Member Spotlight - June 2015 

MEET PRSA AUSTIN CHAPTER MEMBER: Whitney Herrick

What do you currently do for a living? I am an account executive at Austin-based firm Elizabeth Christian Public Relations where I help manage clients such as St. David’s HealthCare, Google and Google Fiber, Twin Liquors and others.

What did you want to be growing up? Growing up, I thought I would become a journalist or maybe a fiction writer. I’ve always been an avid reader.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the communications industry? I loved learning about people’s stories—whether they be personal or business related—and wanted to help share them.

Where are you from? Where have you lived? Dallas born and raised. I’ve spent my life in Texas, though someday I hope to venture somewhere else.

What college(s) did you attend? Texas State University

What was your first job in PR/communications? My first PR position was with my current firm, ECPR. I began interning with ECPR in August 2012 and was hired part-time prior to graduation (and full-time upon graduation). 

What is your best piece of advice to your fellow PR practitioners? In order to effectively communicate your client’s story, you need to listen and shape it in a way that appeals to the intended audience. Listen to what your client is asking for and do your best to deliver a product you’re proud of.  

What publication/book/blog do you recommend others read (professionally or personally)? I love The New York Times—read it every day. For industry news, I love PR Daily News. We also have great local papers in the area, so I encourage Austinites to pick up the Austin American-Statesman, too!

What are your favorite things to do in Austin? Favorite places to visit? Favorite restaurants? I’ve lived in Austin for more than two years and can say hands down my favorite things to do in this city involve the outdoors—Zilker Park, the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail, Barton Springs, Deep Eddy Pool, the Greenbelt… 

What is the best part about your job? The clients and my colleagues. It’s so rewarding to shape a client’s idea into something tangible to help generate awareness. Moving a project from an idea to reality is exciting and it’s all the better when you work alongside sharp, intelligent teammates.