Meet The PowerPRos: Staci Adelman Vincent

How long have you been in school PR and where/what titles? 

This is my 13th year working for the Orange City School District as "Communications Assistant." Prior to this, I was a television news journalist in Washington, DC covering Capitol Hill, the White House, and international news for more than a decade and then worked at WKYC-TV where I won an Emmy, Best of Gannett and Society of Professional Journalist awards. I am honored and humbled to have received OHSPRA’s Best of the Best Award nine times (eight in photography) as I am well-aware of and inspired by the extraordinarily talented people in the OHSPRA circuit.

What attracted you to school PR?

After I left television news and raised my boys in their formative years, I wanted to do something that would allow me to continue to be a storyteller but still permit me to be near my young boys and not be on call to travel 24/7. I was looking for something that would fulfill my writing, photography, and videography storytelling passions. I reached out to the Orange Schools Communications Director (and OHSPRA Board Member) Lou DeVincentis whom I knew through my work as Orange Alumni Association President for some insight. He let me know that the Orange Schools Superintendent at the time had just initiated a program called "The Orange Story." It turned out to be a perfect fit for me. Once hired, I was sharing stories of the amazing programs and initiatives at my Alma Mater which also happened to be the school system where my boys were thriving. I had majored in Broadcast Journalism with a specialty in education at the graduate level at Northwestern University, so it truly felt like I was "coming home." In effect, I was.

Tell me a bit about yourself, family and outside interests.

Following my dual MSJ/BSJ degrees in journalism from Northwestern, I began my career in Washington, DC covering stories ranging from politics to national news like the Oklahoma City Bombings to international news like Princess Diana's funeral in London for a group of stations around the country. I first served as a Washington Correspondent for Newslink and Hearst Broadcasting and later as Director of News for Tribune Broadcasting’s Washington Bureau. 

 

While in DC, I joined a singing/performing chorus (much like the Singing Angels organization I had grown up in) and met my husband, Leland, who proposed to me in front of the entire group which later sang at our wedding! When he began law school in Cleveland, I returned to be with him after covering one of my most emotionally challenging stories -- the death of JFK, Jr., whose extended family I had known and covered for years. I have a wonderful photo of my husband with JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy at the Washington Correspondents Dinner just a couple months before the tragedy happened. 

 

After working at WKYC-TV as Assistant News Director and Executive Producer for Special Projects, I left the business to raise our two boys before getting into School PR. I am a product of the Orange City Schools so I was proud to bring my children back to my Alma Mater.  Ryan, our oldest, is now a senior at the College of William and Mary and is studying to be a history teacher because of the influence his educators have had on him; Caden is a freshman in Ball State's Honors College where he is majoring in sports journalism/broadcasting in the Sports Link program there. My husband is an employment attorney with Dennis Seaman & Associates.

 

Along with work and my family, I have enjoyed a 35-year career coaching and instructing competitive color guards and drill teams throughout the country and have been honored to be a judge in both the ASJA and MEPA Circuits. I also announce and emcee at various events in the community including the most recent Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Orange. I still enjoy singing with my various show choirs. 

 

And the buried lede....in 2019 I was elected as a Councilwoman in Orange Village where I have served for the past three years (it's a four-year term). I was the inaugural Co-Chair of the REDI Committee (Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and a volunteer with our Orange Cares program. I also serve as the Orange Schools liaison to the Kiwanis Club of Lander Circle. I wear a lot of “orange-colored” hats. 

What interested you in applying for the Power PRo designation?

First and foremost, I am competitive and love a good challenge! When I saw the opportunity to delve more deeply into doing what I already love and further collaborate with School PR colleagues, it was a no-brainer for me! It has been a lot of fun; it has enabled me to build new bonds and friendships with colleagues in the school PR community; and (OHSPRA Board Member) Crystal Davis's enthusiasm is contagious! Now that I have had the title in my email signature for the past few months, it is definitely a source of pride. 

What did you think of the Power PRo program? Would you recommend it?

I LOVE it! It has not only allowed me to get more involved in OHSPRA, but I have already learned and grown from the experience. I am excited to show my pride for the program by showcasing the logo that I helped inspire and "wearing it" as a Badge of Honor. I also love the opportunity to further serve my OHSPRA and NSPRA chapters and network and connect more closely with colleagues experiencing the same things I am. I have already recommended it wholeheartedly and signed up to continue for next year!

What did/do you love about OHSPRA's Spring Conference and/or about being an OHSPRA member?

I have always enjoyed participating in the various conferences throughout the last decade-plus, and it has been a joy to meet so many fascinating colleagues from around the state who all offer inspirational ideas. Engaging with these colleagues as a Power Pro candidate was particularly memorable for me. We had spent the better part of the last two years in a two-dimensional world on Zoom, and now I had the unique opportunity to create multiple ice-breakers and getting-to-know-you sessions that allowed everyone to collaborate without feeling stuck in a box, literally and figuratively. The exchange of ideas at the Spring Conference is phenomenal; the professional development is amazing; and I always leave the conference feeling motivated and inspired with huge takeaways. I am so very grateful to all who volunteer their time and effort to be a part of the Board and offer such a wonderful range of experiences for all of the OHSPRA members. I am honored to be a part of this incredible organization.