Andrea Knies Recognized with Joe Curley Rising Leader Award

Andrea Knies, a member of the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA) was recognized with the Joe Curley Rising Leader Award. The Joe Curley Rising Leader Award identifies and honors up-and-coming members that demonstrate emerging leadership traits along with dedicated active involvement in chapter activities. It was established by CWC-FPRA member Joe Curley, APR, CPRC, ten years ago.

Andrea Knies was recognized during the May Professional Development event. She was brought into the Zoom webinar to introduce the speaker when Joe Curley surprised her with the announcement. 

“Since joining the board two years ago, Andrea has elevated the position of VP of Professional Development by enhancing the quality of our professional development events. She steps up before being asked and is always willing to lend a hand. Her tireless dedication and commitment to our profession is the epitome of what it means to be a Joe Curley Rising Leader.”

There are 15 chapters of FPRA across the state and each chapter nominates a member to be their Joe Curley Rising Leader to be recognized at the State level.

Andrea Knies is the Communications Director for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County (Alliance). In this role, Andrea shares Alliance events and opportunities with the community and promotes all local arts and cultural organizations. Andrea currently serves on the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association’s board of directors as the VP of Professional Development.

In addition to her communications work, Andrea’s love of local history has led her to co-found Compass Rose History Experiences and serve as Secretary for the Manatee County Historical Commission.

Prior to joining the Alliance in early 2018, Andrea was the Assistant Director of Community Engagement for New College of Florida. Andrea attended Indiana University, Bloomington where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications and sociology and a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs.

The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association meets monthly for professional development luncheons and networking. Visit www.cwcfpra.com for more information.