Andrea Knies, communications director for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County and a member of the Central West Coast chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA), has earned professional accreditation in public relations (APR). In receiving the designation, Knies joins the more than 5,000 professionals nationally that represent a group of public relations professionals committed to practicing with high ethical standards.

In addition to her role at the Arts Alliance, Knies currently serves on the CWC-FPRA’s board of directors as the vice-president of professional development. She’s also the co-founder of Compass Rose History Experiences and secretary of the Manatee County Historical Commission. Prior to joining the Arts Alliance, Knies was the assistant director of community engagement for New College of Florida.