Charla Kucko Receives Accreditation in Public Relations
Designation Only Held by 2% of U.S. Communications Professionals
Designation Only Held by 2% of U.S. Communications Professionals

ROCHESTER, N.Y., October 20, 2020 — Charla Kucko, APR, senior counselor at McDougall Communications, has been accredited in the practice of public relations after a rigorous review and evaluation process. This places her among a prestigious group of approximately 5,000 highly skilled communicators worldwide.
The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation is the highest global standard of excellence in the field. Developed by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Universal Accreditation Board, it identifies practitioners who demonstrate a deep understanding of the strategic thinking, ethics and tactical execution necessary to lead complex communications initiatives. The program aims to improve the practice of public relations by assessing competence in 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with the profession.
“We’re proud of Charla earning her APR designation—her latest accomplishment in an already remarkable career. Navigating the fast-changing communications environment demands that professionals keep pace with trends shaping the field, employ critical thinking, and maintain a high degree of ethics,” said Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, president of McDougall Communications. “Charla demonstrates these qualities every day, and helps others do the same as a mentor to her peers, clients and students.”
“Earning the APR reflects a mastery of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to succeed in our increasingly complex profession,” said Ann P. Knabe, APR+M, 2020 chair of the Universal Accreditation Board. “Practitioners who achieve the designation are demonstrating their commitment not only to our profession, but also to a strong code of ethics and to the betterment of their organizations and clients.”
Charla has three decades of experience in communications and marketing, previously having led global communications for Simon Business School at the University of Rochester. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Bonaventure University. Charla is a current member of the marketing committees at House of Mercy and Nativity Preparatory Academy. She resides in Penfield, N.Y. with her family.
About McDougall Communications
McDougall Communications (mcdougallpr.com), founded in 2011, is focused on helping clients across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific meet their business objectives through a range of communications services, including strategic planning, media and influencer relations, reputation and crisis counsel, and social media management. It is the most senior standalone public relations and reputation management firm in Upstate New York and is regularly looked to as an influencer shaping global communications advancements.
About the Universal Accreditation Board
The UAB was established in 1998 by a coalition of public relations professional organizations that today includes the Asociación de Relacionistas Profesionales de Puerto Rico, California Association of Public Information Officials, Florida Public Relations Association, Maine Public Relations Council, National Association of Government Communicators, National School Public Relations Association, Public Relations Society of America, Religion Communicators Council and the Southern Public Relations Federation. Each organization contributes resources and senior-level volunteer members who represent all segments of the public relations profession. For more information about the UAB and the APR designation, visit www.praccreditation.org.
The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation is the highest global standard of excellence in the field. Developed by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Universal Accreditation Board, it identifies practitioners who demonstrate a deep understanding of the strategic thinking, ethics and tactical execution necessary to lead complex communications initiatives. The program aims to improve the practice of public relations by assessing competence in 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with the profession.
“We’re proud of Charla earning her APR designation—her latest accomplishment in an already remarkable career. Navigating the fast-changing communications environment demands that professionals keep pace with trends shaping the field, employ critical thinking, and maintain a high degree of ethics,” said Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, president of McDougall Communications. “Charla demonstrates these qualities every day, and helps others do the same as a mentor to her peers, clients and students.”
“Earning the APR reflects a mastery of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to succeed in our increasingly complex profession,” said Ann P. Knabe, APR+M, 2020 chair of the Universal Accreditation Board. “Practitioners who achieve the designation are demonstrating their commitment not only to our profession, but also to a strong code of ethics and to the betterment of their organizations and clients.”
Charla has three decades of experience in communications and marketing, previously having led global communications for Simon Business School at the University of Rochester. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Bonaventure University. Charla is a current member of the marketing committees at House of Mercy and Nativity Preparatory Academy. She resides in Penfield, N.Y. with her family.
About McDougall Communications
McDougall Communications (mcdougallpr.com), founded in 2011, is focused on helping clients across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific meet their business objectives through a range of communications services, including strategic planning, media and influencer relations, reputation and crisis counsel, and social media management. It is the most senior standalone public relations and reputation management firm in Upstate New York and is regularly looked to as an influencer shaping global communications advancements.
About the Universal Accreditation Board
The UAB was established in 1998 by a coalition of public relations professional organizations that today includes the Asociación de Relacionistas Profesionales de Puerto Rico, California Association of Public Information Officials, Florida Public Relations Association, Maine Public Relations Council, National Association of Government Communicators, National School Public Relations Association, Public Relations Society of America, Religion Communicators Council and the Southern Public Relations Federation. Each organization contributes resources and senior-level volunteer members who represent all segments of the public relations profession. For more information about the UAB and the APR designation, visit www.praccreditation.org.