Cheray Keyes-Shima, APR, CPRC
Principal
In 1998, Cheray joined forces with Chris Carroll, APR, CPRC, to create KSC. Today, she specializes in the development and execution of marketing and public relations strategies for a wide variety of local and regional clients. She also serves as Executive Director of the Florida Public Relations Association, the field’s premier professional organization in the state of Florida. Over the course of her career, Cheray has experienced nearly all aspects of the marketing, public relations and advertising industries. She earned her undergraduate degree in public relations from Florida State University and is Accredited and Certified in Public Relations. She began her career assisting the United Way of Sarasota County during their annual campaign period. She then spent seven years as Community Development Director for First Step, Inc., a local provider of substance abuse treatment, where she was tasked with building the organization’s first public relations department. By the time she left, Cheray managed a staff of seven and a sizeable budget. Over the years, Cheray has received a number of honors for her work in the public relations industry, including several ADDYs and FPRA Golden Image Awards. In 2017, she received the Dillin Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Florida Public Relations Association. In addition to being honored for her professional achievements, Cheray has been recognized for her local volunteer work, which dates back over a decade. She has been a particularly active advocate for The Florida Center for Early Childhood Development. She served as the organization’s Board Chair in 2014 and 2015, and received an award for outstanding board service in 2016.