National Committee Spotlight: Member Services
This article is part of our National Committee Spotlight series. This series features our current National Committee reflecting on their experience and offering insights into their respective roles as we approach National Elections and Leadership Assembly. To learn more about running for National Committee, click here.
Jenna Renaud — Vice President of Member Services
What is your role? Give us a brief description of what you do in your role.
I serve as vice president of member services on the 2020–2021 National Committee. In this role I do a wide range of tasks from promoting member benefits and scholarships/awards to running our Affiliate member and high school outreach programs. This includes brainstorming engaging content for social media, thinking of new ways to recruit and retain members, and chatting with high schoolers, prospective members, Affiliate members and even current members about how to make the most of their PRSSA membership.
What does a typical day look like for you as a PRSSA National Committee member?
I typically try to spend five to 10 hours per week working on PRSSA National work, although this can change depending on the time in the semester. First I reply to any emails that may be waiting in my inbox. Then I check my semester goals and figure out what three tasks deserve the most attention that day/week. Being in PR, it’s important to keep up with all PRSSA news and initiatives, so a portion of my day goes to that as well!
What has been your favorite project/initiative to work on so far?
So far my favorite project has been working on revamping the Affiliate member program. Affiliate members do not have Chapter-level benefits, making it even more crucial to promote National benefits with them and ensure they feel connected.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your role so far?
Vice president of member services covers such a large scope that it can be challenging to make sure I’m giving enough time and attention to each of my initiatives. It’s important to make sure none of my initiatives slip through the cracks. Thankfully I have a lot of accountability from PRSSA Headquarters and the rest of the National Committee.
What advice would you share with your future successor?
When I was running for National Committee I was told that you get out of your position what you put into it. Everyone on National Committee is crazy busy, trying to balance school, work, internships as well as this position, but the work that we’re doing for PRSSA is meaningful and requires time and dedication to make it successful.
Anything else you would like to share?
National Committee has given me the opportunity to connect with so many amazingly talented young professionals as well as people working in the field today. And beyond the professional connections, it has offered me lifelong friends!
Lightning Round
Favorite hobby? Reading or rock climbing!
Favorite app? It’s definitely a toss-up between GoodNotes and Instagram!
Favorite TV show/movie/video game? Probably Survivor.
Favorite music artist? Lord Huron and Taylor Swift!
Favorite Quote/Piece of Advice: “The truth is, of course, that what one regards as interruptions are precisely one’s life.” — C.S. Lewis
Zach Ferenchak, 2020–2021 vice president of brand engagement, is a senior at Capital University, a private university in Columbus, Ohio. He is majoring in emerging media with an emphasis in public relations and minors in journalism and marketing. In his free time, Ferenchak can be found obsessing over the latest gadget or video game, exploring a coffee shop with friends, or going on a trail run. He hopes to elevate the voices of all PRSSA members through the organization’s various brand platforms. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter.
