Q: How do you measure client satisfaction?
A: First and foremost, I measure it by client tenure, which is an average of five years. That's extraordinarily high in our industry and something in which I take great pride.

Q: To what do you attribute this success?
A: At the outset of our representation, we meet with the client to discuss PR objectives and goals. We then develop an action plan and timeline. It's our role to not only stay on track but also liaise with the client to ensure they're providing the information and support we need to accomplish our objectives. That way, we can be proactive and a client doesn't have to chase after us asking, "what's next?"

Q: How did you get your start in PR?
A: I was producing a professional modern dance company in-residence at Barry College (now Barry University). The performances featured incredible sound, lighting and special effects, but I was always disappointed at the low attendance. So, one day, I called James Roos, The Miami Herald's Dance Critic of many years, and invited him to a show. A few weeks later, he wrote a glowing review that encouraged South Floridians to catch the next performance. Largely based on the power of that story and the buzz it created, the 1,000-seat auditorium was practically sold out for our next performance. I thought, "Wow, there really is something to the power of publicity." Soon after that, I segued into a PR career.

Q: I understand you also were previously a television director. How does that background impact your current career?
A: I know it's cliché to say a picture is worth a thousand words, but it is so often true. I believe my background helps me paint a mental image of what would pique the interest of media. I understand what makes a great picture or video, which is often the deciding factor regarding whether media is dispatched to cover a story.

Q: You and Jim launched O&G in 1993. How was that experience?
A: It was so exciting. I was only 27. I didn't have kids and really didn't have much to lose. All I could think about were the upsides; the ability to start a business and grow it. The timing was right and the energy and motivation were there. Jim and I had worked together at Hank Meyer Associates and found we gravitated to the same type of clientele. We were both attracted to the creative process and just knew we could join forces to create a great partnership. Thinking back, it was the best decision of my career.

Q: How is public relations changing?
A: While many people still rely on traditional media such as newspapers and television, the focus now also is on consumer-based journalism and social media, with the public creating its own news. In many cases, your neighbor, best friend or spouse is your best source of information. As a PR firm, we've adapted quickly to this trend and are excited about the changing media landscape.

Q: So, has the PR industry been totally transformed?
A: Not necessarily. The tactics may be changing, but the bottom line is still the same. PR is about reaching target audiences, no matter who they are, and communicating messages in a favorable light. That will never change.

Q: Simple question: Why would a business need PR?
A: Perception is reality. It doesn't necessarily matter who has the best product or service, it's who the public perceives has the best product or service. PR cuts through all the clutter to help enhance and alter perceptions. Those who let society drive their business will not fare as well as those who aggressively work to shape their message and get it noticed in the marketplace.

Q: How did you choose PR as a career?
A: I majored in Journalism at the University of Florida and began my career as a newspaper reporter in Boca Raton. I enjoyed the excitement of the newspaper business, but couldn't turn down a management position at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. There, I oversaw many of the resort's internal and external publications before being promoted to the Corporate Communications department. I found that I loved PR and realized I need to gain some agency experience, so I joined O&G in January 2000. The rest, as they say, is history.

Q: Why do you find public relations so intriguing?
A: Working at a PR agency has enabled me to gain a tremendous amount of knowledge in numerous fields, including real estate, travel and tourism, retail, non-profit, government and media. It's also incredibly satisfying to accomplish an important objective on behalf of a client.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: I've had the pleasure recently to work with Darrell Gwynn, the former National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) champion. Darrell was paralyzed and lost his right arm in a horrific 1990 crash. But that hasn't slowed him down one bit. Darrell formed a foundation in 2002 and has dedicated his life to raising money and awareness for the prevention of spinal cord injuries.

Q: What fuels your personal life?
A: My two kids, Tyler and Courtney. They are my biggest cheerleaders and I feed off their energy!

Q: You were previously a radio station news director and UPI bureau chief. How has that experience helped you in PR?
A: My years in radio taught me how to write quickly and use descriptive words, keeping in mind that we were reaching a "blind" audience. Also, being on the other side of the news business, I understand what appeals to journalists and the best ways to reach them.

Q: Looking back on your O&G career, what is your fondest memory?
A: Probably more than anything, I enjoyed working with Miami Children's Hospital Foundation on the Children's Miracle Network telethon. I personally produced a number of the videos, interviewing the children and their families about their heartfelt stories. It was an honor to show their courage and encapsulate all the hospital had done on their behalf.

Q: Why do you enjoy working for a PR agency?
A: Working at O&G is never boring. There's something new every day, and I'm able to use my talents in numerous different venues and avenues. From writing to speaking to media relations, it's a very gratifying and fulfilling career.

Q: What do you enjoy in your spare time?
A: I love discovering new things. Whether it's a patch of green in the middle of a city or a beautiful stained glass window in an old building, you can always look at something from a different angle.

Q: You're a very social, outgoing person. How do these personality traits reflect on your career choice?
A: I love meeting new people and enjoying new experiences...both personally and professionally. I also strongly believe in looking for creative ways to do things differently. That applies to everything from traveling with my husband to planning an event for a client.

Q: Tell us about some of the celebrities you've worked with while at O&G.
A: Wow, there's been a lot! I helped direct the Purple Carpet at the W Fort Lauderdale opening, coordinating interviews and photos for Cindy Crawford and her husband, Rande Gerber, along with Blake Lively and Penn Badgely from Gossip Girl. I've handled PR for numerous restaurant industry celebrities, including Stephen Starr and Scott Conant; oversaw a shoot with Victoria's Secret Supermodel Miranda Kerr; and worked with Dwyane Wade at this year's Miami Children's Hospital Gala. But, my biggest thrill was meeting Beyonce, a 2008 inductee into the Miami Children's Foundation Hall of Fame.

Q: What's been your most fulfilling O&G experience?
A: In 2008, I traveled to Geneva, Switzerland with a client to attend the world's largest private business aviation trade show. I arranged several interviews, networked with magazine editors and reporters, and even got to use my French. It was an incredible experience.

Q: How did you wind up in the PR industry?
A: Actually, my mom suggested I major in communications and look into PR as a career. After my freshman year, I interned at a small PR agency in Tampa. It was a great experience. Then, during my junior year, I lived in London and interned at a PR agency for six months. It was eye opening to live and work in a foreign country, totally on my own. It allowed me to see things in ways I had never seen them before, and further strengthened my affinity for PR.

Q: What's your proudest PR moment to date?
A: The MedVance Scrubs for a Cause events in Nashville, Houston and Grand Prairie, Texas were the first in which I oversaw every detail from beginning to end. It was quite stressful, but turned out to be a very rewarding experience. The charitable groups we supported were so appreciative, and the client was thrilled with the media coverage. In fact, it's become a MedVance tradition.

Q: What advice would you give a college student interested in PR?
A: Be creative, personable and determined. You need to be willing to take a chance. And, of course, nothing is more important than getting hands-on experience through an internship.

Q: How has raising four children helped your PR career?
A: My kids have vastly different personalities. Raising them would be much easier if there was a handbook or set formula, but the reality is I've needed to adapt my methods to meet the needs of each child. This flexibility has also helped me in PR. I've learned to be persistent, altering strategies until the goal is accomplished.

Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: I'm fairly conservative, but enjoy challenging myself and learning new things. At home, I'm training for my first half-marathon and recently enjoyed zip-lining for the first time. At work, I'm becoming more involved in social media, specifically LinkedIn and Wikipedia.

Q: What do you enjoy most about PR?
A: I love writing, especially creating a play on words that adds a bit of nuance to a press release or pitch. It's also such an exciting rush to see something that I handled in print or on TV.