Allison Downey, corporate communications specialist for RTI Donor Services, a not-for-profit arm of Alachua, Florida-based RTI Surgical, became a member of FPRA in 2008 after joining the corporate communications department at RTI. “The rest of my team was heavily involved in the chapter and immediately encouraged me to jump on board,” she says. “I was warmly welcomed and quickly became involved in committees and community service projects.”
Now in her third year serving on the board, Allison is the chapter’s secretary. Previous positions include serving as the director of Image Awards and as director of the Community Relations Committee. Allison says she loves the networking opportunities that PR and FPRA in particular provide. “From vendors to media outlets to the general public, we have the opportunity to work with all kinds of people and to talk to them about the great things we do each day. Our job is, ultimately, to socialize!”
A native of Fort Myers, Florida, Allison earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and master’s degree in mass communications from the University of Florida. In her current position at RTI, Allison works to bring awareness of the importance of tissue donation through partnerships with other industry organizations and tissue recovery agencies across the country.
One thing you may not know about Allison is that she loves the water and enjoys teaching private swim lessons in her spare time. Of Gainesville, she says that the city is always growing and evolving. “From start-up companies to new restaurants, there is always something fun and innovative to check out and learn about.”