By Kristen Rapin, kr3237054@ohio.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (April 27, 2009)—Junior public relations major Janelle Huelsman, CEO of ImPRessions, has been named a member of the PRSSA National Committee. Huelsman will serve the 2009-2010 school year as vice president of Advocacy.

“I feel very honored and humbled to be elected by the PRSSA delegates from around the country, and I’m rather excited to serve on the National Committee,” said Huelsman. “I hope my serving will set the stage for other students here to get involved at the national level.”

Huelsman was elected at the National Assembly in New Orleans in late March. She was among 25 students who vied for ten committee position. Each student had to apply for the national committee in February. Their applications, recommendations and essays were then sent to each voting delegate (one per PRSSA school) prior to the Assembly. At the Assembly the candidates each had to give a five-minute speech and participate in a 15-minute Q&A round.

PRSSA president Paul Matson and PRSSA advisor Michelle Honald both recommended Huelsman for the committee.

“Janelle possesses a rare passion for her field and the mission of PRSSA,” said Matson. “She consistently represents Ohio University in an exceptional way through her charisma, dedication and skill."

As vice president of Advocacy, Huelsman will be responsible for choosing and addressing a topic regarding current issues or events facing the public relations profession. She will take an active role in promoting the ethical conduct of PRSSA and also will oversee PRSSA international chapters and collaborate with the PRSA Advocacy Committee.

 “I can’t say enough good things about Janelle. She’s an intelligent, conscientious, committed person,” said Honald. “Perfect for the job she chose, to me, she embodies ethic and advocacy,” said Honald. 

Huelsman is the first Ohio University student to ever serve on the National Committee. She will begin her term June 1.

Huelsman served as director of public relations for Scoop08.com, from January 2008 to February 2009, when her work resulted in coverage on “CNN Newsroom,” and The Boston Globe, among more than 100 other national and international placements. She also recently served as a panelist for the Political New Media panel during the Schuneman Symposium on Photojournalism and New Media at Ohio University.

For more about the OU chapter of PRSSA visit www.ohiouprssa.org.