Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join us for a special presentation by PRSA Southeast District Chair Briana Cooper, MPA, APR!
Even in a profession driven by constant evolution, there are some things that never really change. Veteran communications leader Briana Cooper, MPA, APR, explores the enduring truths that ground our work. From timeless strategies for building trust, to harnessing empathy as a leader and upholding ethics as a North Star, Briana draws on more than 20 years of experience leading integrated communications and engagement for organizations of all sizes to reflect on what matters most for championing success regardless of platform, technology or trend. This engaging, story-driven keynote will remind students, new professionals and seasoned practitioners alike why the fundamentals of great communication are as powerful-and necessary-as ever.
Plus, we have the option to join PRSSA after the luncheon starting at 1:30 p.m. to participate in a career planning conference: PRSSA: Map to Success – Directing Your Next Steps in Career Development.
NEW Location
Food City, 1375 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
NEW ENTRANCE – Please enter from Broad Street at Suite 207. This door leads directly to the elevator instead of going through the store.
PARKING INFORMATION: While the event is hosted at Food City, they ask that parking directly in front of the store is reserved for shoppers. There is ample on street parking around Food City, multiple surface level parking lots nearby along with a large parking garage next to the Chattanoogan hotel across the street from the store.
OUR SPEAKER
PRSA SOUTHEAST DISTRICT CHAIR BRIANA COOPER, MPA, APR
Briana Cooper, MPA, APR is an experienced strategic communications and public relations professional with 20 years of strategic storytelling, marketing, change management and award-winning public relations experience.
As Head of External Affairs for Sikora Law, Cooper leads the team in communications, public affairs, marketing and business development. Prior to joining Sikora Law, Cooper led the Alabama market expansion for NP Strategy, a PR subsidiary of the AmLaw 200 law firm Maynard Nexsen. She previously led communications at a $125 million high-growth life sciences research organization and has consulted for companies of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500. With a reputation as a “builder” and storyteller, Cooper thrives in high stakes scenarios where she can create new programs and processes that drive widespread impacts.
As an advocate for social and industry impact, Cooper is dedicated to mentoring students, developing the next generation of leaders, promoting her profession and giving back to the community. Along with volunteering time to numerous committees and projects focused on promoting diversity, equity and belonging, she has served in local and national leadership roles in the Public Relations Council of Alabama and Public Relations Student Society of America chapters. She now serves as chair for PRSA’s Southeast District board of directors, as past president of the Alabama Chapter of PRSA, and as an executive committee member for the PRSA District Council. She also serves on the Institute for Public Relations organizational communications research cohort, is a member of the Shades Valley Rotary Club PR committee and is a Policy Fellow with the Alabama Women’s Foundation.
Cooper has been recognized across the industry for her leadership, academic and career achievements. She was named Women’s Empowerment Champion by PR News, and has received multiple Medallion Awards from the Public Relations Council of Alabama for her work leading client campaigns and developing PR strategies. She was honored as a Rising Star Alumni by the UAB National Alumni Society and was named Outstanding Student by her alma mater three times.
Cooper is proud to be among the small percentage of communications practitioners Accredited in Public Relations. She received a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s in communications from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Originally from the Los Angeles area, Cooper recently relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. She credits her love of her new home to Cleveland’s endless cultural and outdoor pursuits.