During today’s Presidents’ Luncheon, the following tribute video was shown to honor former FPRA state president Karen Plunkett, APR.
A 22-year veteran of the industry, Karen was a leader who cared deeply about the profession. She was a tireless advocate for public relations education and previously chaired the Florida Public Relations Education Foundation.
Karen was a former Florida Public Relations Association State President (1991) and FPRA Orlando Area Chapter President (1987). She was named Central Florida PR Professional of the Year in 1989 and FPRA Member of the Year in 1994. In 2008, she received FPRA’s highest individual honor — the John W. Dillin Award.
In recent years, Karen taught public relations at Rollins College and served as faculty advisor to its FPRA student chapter, Communiqué. She loved her students and was available for them at any hour, for any reason.
Karen was an inspiring role model, mentor, teacher, friend and colleague to many.
We as an association mourn Karen’s passing and will forever remember her contributions to FPRA and the profession she loved.
This tribute video was lovingly produced by Bob E. Gernert, Jr., APR, CPRC of the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter.