Member Spotlight

Christine Barney, APR

CEO

rbb Public Relations

(305) 448-7456

christine.barney@rbbpr.com

PERSONAL

What schools did you attend and what did you major in? I graduated from Ithaca College in New York with a major in communications (TV/Radio) and a minor in business.

Did you always know that you wanted to work in PR? If not, how did you become involved in the PR industry? My major was broadcast communications and I spent the early years of my career in radio in upstate NY. I entered PR merely by chance. I wanted to use more of my writing skills and so I moved back to New York City where a headhunter arranged interviews with advertising, pr and production firms. Burson-Marsteller was the first to offer me a job and I loved PR from the start.

How do you enjoy your free time? My first priority is my family. I enjoy spending time with my kids and husband outdoors, doing arts and crafts, and traveling together. While I have lots of interests, my biggest hobby is Christmas ornament collecting. My house explodes tinsel come the end of November.

Are you involved with any organizations that you find fulfilling? Locally, I've become very active with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. It's important to be in touch with the issues where you live and work, and the Chamber is the voice of business.

PROFESSIONAL

What was your first job in the industry? I started my PR career in the healthcare unit at Burson-Marsteller in New York.

What do you find to be the most exciting aspect of your current position? As CEO of rbb Public Relations, every day brings new challenges and situations. I enjoy interacting with our varied clients across the nation and an amazing group of colleagues I admire personally and professionally.

What are your major challenges? The communication landscape is changing and advancing faster every day. Keeping ahead of the curve requires consuming massive amounts of information and making time to plan strategically.

What is your proudest achievement in your professional career? In 2008 rbb was named U.S. "Agency of the Year" by PRWeek Magazine. This national award program recognizes the best of the best. Taking home the "Small Agency of the Year" title was honor enough, but beating out the mid-size and global agencies for the top title was truly remarkable. rbb was recognized not only for its quality work, but also for its unique employee-driven workplace philosophy. A photo of me and my partner Lisa Ross accepting the award was run on a huge Times Square electronic billboard. A framed picture of that very moment hangs in our office today.

Where do you see the PR industry in 5 years? I have always been an optimist. PR is the discipline best suited to dominate the new media landscape and has tremendous potential. Smart firms will thrive and those in corporate communications that adapt and change ahead of the curve will have a secure seat at the c-suite table. Those who ignore the change will fall by the wayside.

What is your ultimate career goal? I have achieved my goal of working with good people and good clients on great assignments while maintaining balance in my personal life. As managing partner of rbb I'm excited about accomplishing our five year strategic plan to continue our national expansion and build the next generation of rbb leaders.

Any advice for PRSSA members? I offer students two suggestions. 1) Get your foot in the door - intern or volunteer, do whatever it takes to get real experience as early as you can. It will set you apart from your peers. 2) Never stop learning - consume as much media as you can from a variety of sources, read the trades, and get out of your office and network. PR is a great career that never gets stale and where you can make a difference.