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.

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

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.

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.

Julia Duvall is a native of Sylva, North Carolina, and currently lives in Franklin with her husband and son. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Western Carolina University and a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from UNC Wilmington.

Julia began her career as a public relations assistant at Southwestern Community College in Sylva and has spent nearly eight years with Western Carolina University. She now serves as Assistant Director of Communications for the university and oversees daily internal and external communication efforts.

As a student at WCU, Julia was an active member of PRSSA and has continued her professional involvement through the WNC chapter of PRSA since 2022. She chaired the chapter’s Membership Committee from 2024 to 2025.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the sights and sounds of Western North Carolina.

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

Benjamin Rickert is a results-driven communicator, marketer, content creator, and public relations leader who gets a charge out of making a difference. He currently serves as director of marketing and communications at Blue Ridge Community College, guiding the institution’s strategic messaging, brand development and public engagement.

Previously, he was the assistant director of communications for Buncombe County Schools in the greater Asheville area, where he strengthened districtwide communication and outreach. Earlier in his career, Ben operated his own media production company, drawing on experience in radio and television as well as his time teaching broadcast courses at Michigan State University, where he also earned his master’s degree in communications. Outside of his service in the education sector, Ben enjoys landscape photography, mountain biking, black coffee, and exploring the mountains with his family.

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Molly Justice is the director of communications and marketing at the National Center for
State Courts (NCSC), a nonprofit dedicated to driving innovation and progress in courts
and justice systems. She brings extensive marketing and communications experience
from higher education, state courts and print journalism. 

Molly values relationship-building and leverages her passion for public relations to create connections within and outside the organizations she works for.

Before relocating to North Carolina in 2024, Molly served in leadership roles with professional and community organizations including the Florida Public Relations Association, Boys & Girls Clubs and Girls on the Run.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, running (and walking) and exploring Western North Carolina and surrounding areas. Molly looks forward to deeper involvement in PRSA and connecting with our Greater Asheville Region members in the year to come.

Shane Ryden was born and raised in Los Angeles. He received a B.A. in journalism from American University in Washington, D.C.. He currently works as a public communication specialist at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee and resides in Sylva with his partner and two cats. In his free time, he enjoys reading horror novels, hunting for fossils and fishing.