Georgia Credit Union Affiliates’ Media Relations Coordinator Cailin O’Brien has been named a Rising PR Star by the PR News Group. PR News Group serves the communications and marketing community at corporations, agencies and nonprofits. The organization’s Rising PR Stars 30 & Under award showcases budding industry leaders who work daily to make communications matter in the marketplace.
 
“I spent the first part of my career as a journalist, and it is a privilege to learn this industry in such a supportive and thought-provoking environment,” O’Brien said. “Credit unions work day after day to help Georgians afford their lives. I’m proud to tell those stories.”
 
GCUA’s public messaging team amplifies the voice of Georgia’s credit unions by driving media and public awareness of the credit union difference. In her role as media coordinator, O’Brien communicates with news outlets, runs the organization’s social media accounts and manages GCUA’s news website, GACUNews.com.
 
O’Brien graduated from the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism in 2014. She worked on social media and web stories for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and  covered the crime beat for the Gwinnett Daily Post before making foray into public relations. The Georgia Press Association recognized her with the Emerging Journalism Award for her coverage of local government for the Clayton News Daily.
 
“Cailin has embraced her position as media relations manager and plays a key role in communicating the credit union message,” said Angi Christensen Harben, director of communications at GCUA. “She truly is a rising star, and this recognition of her skills and professionalism is well-deserved.”