionals?
Network! It’s important to have a strong professional network of contacts. You never know when you might need to tap into your network for a reference, advice or a new job. But don’t forget to reciprocate when a trusted contact asks for your help!
9. Job you would pursue if you weren’t in public relations?
Definitely a baker. I have such a sweet tooth. Every year I make biscotti for my family and friends during the holidays. It’s a special tradition. About five years ago I started baking bread. I always like to point out that I was making sourdough before it started trending during the pandemic – and I’m still making it the old-fashioned way.
Learning to bake croissants during a cooking class at Sur La Table in Hyde Park Village. Not many things beat a fresh loaf of bread out of the oven!
10. Favorite movie?
That’s a tough one, but for classics, it’s The Sound of Music, and for romantic comedies, it’s Moonstruck. And I never get sick of Ghostbusters (1984 version).
11. Favorite vacation?
We’re incredibly lucky to live in paradise, with some of the world’s best beaches in our backyard. Some of my favorite vacations have been staycations along Florida’s beaches. Nothing beats a relaxing staycation of boating, eating yummy seafood and reading a good book on the beach.
At the Loeb Boathouse at Central Park on a trip to New York last December.
12. Any three dinner guests?
Julia Child, Shonda Rhimes and Matt Damon.
With Ivo and our dog, Oliver, on a boating trip.
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