Public Relations Society of America, San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter Records, 1959-2011
| Special Collections & University Archives


The San Diego Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) was founded in 1959 by six local public relations professionals. More than 50 years later, the chapter has expanded to include the Imperial Valley and has grown to its current membership of approximately 250 members. Members represent a wide range of experience levels, and their practice areas include corporate, nonprofit, government, agency, education and counseling.
The object of the San Diego County Chapter, according to its bylaws, is to “advance the art and science of public relations in the public interest.” To this end, the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of PRSA (PRSA SD/IC) maintains a broad range of professional development activities to strengthen the professionalism of its members. Events are held nearly every month and feature speakers and topics of professional interest. Other services include a job board, bimonthly member newsletter, public service program, annual awards program, a new professionals group, social events, accreditation (APR) program and liaison to the student chapter at San Diego State University.
The chapter is led by a board of directors consisting of the president, president-elect, secretary, treasurer, immediate past president, assembly delegate(s) and 10 directors-at-large.
PRSA SD/IC is one of more than 100 chapters within the Public Relations Society of America, the largest organization of public relations professionals in the world. PRSA SD/IC is a member of the national organization’s Western District, which includes nine other chapters: California Inland Empire, Colorado, Hawaii, Las Vegas Valley, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix, Pikes Peak and Southern Arizona.
In 2009, the chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Author: Kira Hall
