Qualifications
Robyn Hadley, Director
As press secretary, committee clerk, researcher, and administrative aide to three former Texas state senators, including one who chaired the powerful Senate Finance Committee, Robyn knows the political process inside and out. With colleagues and contacts at all levels of government, Robyn is an asset to WaterPR’s many clients.
After earning a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Robyn spent five years as a television reporter in Texas and Oklahoma, learning how to make complex issues understandable to the general public. That work led to her first job in state government as an investigator for a senate committee.
A natural organizer, Robyn has planned many events, including committee dinners, fundraisers, staff retreats, educational conferences and the passage of resolutions that require multiple sponsors in the House and Senate. Multi-tasking, while never losing a sense of humor, is Robyn’s trademark skill.
Her desire to help people in state government keep track of each other led Robyn to create the Capitol Crowd, Texas’ first online network and blog that focuses on political people. Having grown to nearly 1,000 people, the Capitol Crowd is an important resource for lawmakers, lobbyists, association employees, media, and legislative and agency staff.
Sharon Mineo, Office Manager
With her sharp eye for detail and calm demeanor in the flurry of communications activities, Sharon Mineo is an invaluable player in WaterPR’s success. She oversees daily office functions for the agency as well as tracking administrative tasks for clients, such as bookkeeping, membership rolls, invoicing, and website maintenance and updates. Prior to joining WaterPR, Sharon was an instructor for Austin Community College in the floral design department and a designer for well-respected Austin florist. She is a certified master gardener, and holds a master’s degree in horticulture from Texas A&M and a bachelor’s degree in botany from The University of Texas at Austin.
Carrie Pennoni, Association Manager
With a background in marketing, branding, and conference and event coordination, Carrie is an invaluable asset to WaterPR. Carrie oversees all facets of association management, including boards, event planning, membership tracking, business development, marketing, and more. After graduating with a sociology degree from the University of Michigan, Carrie worked as a conference and event coordinator, managing over 200 seminars and events. She later worked for a prestigious New York publishing group, offering branding and publicity services for authors. Prior to joining WaterPR, Carrie served as a nationwide conference director.
Eliza Vermillion, Staff Assistant
Eliza holds a biology degree from St. Edward's University, and is currently at the University of Texas, pursuing a graduate degree in community and regional planning with a focus on environmental and natural resources planning. She recently helped coordinate the State of the Urban Forest Summit, held at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. Eliza's positive attitude and willingness to assist with a wide variety of projects make her a valuable addition to the WaterPR team.
Linda Fernandez, Founder and Senior Advisor
Recognized as one of Texas’ foremost water communicators, Linda Fernandez led WaterPR from 1998, when she formed as the agency as Fernandez Group, Inc, until March 2008. In April 2008, Linda assumed the role of senior advisor to WaterPR. Her public relations and media experiences bring a variety of perspectives, ensuring successful planning and implementation of projects of high visibility and public interest.
Linda served as special communications project coordinator for the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission as well as a media specialist and chief speechwriter for the Commissioners. She also served as the media point person on drought and water supplies for the agency from 1994 to 1996. Prior to joining TNRCC, Linda reported on environmental news in Texas for various niche publications, including Texas and Southwest Environmental News and Air/Water Pollution Report. After leaving the TNRCC, Linda served as editor and second in command for the Texas House of Representatives’ House Research Organization.
Linda knows the details of water issues like no one else, and she can effectively translate them for the lay person’s consumption. Her “all inclusive” perspective to public outreach has helped many organizations build rapport with grassroots groups as well as key decision makers in local and state government.
Linda holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University. She is a member of the Texas Water Conservation Association and the Society of Government Meeting Professionals.
Our Affiliates
WaterPR has an extensive network of skilled, experienced professionals ready to meet any project’s needs: graphic designers, commercial printers, multimedia and video producers, translators, and more.