Join us for our July 25, 2013 meeting to hear Rose McKinney, Founder & CEO, of PineappleRM, speak about "Reputation Management"

After enrolling in journalism school at Drake University in the mid-1980s with aspirations of becoming the next Jane Pauley, Rose quickly realized she did not want to report the news – she wanted to create it. Some might call that Strategic Thinking!

Rose's influence and accomplishments – which range from establishing a national Millennium celebration to saving a Shriners Hospital from closure – are not only notable, they are also newsworthy. Her career includes business, community, professional and academic facets. She has helped hundreds of organizations, from entrepreneurial startups to international conglomerates to vital non-profit organizations tap the power and potential of brand-reputation.

Rose has spent her career at agencies, serving as director of public relations at Foley Sackett, vice president client services at Karwoski & Courage, and president of Risdall McKinney Public Relations. Her peers and clients know her for being Engaging, Sincere, and Thoughtful in all she does.

And, Rose is also known as being a Talented Leader. In 2011, Rose launched PineappleRM Inc., a communications firm focused on reputation management that has been growing and evolving for nearly 25 years just waiting to launch.

PRSA, IABC, CIPRA, SABRE and PR Week have recognized Rose and her teams with nearly 100 industry and business awards. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal recognized Rose with its annual Women in Business "Woman to Watch" award. Since 2006, she's been an active member of the Women Presidents' Organization.

More words to describe Rose: Caring and Likes to Give Back. An adjunct faculty member at Metropolitan State University since 2005, Rose is a four-time recipient of the President's Circle of Engagement for developing community-based curricula in her courses. She has served numerous community organizations: Miracles of Mitch Foundation, Minnesota Zoo, Junior League of Minneapolis and Salvation Army.

Long-time residents of Brooklyn Park, Minn., Rose and her husband Kelly have two adult children and one middle-school child.