FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter Member Evelyn Longa Earns Professional Public Relations Accreditation

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 13, 2022) – Evelyn Longa, APR, of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), recently earned her professional public relations accreditation, and received the designation of Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

Longa joins the more than 4,300 active public relations professionals worldwide who represent an elite group of skilled professionals committed to practicing with high ethical standards, including 40 currently in Southwest Florida.

As the public information officer at Collier County Public Utilities, Longa leads the communications program to strengthen relationships with employees, customers and community organizations. She provides strategic PR counsel, manages media relations and directs brand storytelling across all social media, website and advertising channels. Her 20 years of experience in PR include managing global communications at IBM and overseeing community relations at the American Cancer Society. Longa also previously worked as a journalist at The News-Press where she wrote feature stories and a popular column about America’s favorite pastime – shopping. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Loyola University and a master’s degree in public relations from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.

To earn public relations accreditation, candidates must pass an oral presentation and rigorous written examination administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is an alliance of eight national and statewide professional associations dedicated to furthering the field of public relations and the development of public relations professionals. FPRA is a member of the UAB.

About the Florida Public Relations Association

Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. It is comprised of 15 professional and 14 student chapters throughout the state, providing professional development, networking and professional recognition opportunities. The Southwest Florida Chapter serves professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For additional information, please visit the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA website at www.fpraswfl.org.