Member Spotlight: Q&A with Gina Ray, APR
Posted on Feb. 18, 2026 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
Q: How did you get involved with OCPRSA?
A: My journey with PRSA began at Cal State Fullerton, where I served as finance director for the PRSSA student chapter and attended my first national conference in St. Louis. After graduation, I stayed active, attending programs to stay ahead of industry trends.
When I launched my boutique agency, participating in the PROTOS awards became a priority—not just to validate my work as best practice but to demonstrate results to clients and peers. Over the years, I’ve been honored with nearly two dozen OCPRSA awards.
In 2023, I decided to give back to the community that shaped me. I co-chaired programs, served as treasurer, and now, as president-elect, I’m focused on advancing education and opportunities for communications professionals.
Q: What advice do you give to those considering an APR?
A: Earning an APR is absolutely worth it. It’s a certification that validates your ability to design intentional, measurable communications programs. I earned mine after seven years in the field, and it gave me the confidence to make data-driven recommendations, push back when necessary, and execute successful campaigns.
The process isn’t easy—it requires a deep understanding of marketing and communications principles. OCPRSA offers one of the best prep courses in the Western District, and I encourage anyone interested to connect with our APR chair.
Q: What is your current role, and how has PR shaped your career?
A: I’m the Vice President of Corporate Marketing at ABBYY, an AI company specializing in document processing. Public relations has been foundational to my career, shaping how I approach messaging, market trends, and audience engagement.
PR taught me how to craft authentic, resonant messaging that cuts through the noise. That perspective naturally evolved into leading corporate marketing, where PR, brand, social, digital, content, and creative services align to drive market leadership.
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