Penny Cothran

South Carolina Chapter President Penny Delaney Cothran has served in several PRSA volunteer capacities, but one of her favorites is the annual recognition event committee for the South Carolina Chapter's Mercury Awards. As Cothran explained, “I can see first-hand what an award-winning campaign or tactic looks like.”

Cothran has worked in public relations since her first agency job in 1999, but did not get involved in PRSA until 2003. She currently serves as vice president, director of communications and Palmetto Banker editor for the South Carolina Bankers Association. Cothran said her involvement in PRSA has expanded her industry insight which, in turn, has helped her more effectively write articles and connect with expert writers and trainers for her association.

Also, Cothran’s involvement in PRSA has added a dimension to her professionalism.

“You cannot technically call a job a career until you are invested in that industry over several jobs and several years,” said Cothran. “More so, I would add that you cannot call it a career until you’ve given back to the industry. I love my line of work, and PRSA has loved me back as a result.”