A Seton Hall University graduate from Long Hill Township, N.J. was recently named the vice president of the New Jersey chapter of Public Relations Society of America.
Jill Kleiner, class of 2003, was voted vice president, effective Jan. 1, after a general election for the chapter. Kleiner previously served on the accreditation in public relations committee and was the secretary of PRSA N.J. for 2011.
"As elections approached, I was flattered that my colleagues nominated me for the vice president position," Kleiner said. "I am committed to PRSA N.J., it is an excellent professional organization."
Kleiner said in her role as vice president, she is looking forward to working closely with leadership within the chapter.
"My main goals are to raise awareness about the chapter and our great events, as well as increase membership," Kleiner said.
"In my prior role as secretary of PRSA, I had the opportunity to work closely with the 2011 president and programming director, gaining valuable insight into how PRSA N.J. operates," Kleiner said. "Additionally, several years ago, I earned my accreditation in public relations."
Kleiner said earning her accreditation "was a challenging, yet rewarding experience."
Outside of working for PRSA N.J. Kleiner is the vice president for Coyne Public Relations' beauty & fashion division.
"While at Seton Hall, Dr. Kathy Rennie raved about Coyne Public Relations based in Parsippany, New Jersey" Kleiner said. "I was hired as an account coordinator, worked really hard and moved up in the ranks."
Kleiner offered advice to all public relations majors at Seton Hall.
"Prior to graduation, it is essential for students to get hands-on experience through internships," Kleiner said. "The PR field is pretty tight knit, and buzz around good candidate spreads quickly."
Kleiner also noted that in addition to being involved in PRSSA at Seton Hall, students should attend PRSA events as well.
"They offer a great networking opportunity with potential employers," Kleiner said.
Ashley Duvall can be reached at ashley.duvall@student.shu.edu
