Heather Grzelka, APR

I've dedicated my career to advancing social causes by generating positive media attention that influences policymakers and increases donor support.

Before founding Madeira Public Relations in 2011, I served as the media relations director at the American Lung Association’s national headquarters office in Washington, DC. There, I worked to advance lifesaving policy measures that served to protect workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke, prevent children from having access to cigarettes, and reduce the number of deaths and asthma attacks caused by air pollution.

Now as a consultant, I continue to work closely with the American Lung Association to advance its public health agenda in the social and earned media space.

The national headquarters office of The ALS Association has relied on my consulting practice to increase awareness surrounding the elevated risk of veterans to be diagnosed with this incurable disease. In addition to developing media relations strategies, The ALS Association has called upon Madeira Public Relations to author numerous patient information and donor relations materials including newsletters, blog posts and other targeted digital content.

The National Chamber of Commerce Foundation also leans on Madeira Public Relations to generate media coverage for advocacy initiatives pertaining to such topics as education and entrepreneurship.

Before starting my practice, I enjoyed several highly fulfilling years working in scientific communications at the American Society of Clinical Oncology where I helped develop the media strategy surrounding the announcement of the world’s first therapeutic cancer vaccine.

Today, I'm the president of the Florida Public Relations Association Tampa Bay Chapter and am responsible for directing professional development opportunities for some of the region’s best and brightest communication professionals. I'm also an active member of the Public Relations Society of America and the Nonprofit Consultants Connection.

Within the past five years, my work has earned 19 national awards including recognition as Media of the Year by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco County Chapter.

I sit on the board of Evermay Farm, a rural animal sanctuary and volunteer to support Pet Pal Animal Shelter and the Florida State Animal Response Coalition.

During my off hours, I'm an amateur metalsmith and avid paddleboarding enthusiast.