Leslee Hackett didn’t just build a career in communications—she built a career around making ideas matter. For more than 12 years, she has helped organizations find their voice, tell their stories, strengthen their brands, and connect with the audiences who matter most. An award-winning communications and marketing strategist, Leslee brings together public relations, marketing, media relations, digital strategy, content creation, and project leadership to turn ideas into measurable impact. From leading teams and developing integrated communication strategies to creating award-winning multimedia campaigns and managing high-stakes communications initiatives, Leslee thrives where strategy meets execution. She is known for taking complex information and transforming it into clear, compelling stories that people understand, remember, and act on. Her experience spans higher education, K–12 education, nonprofit organizations, and business, giving her a broad perspective on how organizations communicate internally, externally, and across increasingly complex digital landscapes. Leslee is also deeply committed to advancing the communications profession through professional service and leadership. She currently serves as Vice President of PRSA Houston and Chair of the chapter’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, where she helps support chapter programming, member engagement, professional development, and strategic initiatives. She will serve as Chair of the 2027 PRSA Houston Excalibur Awards Gala and is a member of the planning committee for the 2027 PRSA Southwest District Conference, taking place in March 2027. Through these leadership roles, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers to connect, learn, lead, and grow. A passionate advocate for professional development and mentorship, Leslee is equally committed to helping organizations succeed and helping the next generation of communications professionals find their voice. She believes strong communication is about more than delivering a message; it is about building trust, creating connection, and making an impact. She holds a Master of Science in Communications from Texas Tech University and is currently pursuing her APR and PMP certifications. Whether she is developing a communications strategy, leading a high-profile campaign, mentoring emerging professionals, or helping an organization tell its story, Leslee brings strategy, creativity, accountability, and a results-driven mindset to every opportunity. 

Kimberly Bernard Karol, APR, CFRE, is Director of Development and Impact at Global Methane Hub, where she leads fundraising, donor engagement, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning. She is passionate about using strategic communications and philanthropy to build strong partnerships and advance meaningful global change.

Kimberly has served on the PRSA Houston Board of Directors for the past two years, first as co-chair of the APR Committee and currently as chair of the Communications Committee. Her service to PRSA also includes mentoring several professionals pursuing their APR, judging PRSA awards programs, and sponsoring and supporting chapter events.

Before joining Global Methane Hub, Kimberly served as Deputy Director of Global Development at The Nature Conservancy, where she led strategic fundraising, communications, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She previously held development and communications roles at Prairie View A&M University, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Teach For America, Drexel University, and The Aspen Institute.
Kimberly teaches in the Art of Fundraising program at Rice University’s Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership and volunteers with the Association of Donor Relations Professionals. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University, a Master of Public Administration from New York University, and certificates in Corporate Communications and Corporate Sustainability from Cornell University.

Hailey Ngoc Bui is the Marketing & Communications Manager at Consolidated Asset Management Services (CAMS), where she drives the company’s brand storytelling and external communications strategy. She leads the design and development of promotional materials, builds messaging frameworks, and develops campaigns that connect CAMS’ services with stakeholders across the energy industry.

Before joining CAMS, Hailey spent more than five years in both B2C and B2B agency settings, where she crafted campaigns for a wide range of industries and honed her ability to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives. She holds a B.A. in Communications and an M.A. in Mass Communications, where her graduate research focused on social media behavioral trends.

Beyond her corporate role, Hailey is deeply engaged in Houston’s communications community. Since joining PRSA Houston in 2024, she has served on the Hospitality Committee, chaired the Communications Committee in 2025, and currently serves as Secretary on the PRSA Houston Board of Directors for 2026. In her board role, she supports chapter leadership, governance, communications, and member engagement initiatives while helping strengthen PRSA Houston’s visibility and value to communications professionals across the region.

Mike O’Neill is an award winning communications leader with more than 25 years of experience across television news, corporate communications, and public relations. Today, he leads enterprise communications and reputation strategy at TDECU, the largest credit union in the greater Houston area. Known for turning complex business and regulatory topics into accessible stories, Mike brings a blend of newsroom urgency and executive level strategy to every project.

Before joining TDECU, Mike spent nearly two decades in Houston television news, including roles as Executive News Producer at KHOU and Producer at KTRK. He later guided integrated marketing and communications for MetroNational, the real estate company that owns and operates Memorial City, helping navigate major events like the COVID 19 pandemic and the 2021 Big Freeze.

Mike recently earned his Master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Innovation from Texas Tech University, expanding his expertise in organizational communication and modern media strategy.

