April is Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) Month, a time to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, ethics and continuous professional development.
Tripepi Smith Principals and APRs Katherine Griffiths, Jennifer Nentwig and Jennifer Vaughn are a part of the firm’s growing team of certified professionals who reflect the highest standards of excellence in public relations. While their backgrounds, specialties and client portfolios vary, the APR designation reflects a shared commitment to strategic communication, professional judgment and ethical practice.
“Tripepi Smith has invested in our leadership team achieving APR certifications because we know it is critical to support best practices and deploy a proven framework to add value for our clients,” said President Ryder Todd Smith. “One of our core values at Tripepi Smith is ‘always be learning,’ which reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in our team of rock stars so they can continue to deliver great results for our clients.”
What is APR?
The APR credential is designed to unify and advance the profession by endorsing practitioners who have exhibited exemplary character and demonstrated a high level of competence. Directed by the Universal Accreditation Board, the program trains candidates to demonstrate mastery of 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities found in the profession. Candidates must pass an in-depth portfolio review with a panel of peers and a comprehensive examination to earn the APR designation. The APR must be renewed every three years after the initial accreditation process.
Only 5,000 professionals across the country hold this distinguished qualification, which recognizes excellence, leadership and a commitment to the highest ethical standards in the field of public relations.
Tripepi Smith’s four team members who hold the APR credential help set the firm apart from others serving local government agencies in California.
Jennifer Nentwig, APR
Jennifer Nentwig, who joined Tripepi Smith in 2019, holds an APR+M certification, which she earned in 2015 and renewed in 2018, 2021 and 2024. The APR+M is a joint effort between the Universal Accreditation Board, Department of Defense and the Public Relations Society of America that builds upon the APR credential by incorporating public affairs practices in joint military operations.
Jennifer flexes her APR+M as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Recently promoted to lieutenant colonel, Jennifer served four years of active duty in Alabama, Honduras and Nevada before transitioning to the Air Force Reserve in 2011. She continues to serve as a reservist for around one month every year, and was recently recognized by the Air Reserve Personnel Center for her continued excellence and leadership.
“We are proud of Jennifer’s service to our country,” said Ryder. “Her experiences in the military — including her APR+M credential — have made her an even stronger contributor to our team and clients.”
A former communications manager for the County of Orange, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in crisis communications, media engagement, community relations and website and social media management. She provides strategic advice and leadership for the cities of Lancaster, Needles and Orange, among others.
“With my background in both the U.S. Air Force and civil communications, the integrated APR+M has sharpened my expertise in the public affairs space,” said Jennifer. “Maintaining this credential ensures that I am well-equipped to lead communication programs and strategies across both of my careers.”
Katherine Griffiths, APR
Katherine Griffiths joined Tripepi Smith in 2016, earned her APR in 2021 and renewed the credential in 2024 through engagement, presentations at the League of California Cities’ and Municipal Management Association of Southern California’s annual conferences, continuing education through the California Association of Public Information Officials and serving as vice president of the board of directors for the Blind Children’s Center.
“Maintaining my APR credential helps me flex my theoretical perspective on researching, planning, implementing and evaluating communication programs,” said Katherine. “I appreciate the opportunity to give back to others interested in pursuing the curriculum through presentations, service and mentoring.”
“Katherine’s commitment to professional development embodies Tripepi Smith’s ‘Always Be Learning’ culture,” said Ryder. “She consistently demonstrates her skills and understanding of public relations through her work with our Tripepi Smith VIPs.”
As a principal at Tripepi Smith, Katherine supports strategic communications and creative direction for the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority and Renne Public Law Group, as well as the firm’s nonprofit, higher education and CCA clients.
Jennifer Vaughn, APR
Jennifer Vaughn earned her APR in 2024. She joined Tripepi Smith in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in the public sector, working for local government and public utilities, including Southern California Gas Company. As a principal at Tripepi Smith, Jennifer specializes in high-level strategic planning and management, providing guidance and expertise to her clients and teammates. Her clients include City of Blythe, California City Management Foundation, City of Harlingen, TX, Orange County City Managers Association and West Coast Arborists.
“Earning my APR was a powerful reminder that while public relations challenges are rarely black and white, I have the experience and the toolkit to lead through the grey areas with total confidence,” said Jennifer.
Outside of work, Jennifer serves as the past president of Keller Education Foundation.
“Jennifer’s strong background in local government is only further complemented by her APR certification, making her a valuable asset to both our team and our clients,” said Chief Financial Officer Nicole Smith. “In true ‘Always Be Learning’ fashion, this achievement reflects her exceptional dedication to the profession.”
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith’s diverse clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Calabasas, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Grover Beach, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Malibu, City of Napa, City of Palmdale, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Center and Climatec.
