Name: Sally Ridenour
Title: Public Affairs Specialist
Company: Oregon Department of Transportation
What was your first PR job?
Community Education Assistant with the Office of State Fire Marshal
Did you fall into PR or was it your plan from the get-go?
It was the plan from the get-go. In college, I majored in political science and communications and studied to be a government communicator. I worked as a reporter and then in sales and marketing before I got my first communications job in government.
Most fun part of your work:
I learn something new every day.
Most challenging part of your work:
I work for a large, diverse agency with a ton of great programs and people. There’s never enough time to tell all of their stories.
Most rewarding PR victory for your client/company:
I got to work on a program that gave scholarships to young drivers who did well in driver education and a driving skills competition. We gave away several thousand dollars in college scholarships. Those young people were amazing.
Advice you would give to a new PR professional:
Think big, start small.
Why you’re a PRSA member:
I love to learn. In PRSA I’m constantly learning new things from the people I meet and the events I attend. Plus, it’s really fun.
Something chapter members might not know about you:
I can’t remember jokes.
Connect with Sally via e-mail sallyridenour@q.com or on LinkedIn.