Within PRSA, Mike serves as Treasurer for PRSA Houston and previously chaired the Scholarship Committee. He has earned multiple PRSA Excalibur Awards and IABC Quill Awards for communications excellence.

Outside PRSA, Mike is the former President of the Houston Press Club and remains dedicated to supporting the growth of Houston’s communications community.

Lisa Dimond, APR, is a corporate communications professional with a career spanning in-house and consulting roles for some of the nation's largest energy, technology, engineering, healthcare and insurance corporations. She is past president of PRSA Houston, and has also served the chapter board as president-elect, vice president and secretary, as well as assembly delegate and PR Day co-chair.

Lisa began her career as a radio and television reporter and anchor in Abilene, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where she covered the state legislature for Louisiana Network News. In Houston, she covered breaking news and education for KTRH-AM Newsradio, often providing stories to Associated Press, CBS, ABC and BBC radio networks. She later co-founded DoubleDimond Public Relations with her mom, Margot, also a PRSA Houston past president, where she served as principal for more than 12 years before moving in-house; she is currently on the corporate communications and public affairs team at Humana.

Lisa is an alumna of Leadership Houston and has served on several non-profit boards, including the Devereux Texas Advisory Board. She holds a Bachelor's in Journalism from LSU and a Master's in Political Science from the University of Houston. 

If you know Lisa, you know how much she loves PRSA Houston — and she's known for recruiting any and all PR pros who aren't yet members.

Terri Larson is a seasoned communications leader with over 30 years of experience in internal and external communications, crisis communications, digital media, and public engagement primarily within the energy sector. She currently serves as Director, Communications & Marketing for Congregation Emanu El, one of the largest Reform synagogues in the country. 

Terri has held director-level roles leading multi-national initiatives to enhance public trust and organizational resilience, and as a “solopreneur” supporting oil & gas clients on their communication and engagement strategy and needs. She is known for her expertise in crisis communications and emergency response and for helping organizations build stronger connections with the communities they serve. Terri is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) and holds a bachelor’s degree in Radio/TV and an MBA with an emphasis in Marketing. 

She is a long-time member of PRSA and has served PRSAHouston in several leadership positions, including PR Day Chair (2004), Professional Development Chair (2005-2008), Board Member (2007-2010), President-Elect, Chapter President, and Immediate Past President (2008-2010), Assembly Delegate (2013-2015), and Nominations Committee Member (2019, 2020, 2025). 

Terri is a member of Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands, where she teaches Judaic studies to 5th and 6th grade students. She also volunteers on the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo’s Wine Events Committee, where she is currently Captain of the Event Production & Scripting Team.

Outside her professional and volunteer commitments, she enjoys family life with husband Neil, their now-adult children Cam and Megan, fur kids Yuki and Ziva (both adopted from Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue), and grand-dog Moose. 

Kristoffer Smith is the director of communications and creative services for the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), bringing more than 15 years of experience in education communications, multimedia production and strategic storytelling. Smith began his career in the classroom, teaching for six years before transitioning into communications leadership roles that support public education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass media and a Master of Fine Arts in Motion Pictures and Television from the Academy of Art University. His professional experience includes positions ranging from multimedia and video coordinator to director of communications in Fort Bend ISD. Most recently, he served as executive director of communications for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston before joining HCDE. In addition to his professional role, Smith is an active leader in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Houston Chapter. He previously served as Scholarship Committee Chair, leading the chapter’s scholarship program to support and recognize the next generation of public relations professionals, and continues to serve on the chapter’s board. At HCDE, Smith leads communications efforts focused on informing, inspiring and engaging audiences while strengthening connections between the organization and the community it serves. This version elevates your PRSA leadership without making it feel like an afterthought and highlights your commitment to advancing the profession in addition to your day-to-day communications leadership. Smith began his career in the classroom, teaching for six years before transitioning into communications leadership roles that support public education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass media and a Master of Fine Arts in Motion Pictures and Television from the Academy of Art University. His professional experience includes positions ranging from multimedia and video coordinator to director of communications in Fort Bend ISD. Most recently, he served as executive director of communications for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston before joining HCDE. In addition to his professional role, Smith is an active leader in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Houston Chapter. He previously served as Scholarship Committee Chair, leading the chapter’s scholarship program to support and recognize the next generation of public relations professionals, and continues to serve on the chapter’s board. At HCDE, Smith leads communications efforts focused on informing, inspiring and engaging audiences while strengthening connections between the organization and the community it serves.