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New media specialist at GCC earns distinguished 'Accreditation in Public Relations'

By Billie Owens

Kevin Manne, new media specialist at Genesee Community College has successfully completed the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, entitling him to use the APR professional designation. He was recently award the designation after completing the challenging accreditation process and exam.

The accreditation program aims to improve the practice of public relations by assessing competence in 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with the profession. The examination is designed for public relations professionals with five to seven years of job experience and/or a bachelor's degree in a communication field.

Candidates who successfully complete the rigorous process -- including presenting their portfolio to a Readiness Review panel of three peers and sitting for a computer-based examination -- are granted the APR.

"When I was a student at Buffalo State, one of my professors brought an APR into class to discuss the benefits of accreditation," Manne said. "Since then, earning the APR is something I've strived for to demonstrate my commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice."

At GCC, Manne leads communication efforts across social media, blogging, web and other emerging mediums. He previously served as communications and public relations specialist at Catholic Charities of Buffalo.

Manne earned his associate degree from Genesee Community College and graduated magna cum laude from Buffalo State College with a bachelor's degree in public communication.

He serves as secretary on the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Buffalo Niagara Chapter Board of Directors and on the Buffalo State College Alumni Association Communication Committee. He has received multiple awards from PRSA Buffalo Niagara and the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations for his work in social media and public relations.

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