PRSA Lookout

There's still time to join us! On Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., PRSA Lookout will be at CHA Ballet for a behind-the-scenes look at how one of our community's premier arts organizations shares its story and serves through the power of dance. Hear from Brian McSween, CEO and Artistic Director, as he discusses Chattanooga Ballet's communications, community impact, and mission, then enjoy a special performance by Chattanooga Ballet dancers.

Space is limited to the first 25 registrations, so reserve your spot today! https://lnkd.in/e2T4sjrT

One of the best parts of PRSA is getting to know the talented professionals who make up our chapter. Learn more about this month's featured member in our latest Member Q&A!

1. Please share your full name, title, and place of work.

Hi! I’m Mandy Senn-Simmons, Vice President at 6 STRONG MEDIA. My husband and I own a national video production agency, where we help organizations produce high-quality video content. For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible clients in Chattanooga and across the country.

2. How long have you been a member of PRSA?

I have been a member of PRSA for many years and have enjoyed being part of a community of communications professionals who are passionate about learning, growing, and supporting one another.

3. What is one thing you have gained from your membership, whether professionally or personally?

The relationships. Chattanooga has an incredible communications community, and PRSA has given me the opportunity to connect with talented professionals from a variety of industries. I’ve learned as much from conversations with fellow members as I have from any formal program.

4. What do you enjoy most about working in communications, marketing, or public relations?

I love helping organizations discover and share the stories that make them unique. Every company, nonprofit, and community have something meaningful to say, but sometimes it takes an outside perspective to uncover the message that will truly connect with people. Since our focus is video content, I especially enjoy bringing those stories to life in a way that is authentic, engaging, and memorable. Seeing the impact a video can have on an audience never gets old.

5. What is a piece of career advice you would share with someone entering the profession?

Be yourself! Fight the imposture syndrome! You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room or follow someone else’s path to be successful. Your unique perspective is valuable, and you are enough exactly as you are. Don’t spend your career comparing yourself to others or trying to fit someone else’s definition of success. Also, don’t underestimate the value of relationships. Your reputation and the way you treat people will take you further than any resume ever could.

6. What is your favorite Chattanooga spot for coffee, lunch, or networking?

My favorite spot is Milk & Honey. It’s quirky, has a great menu, and offers plenty of cozy spots for meetings.

7. What is a fun fact that most people would be surprised to learn about you?

I can be an introvert! I’m loud and proud, but people are often surprised to learn that I need a lot of quiet time to recharge. I love people, building relationships, and being involved in my community, but the older I get, the more I’ve come to appreciate the balance between being social and having time to myself.

Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 2, for a unique behind-the-scenes look at the communications and community impact of CHA Ballet! Brian McSween, CEO and Artistic Director, will discuss how Chattanooga Ballet shares its mission, engages the community, and serves through the power of dance. Attendees will also enjoy a special performance by Chattanooga Ballet dancers.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 2
🕦 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
📍 Chattanooga Ballet

Space is limited to the first 25 registrations, so reserve your spot today! https://www.tickettailor.com/events/prsalookout/2306722

A big thank you to Daniel Kopf and the Chattanooga Lookouts for an outstanding behind-the-scenes look at Erlanger Park this week! Our PRSA Lookout chapter and guests had a great time learning about the vision, planning, and thoughtful details that shaped the new ballpark. Thank you to everyone who joined us; we hope you enjoyed this special program as much as we did! ⚾

Go ahead and mark your calendars for our September 2 program with Chattanooga Ballet’s Brian McSween. Spots are limited for this one, so RSVP in advance if you’d like to attend: https://lnkd.in/e2T4sjrT

Tomorrow's the day! Join us at Erlanger Park at 11:30 a.m. for an inside look at the communications and marketing strategy behind the Chattanooga Lookouts' new home. Hear from Dan Kopf, Vice President of Marketing, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark.

You won't want to miss this one! Register today: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/prsalookout/2306706

Please meet this year's PRSA Lookout Chapter Vice President, Kristyna Selph, APR. Kristyna serves as Senior Manager of Operations & Corporate Communications at the Tennessee Valley Authority, where she leads strategic communications initiatives and operational efforts that support the organization's mission. A dedicated communications leader and APR professional, she brings thoughtful leadership and a passion for strengthening the profession, and we're grateful for the expertise and commitment she continues to share with our chapter.

Have you registered for our August program? Join PRSA Lookout on Wednesday, August 5, at 11:30 a.m., as Dan Kopf, Vice President of Marketing for the Chattanooga Lookouts, takes us on a tour of Erlanger Park while sharing the intentionality behind the new stadium, along with the communications and marketing strategy used to announce, promote, and introduce it to the Chattanooga community.

Whether you're interested in branding, community engagement, placemaking, or strategic communications, this is a great opportunity to learn how one of Chattanooga's most anticipated projects came to life and how its story was shared with the public.

Register today: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/prsalookout/2306706

Meet PRSA Southeast District Board Director-at-Large Joseph V. Trahan III, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA.

Dr. Tranhan is president/CEO of Trahan & Associates and a leading media relations and crisis communication trainer. A New Orleans native, he brings 40+ years of
experience across government, nonprofit, education, and associations.

A retired U.S. Army Reserve LTC, he led major Joint Information operations in the 1990s. Since 1998, he has trained 3,500+ professionals annually across 46
states and multiple countries.

Dr. Trahan holds degrees from Tulane, Ball State, and The University of Southern Mississippi, and is a past chair of the PRSA Educators Academy. A member of
multiple halls of fame and recipient of national PRSA honors, he’s also a proud New Orleans Saints fan.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way communications professionals work, but using it effectively requires more than simply knowing the latest tools. In her latest article, PRSA Lookout member and public relations lecturer at the The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Desirae Johnson, M.A., explores how PR professionals can embrace AI as a strategic partner while maintaining the critical thinking, creativity, and ethical judgment that define our profession. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking to strengthen your approach, this article offers practical insights for today's communicators.

Read The PR Pro's Guide to Artificial Intelligence: https://prsalookout.org/2026/07/15/the-pr-pros-guide-to-artificial-intelligence/

Please join us in welcoming our newest PRSA Lookout member, Jannat Saeed, Director of Marketing and Communications at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga! We're excited to have you as part of our chapter and look forward to connecting with you at upcoming programs and events. Thank you for being part of Chattanooga's growing public relations and communications community.