Member Spotlight

Tim Dodson

Principal

Tim Dodson Strategic Communications

(305) 756-0735

tim@timdodson.com

What schools did you attend and what did you major in?

I graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in Communication and a concentration in Public Relations. I minored in Marketing and English.

Did you always know that you wanted to work in PR? If not, how did you become involved in the PR industry?

As a student, I was always considered a good writer and had an aptitude toward the liberal arts as opposed to scienes. The University of Alabama has a highly regarded communications school and I took some intro-level courses during my freshman year. I enjoyed them so much that I declared my major in PR as a sophomore.

How do you enjoy your free time?

I love to travel. So far this year I've been to France, Spain and Chile. I'm considering going to Ialy again in the fall.

Are you involved with any organizations that you find fulfilling?

I've always been passionate about PRSA, of course. I joined in 1989 and earned my APR the same year. I was active in the Nashville chapter for several years before relocating to Miami in 1995. I've served as chapter treasurer, president (in 2002), board member and Assembly delegate. I chaired PRSA's Sunshine District in 2007 and have also served on the Universal Accreditation Board, which oversees the granting of the APR credential.

I also recently joined the board of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. It's such a beautiful little green spot in the middle of very urban South Beach.

PROFESSIONAL

What was your first job in the industry?

My first real exposure to the profession was as a summer employee in the Public Affairs office of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, in my home town of Huntsville, Alabama. I was privileged to work for NASA during the exciting period surrounding the first launch of the Space Shuttle. I got to travel to the Kennedy Space Center to work as a "gopher" for CBS News for a week. It was quite a thrill.

What do you find to be the most exciting aspect of your current position?

I have worked as an independent consultant since 2001, and I enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the work style.

What are your major challenges?

The biggest challenge is workflow planning; trying to strike a balance between having too much or too little work in the pipeline.

What is your proudest achievement in your professional career?

I've been recognized as volunteer of the year by both the Nashville and Miami PRSA chapters. I care deeply about my profession, and I've put a lot of time and effort into PRSA over two decades. It's an honor to be recognized for it.

Where do you see the PR industry in 5 years?

The roles, responsibilities and expectations of both journalists and PR professionals are changing so rapidly it's really hard to say how we will relate to each other - or whether either group will be relevant to society in the way we are now.

What is your ultimate career goal?

I believe I've reached my goal of having an interesting and rewarding career. I intend to stay on the same track.

Any advice for PRSSA members?

Take advantage of as many mentors as you can possibly find. Don't be shy about asking for advice. And don't forget that you have something to offer in a mentor/protégé relationship, as well. Senior professionals can learn from you.