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PRSA’s Georgia Chapter , the second-largest local chapter in the national society, consists of some 850 professionals throughout Georgia. Its mission is to enhance the profession, provide continuing education and offer networking opportunities for its members.

The Chapter has monthly meetings as well as eight Special Interest Groups (Corporate & Employee Communications, Healthcare, Independent Counselors, Leader Board, Nonprofit, Technology, Travel & Tourism, and Young Professionals) that meet at various times.

The Chapter supports nine PRSSA (student society) groups at the following colleges: Berry College, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia College & State University, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, Savannah State University, University of Georgia (largest PRSSA chapter in the world), and University of West Georgia.

Neil Hirsch, APR/Novelis

Neil Hirsch, APR is manager of global external communications for Atlanta-based Novelis, the leading producer of rolled aluminum and the largest aluminum recycler in the world. In his role, he is responsible for media relations, corporate visibility, crisis communications, social media and government affairs for the corporation.

Prior to joining Novelis, Hirsch led U.S. communications for Solvay Pharmaceuticals; served on the communications team at Ford Motor Company and began his career working at Cookerly Public Relations.

He is currently president-elect of the Georgia Chapter of PRSA and will serve as Georgia Chapter president in 2014. Hirsch is a graduate of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication where he received his ABJ in public relations in 2000.

Elyse Hammett, APR, is vice president, public relations of EOS Marketing & Communications. A frequent guest lecturer at her alma mater, Emory University, Hammett also serves on the board of the Georgia Chapter, Public Relations Society of America as chair of the membership committee.

She is also active in the association’s APR training program, where she has coached more than 80 candidates since 2007 through the universal accreditation process to earn his or her APR designation.

Stephen Brown, APR/Cohn & Wolfe Atlanta

Stephen Brown, APR, is managing director of Cohn & Wolfe-Atlanta. His 16-year agency career includes work within advertising, public relations, marketing and interactive disciplines and he consults on topics ranging from media relations strategy to creative brainstorming to leveraging social media.

He recently spoke at the PRSA Annual Conference about “changing the beat” and harvesting new story opportunities. He currently is treasurer of the Georgia Chapter of PRSA, was secretary of the board last year and has served on numerous committees in the past.