Joann KilleenJoann Killeen

Joann E. Killeen, president, the Killeen Furtney Group, is opposing official candidate Peter Hidalgo, director, government relations, Time Warner Cable, for the post of treasurer, Los Angeles chapter of PR Society of America, fifth largest chapter with 400+ members.

Chapter members have until midnight tonight, Dec. 4, to cast email votes. Jean Gonsoulin, chapter president, said this is the first contested election in the chapter’s history. Alfredo Padilla is president-elect.

Marcus Angelo Moreno, founder, Holistic Strategists & Associates, is seeking a seat on the 12-person board as a write-in candidate.

Moreno was the PRSSA chapter president at California State University, Northridge, and helped restore the student chapter to profitability in 2013.

Peter HidalgoPeter Hidalgo

Said Moreno: “I’m running for director because I want to help close the gap between the young professionals and experienced members. There is a gap in communication and knowledge between the two and I believe I have the experience and skills needed to get them to work together and make the LA chapter the best it can be.”

“We need to work together for the PR industry,” he said.

Killeen, national president in 2002, was national treasurer in 2000 when various reforms were made in the Society’s finances, restoring it to a profitable basis. She has vowed to bring certain reforms to the L.A. chapter.

Chapter expenses of $98,057 for the first ten months exceeded income of $88,325 by $9,732.

Chapter Website Lacks Balance Sheet

Killen also says that the chapter’s website has not posted a balance sheet in recent months.

Marcus MorenoMarcus Angelo Moreno

Sources report that the Western District conference, hosted March 19-21 in Los Angeles, lost close to $31,000. The sources said that this loss was not discussed with the board until after the event and the bills were paid. Neither the actual budget nor the expenses were shared with the board or the members this year. Members are seeking details of the financial loss.

Killeen was the first PR Student Society member to rise in PRSA leadership to the presidency of the organization. A native of L.A., she has been a chapter member since 1998. She served on the L.A. board in 2005, 2006, Assembly delegate, Prisms Chair 2005, UAB Committee, Prisms Senior Judge, Don Perkins Grant Judge, and Trevett Judge. Named an Outstanding PR Professional by the chapter, her firm won Prisms in 2006, 2010. She has taught in the UCLA PR Program since 2003.

Hidalgo Promises Financial Stability for Chapter

Hidalgo, current VP/treasurer, is promising “fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability in order to ensure long-term financial stability of the chapter.”

He has been on the chapter board 17 years, serving as President and VP. He says that if re-elected treasurer he will propose a realistic budget that allows the chapter to continue delivering outstanding professional programs and make smart decisions to grow its investments. The chapter returned to profitability when he served as president, he said.

He describes himself as a communications leader with 20-plus years of experience who has worked at two of the largest L.A.-area companies, Time Warner Cable, and Southern California Gas Co. He has served as Press Secretary for an L.A. Mayor and Chief of Staff for an L.A. Councilmember, overseeing the office’s budget. He has a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.

Mindy Brundige, chapter executive director, hired in late December 2010, by Brian O’Connor, PR Princess Cruises, relocated to Las Vegas in 2012 but has continued her post with the chapter. She attends the monthly chapter meetings.