Barbara Metz, founder of Metz Public Relations, is a respected public relations strategist and counselor who specializes in media relations and publicity for small- to mid-size companies and nonprofits. She has a track record of success with clients in the built environment, real estate, interior design, and contemporary art. She is interested in project work and consulting with companies that are constructive, creative and ethical.Before establishing Metz PR in 1987, she managed the public relations operations at two of two major San Diego advertising and public relations firms: Phillips-Ramsey, Inc., a $50 million, full-service agency, she served as director of public relations, and Roni Hicks & Associates. Earlier, she was the manager of corporate communications for Mission Viejo Company, a subsidiary of Philip Morris Incorporated, and worked closely with national media entities such as Seventeen Magazine, ABC Sports and Life Magazine, in conjunction with publicizing the community’s Olympians Greg Louganis, Jennifer Chandler & others. Barbara has won many public relations and/or writing awards, staring with a California State writing award when she was 14. She has also earned awards from the Building Industry Association (five SAM Awards), Orange County Press Club, and Public Relations Society of America chapters in San Diego & Orange counties Barbara plays an active role in the community. In addition to being 2007-2008 President of the 375-member San Diego Press Club, she has chaired their prestigious Journalism Awards.She is past president of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Diplomacy Council, a nonprofit organization that welcomes more than 500 foreign dignitaries who come to San Diego each year as guests of the State Department and other federal agencies. Personally, she has entertained more than 100 foreign dignitaries in her home.Specialties: Media relations, writing, social network marketing, photography, branding and identity, crisis communications, and website development