Executive board spotlight: Kat Blanchard

Mimi Cooper

The executive board of the Drewry Chapter of PRSSA is composed of seven accomplished, involved and well-rounded women. This week’s spotlight is Kat Blanchard. Blanchard serves as the vice president of our PRSSA chapter and has devoted her college experience to the organization.

Blanchard is a fourth-year advertising major at Grady College Journalism and Mass Communication. She has a minor in public policy and management and a certificate in public affairs communication. 

When asked about the best piece of advice she would give to incoming freshmen, she recommended students to get involved on campus without spreading themselves too thin. 

“Devote yourself to that one club, like I did with PRSSA,” said Blanchard.

And she certainly has. For four years, she has been involved with PRSSA in some shape or form. As a freshman, she joined the fundraising committee within the organization. The following years, she served as the fundraising committee head, director of finance and finally, vice president. 

Her fourth and final position has allowed her to lead the entire organization. As VP, she handles all things related to the six committees in PRSSA and also manages the club’s finances.

Blanchard’s favorite part of serving on the executive board was knowing something about everyone in the organization and feeling connected to each and every member.

“I may not recognize you in person, but I can recognize your name,” she said.

Outside of PRSSA, Blanchard is the department head of research for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. She coaches swim almost every day at the Athens Bulldog Swim Club and is a member of a service sorority, Gamma Sigma Sigma. 

After graduating in the spring, Blanchard plans to have any government job she can get her hands on. Down the road, her ideal job would be to work in public affairs at a VA hospital.

Kat Blanchard has truly given so much to PRSSA and is an inspiration to our members. She has grown as a leader, friend and advertising professional. We cannot wait to see where she goes next!