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Stacey Hajdak, APR

Published on 4/13/2026

Stacey Hajdak, APR

Senior Vice President, Communications Strategy, rf.engage

Could you tell us about yourself and your career journey?

I’m a native Long Islander who went to college planning to become an organizational psychologist. Communications wasn’t on my radar at all. While in school, I joined Army ROTC as a way to challenge myself and serve my country. That experience changed everything. As a cadet, I was assigned to a public affairs unit and in the summer of 1995, I deployed to support a humanitarian mission in Panama, where I led media relations. Working alongside public affairs soldiers opened my eyes to a field I loved more and more with each experience. My first civilian PR role was with an agency whose partners, and even members of the media, generously invested time to help me learn the craft. Now more than 30 years later, I’ve had the chance to work across nearly every facet of communications – media relations, crisis and issue management, executive communications, employee engagement – both in in-house and agency roles. What I find most rewarding is when it all comes together in a cohesive, strategic way to drive real impact.

What made you decide to go for the APR?

Because I didn’t enter the communications field through a traditional academic path, I was always motivated to deepen my knowledge, strengthen my credentials and build more credibility as a practitioner. When I learned about the APR opportunity, I jumped at the opportunity. Twice. The first attempt was derailed by … life. But my second attempt was successful.

What impact has the APR had on your career?

I’m a strong believer in continuous professional development and earning my APR has paid dividends in so many ways. It’s fundamentally shaped how I practice communications, how I partner with leaders and approach complex challenges. The APR reinforced he importance of research, planning and measurable impact. It’s taught me the structure necessary to elevate the way I serve the organizations I work with. And practically, it’s played a role in opening doors to increasingly senior leadership opportunities. About five years after I earned my APR, I continued that growth by pursuing a Master of Science in Communications Management from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. This experience was another true inflection point in my career and a powerful complement to the foundation the APR provided.

What advice do you have for PRSA members on the fence about going for the APR?
Get off the fence and take the first step. You can absolutely do it! Yes, it’s a commitment and requires real effort. But the return is worth it, both in the short term and across the span of your career.

For anyone unsure where to start or how to prepare, here’s a path to get you started:
1. Complete the application (you should have 5 years of experience).
2. Study. Consider the structure of the virtual guided course. (You can also read and prepare independently).
3. Connect with a mentor. (APRs are incredibly supportive!)
4. Develop a communications plan that reflects all the elements and steps in the APR Study Guide.
5. Participate in a panel presentation to demonstrate your approach and readiness.
6. Schedule and take the exam.

You won’t regret investing in yourself – you’re more ready than you think.

Learn more about the APR

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