Hispanic Public Relations Association new Board.

The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) announced its new executive board and the addition of John Echeveste, principal of Valencia, Perez & Echeveste (VPE) Public Relations and one of the organization’s founding members as its senior advisor. As HPRA enters its 24th year, the organization continues to serve public relations professionals by offering innovative thought, leadership, professional development, and career advancement opportunities for individuals in the public relations, marketing, and advertising fields.

“HPRA has made a very meaningful contribution to the advancement of Hispanics in the public relations profession in our 24 years of service,” Echeveste said. “I am very pleased that the organization has continued to grow and to serve the needs of working professionals and students alike.”

The 2008 -’09 executive board consists of President, Ivette Zurita, of Edelman Multicultural; Vice President, Lourdes Rodriguez of VPE PR; Secretary, Albert Proctor, of the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development; returning Treasurer, Lucila Garcia, public relations consultant; and Parliamentarian, Delia Lopez, public relations consultant.

“This is an exciting time in the Hispanic communications profession and we look forward to providing learning opportunities and resources in order to advance both professional and student PR practitioners,” said Zurita, HPRA President.

Key initiatives in 2008 include the addition of the “Campaign of the Year” PRemios award category and the expansion of HPRA with the addition of a new chapter in New York. HPRA will also continue offering scholarships to Hispanic students pursuing a career in public relations and related communications fields.