Dr. Scott A. Eldredge is an Associate Professor and Department Head of the Communication Department at Western Carolina University. Prior to moving to Western North Carolina, Dr. Eldredge spent 20 years working for some of the world’s largest advertising and communication agencies including J. Walter Thompson and Lowe Campbell-Ewald. His background includes experience working for a diverse list of clients including General Motors, Ford Motor Company, OnStar, Novartis, and M&M/Mars. Dr. Eldredge teaches public relations courses including Introduction to Public Relations, Public Relations Case Studies, and Public Relations Campaigns, as well as topic classes in Health Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Social Media Management. He also serves as the faculty adviser for the WCU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, and for Catamount Communications, WCU’s student-run Public Relations firm. Dr. Eldredge conducts research in the areas of patient-provider interaction and health communication within the context of family relationships. His research agenda is built around issues involving intimacy, uncertainty, trust, and relational development and maintenance. His recent book chapter, “Intimacy uncertainty in a post-AIDS culture: HIV and the role it plays as an uninvited third party in serodiscordant relationships” appears in Post-AIDS Discourse in Health Communication: Sociocultural Interpretations (A. Basu, P. J. Dillon, & A. R. Spieldenner (Eds.). Dr. Eldredge holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Information from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Arts in Advertising from Michigan State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication (News & Public Affairs) from the University of Florida.

As the faculty advisor for the WCU Chapter of PRSSA, Dr. Eldredge is most excited to connect public relations and communication students with working communication professionals. Dr. Eldredge often tells his students that the best thing about a career in communication is that every organization out there needs effective communication and opportunity is everywhere. The bad thing about a career in communication is that all this opportunity can be overwhelming for a student trying to figure out how to launch a career. By working with PRSA, Dr. Eldredge can help teach students the art of networking setting them on the path for an exciting and rewarding career.

Originally from Camden, AR, Tanner Pickett holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lyon College and a Master’s in Public Administration from Arkansas State University. After spending ten years in healthcare management and marketing, he joined the Montreat Conference Center in 2013 as the Vice President of Communications. Tanner now resides in Black Mountain, NC, with his wife and daughter. He has served on the boards of several para-church organizations and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees for Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. In addition, he acts as secretary for the WNC Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). A graduate of the Living School for Action and Contemplation, Tanner seeks to integrate his professional, community, and contemplative pursuits into a meaningful and purpose-driven life. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, fly fishing, and whitewater kayaking.

Tara Giltner has somehow, in the blink of an eye, built a 15-year career focused on strategic communications, marketing, and community engagement. Over those years, her choice-ofindustry has evolved from real estate to economic development, and ultimately landed on healthcare, because she truly believes that supporting patient journeys and outcomes is where she belongs. In addition to her professional work, Tara served as the Communications Chair for PRSA Western North Carolina in 2024 - leading the chapter's communications initiatives and writing emails such as these. She is also the Communications Chair for Moms Demand Action - Hendersonville, amplifying efforts to promote safer communities and responsible action.

Amy Holcombe is a writer and communicator with a passion for storytelling and building strong relationships. With frontline experience in both internal and external communications, Amy excels at crafting compelling narratives that connect with audiences. Her journey from newsroom producer to public relations specialist has given her a unique perspective on media relations, storytelling, and brand strategy. As a PR Associate with Formation PR + Brand, she helps clients share their brand stories, manage media relations, and develop impactful PR strategies. Previously, she worked at Vidant Health, where she earned a Wallie Award and was published in Revue Magazine. At UNC Health Pardee, she launched the organization’s first e-newsletter, redesigned the intranet, and updated the crisis communication policy

Jacob Puckett is the Digital Communications Manager at Blue Ridge Energy, an electric cooperative based in northwest North Carolina. With extensive experience in public relations, he leads the development and execution of social media strategies, SEO, corporate digital communication strategy, and content creation for publications and advertising. As the host and producer of the Unplugged podcast, Jacob explores the latest trends and challenges in the energy industry, offering insights and stories from one of America’s leading electric cooperatives. He also contributes to media relations, corporate marketing, and serves as the primary videographer, graphic designer, and photographer at Blue Ridge Energy. Jacob holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication, Public Relations from Appalachian State University and a Master's degree in Organizational Communication from Ohio University

Carrie Strehlau is an accomplished communications professional with more than 26 years of experience, including 13 years in social media. With a passion for creating authentic, persuasive, and cohesive content, she helps organizations craft compelling narratives across multiple platforms. Carrie’s expertise includes social media creation and management, media relations, crisis communications, public relations, digital marketing, writing and editing, stakeholder relations, and public speaking. Her background spans a wide range of sectors, including research/science, biomedical sciences, hospital systems, pediatrics, nonprofit advocacy, and government relations. She has worked with institutions such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she founded and developed the institution's social media program. Using storytelling through photos, videos, infographics, and live streams, Carrie connected audiences with the hospital's lifesaving work and innovations. Carrie has also collaborated with nonprofit organizations like the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, Hands of Mothers, and Ochsner Health, as well as companies like Social Cascade, where she continued to advance communications strategies. As a passionate mentor and speaker, Carrie has presented at conferences organized by the Public Relations Society of America, PR News, Ragan Communications, and other communication forums