Annabel Beyra, APR
Partner
Fusion Communications
Miami, Florida
Applying for: Sunshine District Director
Alternate Position(s):
Biography
With more than 20 years of experience in communications, Annabel Beyra has led integrated programs for companies in a wide array of industries including technology and consumer electronics, travel and tourism, real estate, healthcare, food and beverage and logistics and transportation.
In 2005, Annabel was named a “Heavy Hitter in Public Relations” by the South Florida Business Journal for her work in creating strategic public relations campaigns that help companies meet their communications goals.
During her time as vice president of public relations for GrupoUno International, a full-service marketing communications firm, Annabel’s clients included Palm Latin America, Samsung, Yahoo! en español and DHL. At Fusion, she has represented such clients as VMware, AOC, Medtronic and CBRE.
Annabel has demonstrated her mastery of strategic communications by earning the Accredited in Public Relations designation from the Public Relations Society of America. She has served PRSA’s Miami chapter in numerous leadership roles including 2011 chapter president, assembly delegate and 2016 district conference co-chair.
Beyra earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Master of Science in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She also studied at Florida International University.
PRSA Accomplishments
Chapter Leadership
2012 – Immediate Past President
2011 – President
2010 – President Elect
2010 – Membership Chair
2009 – Secretary
2008 – Secretary
2007 – Board of Director
Chapter Committees
2015 – Diversity Chair
2015 – Assembly Delegate
2013 – Assembly Delegate
2012 – Assembly Delegate
2012 – Membership Chair
2010 – Membership Chair
2007 – Accreditation Chair
2006 – Accreditation Chair
National Committees
2014 – Nominating Committee Alternate Rep for Sunshine District
District Leadership
2016 – Sunshine District Conference Co-Chair
Governance Skills
As chapter president of PRSA Miami, I have demonstrated the aforementioned skills.
I was also a founding member of the non-profit organization ITWomen (www.itwomen.org) and am familiar with steering an organization forward.
Leadership Skills
I am an owner of a successful, independent boutique PR firm, Fusion Communications (www.fusioncomminc.com). Leadership is a critical component as one has to be ready to stand up for what's in an organization's best interest and not cow tow to special interests. A leader also needs to do what they say, basically walk the walk and lead by example. As a PRSA national leader, I hope to contribute to furthering the goals of the organization and I intend to be an active participant in fulfilling my obligations to the national board.
Strengths
I follow through on what I say I'm going to do. A shining example is our successful District Conference. I have a Master's in Mental Health, which also may help a bit in conflict resolution. I believe possessing my APR is also a strength.
Volunteer Commitment
I am half owner of my company. My partnership allows me to be able to devote time to PRSA and other volunteer endeavors.
Position Statement #1
Prompt: The lines continue to blur among the disciplines of public relations, marketing, IT and customer service, and the need increases to create more collaborative teams and hybrid professionals. PRSA has continued to evolve and respond to these issues in support of our members, partners and colleagues. What do you believe are the strongest components of PRSA’s strategic plan that will help our members address these challenges, and how will PRSA remain relevant and sustainable for the future?
I'm excited about the certification in reputation management. This allows us to increase our opportunities to have a seat on the table. PRSA programming and professional develop allow us to have a diverse skill-set to be able to offer our services across disciplines. Diversity is an area that I'd like to personally become more involved with, as companies are struggling to incorporate diversity initiatives. I'm glad that PRSA also seized the opportunity to immediately comment on the "Alternative Facts" issue.
Position Statement # 2
Prompt: PRSA has become more complex and diverse in recent years. While the Society must become nimbler, we also are cognizant that we must help prepare our members to meet tomorrow’s challenges as leaders at every level. The role of the communications professional will continue to evolve, and PRSA will anticipate future trends, and support our members at every stage of their career. As a member of PRSA’s national board, what do you see as your role in contributing to helping our membership meet tomorrow’s challenges as leaders?
Communications has evolved a great deal, with social media and 24/7 news cycles. This presents a great challenge for retraining, but also presents a great opportunity for us to provide value to organizations. It's an exciting time for us, but we have to remain relevant and I think we can do this regardless of age or gender. The district conference (http://prsamiami.org/meetinginfo.php?id=196&ts=1452613122) I co-chaired and helped organize was themed: PR Evolution: Many Platforms. Diverse Audiences. One Voice
I believe I've already begun to contribute in this area, but there's much to be done.
Annabel Beyra, APR
Category
Sunshine District Director