Member Spotlight: Linda Beltran, PRSA Chief Communications Officer
Posted on Oct. 7, 2025 / Member News / Subscribe 0
By Rachel Kerstetter, APR
Our Tampa Bay chapter of PRSA has hundreds of amazing members with great experience and influence in the industry and I love meeting each and every member at events and over calls.
Did you know that one of our own is actually the primary communicator for PRSA? Linda Beltran, a long-time PRSA Tampa Bay member, was named to the role of Chief Communications Officer for the national PRSA organization this year.
I had the opportunity to connect with Linda and share her experiences with you. Enjoy this Q&A with our PRSA Chief Communications Officer:
Q: What was the path that led to you becoming PRSA's Chief Communications Officer?
A: My path to becoming PRSA’s Chief Communications Officer has been anything but linear. However, throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to advocating for the public relations profession and helping others understand both what PR is—and what it isn’t.
I’ve spent the majority of my career in the hospitality industry, working for some of the world’s most respected luxury brands, including Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton, and Mandarin Oriental. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in brand storytelling, reputation management, and service-centered communication.
Along the way, I branched out into other industries, including live entertainment, high-tech, and social innovation. Whether leading communications for Disney On Ice, navigating global messaging at Oracle, or shaping strategic narratives at Hitachi, I had the opportunity to flex my skills in entirely new ways—always with an eye toward connecting purpose, people, and brand.
What ultimately drew me to this role was the opportunity to help shape the future of our industry. I’ve seen firsthand the power of strong, responsible, and inclusive communication across industries, and I’m honored to now be in a position to elevate that impact on our profession.
Q: What are some of the goals that you have for this organization and for your leadership role in it?
In 2027, PRSA will mark its 80th anniversary, so this exciting milestone will give us a platform and opportunity to honor our legacy and chart a bold, forward-looking course for the future of the association and the profession. It’s a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come, while reinforcing the continued relevance, value, and impact of public relations in an ever-evolving communications landscape.
In my leadership role, I’m committed to helping PRSA and its members navigate the transformative shifts shaping our industry. This includes promoting a deeper understanding of emerging technologies like AI…not as a threat to our roles, but as a strategic and integrity-driven tool that can strengthen our work, expand our capabilities, and enhance the value we bring to organizations and society.
I also want to ensure PRSA remains at the forefront of identifying and analyzing key industry trends, so our members are equipped to anticipate change, lead with insight, and stay ahead of what’s next.
Another important priority is to elevate and amplify thought leadership across the organization—starting with our CEO, members of the C-Suite, and our Board. By tapping into our collective expertise and diverse voices, we can position PRSA as the definitive authority on the practice and future of public relations.
And on a personal note, I’ve set a goal to earn my Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). I see this not only as a professional milestone, but as a meaningful way to demonstrate my deep commitment to the standards and principles that define our field.
Together, these goals reflect my passion for advancing the profession, empowering our members, and ensuring PRSA’s continued leadership for decades to come.
Q: What's the first news publication you read in the morning?
A: In full transparency, I get all the headlines online, from a variety of apps on a local, national, and international level, including my hometown paper in California.
Q: What was your first job in PR?
A: Just over a month after graduating from California State University, Fresno, I was hired as an administrative assistant for a high-tech PR agency, Tsantes & Associates. I worked there for two years and learned so much about my profession! I’m still in contact with many of my colleagues, especially the owner, John Tsantes…he was such a genius at our craft (he is now retired).
Q: Who is/was your most important career mentor and why?
A: I’ve been fortunate to be influenced by so many individuals who have shaped my career and leadership style, so it’s not just one person, but an amalgamation of several people whom I admire and emulate every day. But when it comes to my work ethic, my most important mentors were my parents, who taught me the value of hard work, honesty, and kindness.
Q: What is your most rewarding accomplishment in PR?
A: I tend to focus on the journey as a whole, having experienced so many rewarding moments throughout my career. But if I had to pick one that I am especially proud of, it would be a Wall Street Journal article I pitched, on a cold call, about a motorcycle rally in my hometown of Hollister, California. The editor assigned me the story on the spot because he wanted a first-person perspective. It ran on July 23, 1997.
Q: What advice would you give to new public relations professionals?
A: “¡Si, se puede!” (“Yes, you can!”) I suppose that’s my standard advice, regardless of the generation. First: don’t compare yourself to others. No two people’s stories or trajectories are alike. Also, expect detours. Personally, I have had to navigate four layoffs, which I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. However, I can honestly say that each time I lost a job, I landed exponentially better. And, in some cases, it was a “push” that I didn’t know I needed. And, finally, believe in yourself, because if you are doing your best, the best you possibly can, you will never let yourself down.
Q: What job would you pursue if you weren't in PR?
A: I would have been a concert clarinet player. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I worked very hard to be proficient when I was young. So, while my studies and life took time away from my playing time, it never diminished my love for music.
Q: Do you have a favorite vacation?
A: Japan. I lived there for two and a half years, and just recently visited (in June 2024) to show my husband the beauty of this country and its culture. I have long said, “Travel is the gift that you give yourself”, and I am grateful that my profession, coupled with my husband’s willingness to go anywhere, allows me to continue to explore new destinations – both foreign and domestic – on a regular basis.
Q: If you could invite any three people (living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and why?
A: My mother (who lost her battle to cancer in June 2023), whom I miss every day; Freddy Mercury, quite possibly the best vocalist of our time; and Peyton Manning, a sports legend and seemingly kind soul…now THAT would make for some very interesting dinner party conversation.
—---
I enjoyed getting to know Linda better and hope that you have too!
0 Comments