MEMBER PROFILE: Melody Hubbell

by Brandon Morris

Melody Hubbell has been an active member of the Little Rock Chapter of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for more than two years. She works as a public relations specialist at The Communications Group, a local integrated marketing communication firm.

“My agency strongly encourages professional development. Because of my experience with PRSSA, I already experienced the benefits PRSA provides including professional development and networking,” Hubbell replied when asked why she joined the organization.

After finalizing her major during her sophomore year at Arkansas State University—Jonesboro, Hubbell decided to join PRSSA and quickly worked her way towards leadership in the organization; eventually becoming president her senior year.

“The first year was a good “look and listen” year. I learned that the field of public relations is a field that is all about “proof.” The second year I became the secretary and treasurer. That year I became friends with upperclassman that were going through their senior years. My senior year I became president of PRSSA and learned all about recruitment and how to be a good leader. I learned that you have to listen to your audience/members if you want them to participate. I learned that organization in an organization is important,” Hubbell comments.

She enjoys the camaraderie with other PR practitioners and also appreciates the networking and knowing who is in the business, learning how others got where they are and the advice they can offer. According to Hubbell, It’s nice to know that the challenges that she faces in public relations are the same for others. She enjoys talking about them and come up with solutions.

When asked about her job, Hubbell comments, “[I like] so many things, but probably the opportunity to gain experience in many facets of public relations. I’ve planned events, performed media relations, upgraded my writing portfolio and I am diving into social media. I’ve always enjoyed being empowered to take on multiple projects and learn new ways of communicating.”

After college, Hubbell took an internship with an international public relations and communications agency in Dallas. She says that was a great experience because it took her out of her comfort zone and forced me to think beyond “small town” marketing and communication. Working on wide array of clients such as American Airlines, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the United States Army allowed her to see many facets of public relations. She also had four internships while she was in college

Hubbell is a native of Caulfield, Missouri – a rural town in the south central portion of the state. She enjoys having the ability to do different things at the drop of a hat.

“Coming from a small town, we had to plan weekend trips just to go to a concert or a baseball game. Needless to say, catching a Travelers game is one of my favorite dates,” says Hubbell.

Why Join PRSA?

As a PRSA member, you become part of the nation's largest organization of communications professionals, with nearly 20,000 members nationwide. Learn from colleagues throughout the nation at PRSA's annual national conference, use the national PRSA Information Center to research or quickly get up to speed on a breaking problem or program. Plus, you'll receive the organization's monthly publication, Public Relations Tactics, which offers informative articles and case studies relating to our profession.

National membership to the Public Relations Society of America puts powerful tools into the hands the PR practitioner. All these tools can found at www.prsa.org.

Becoming a member of PRSA's Arkansas Chapter opens that door of opportunity to expand your professional horizons through professional development, educational, and networking activities. We also strive to bring the very best in our annual professional development seminars with top public relations leaders and dynamic speakers for our monthly luncheon meetings. Plus, the best of the best are awarded in our annual award programs.

If you are interested in joining the PRSA Arkansas Chapter, click here.