Our Story
Tina L. Kies, CEO & Principal Strategist
At an early age, Tina learned the value of language and communicating with intention. Her mother, an Okinawan native, spoke English as a second language in the home. Speaking clearly, enunciating words, and articulating thought in a concise manner was the way of life.
Tina attended the University of Washington in Seattle, studying Communications and Japanese Language & Literature; the perfect marriage of her passion for language and culture.
Tina founded Chikara PR, LLC in 2018 after two decades of organic, progressive growth as a marketing and public relations professional. She is a nationally-recognized communicator and recipient of numerous industry awards including those from the International Association of Business Communicators, American Advertising Federation, League of American Communications Professionals and the Public Relations Society of America.
In 2004, Tina was awarded the annual Hokupa'a Award ("Young PR Person of the Year") for the State of Hawai'i for her proven leadership and professional accomplishments. Upon her return to Washington State, she was nominated to participate in and graduated from Leadership Skagit's Class of 2006, a joint leadership and community outreach partnership between Skagit Valley College, Economic Development Association of Skagit County, and Washington State University. In 2016, she became a guest columnist for McKnight's LTC News, a national healthcare publications; in 2022, she began contributing to its sister publication, McKnight's Senior Living. In 2019, she became a contributing author for Bellingham Alive, a regional lifestyle magazine. In 2022, Tina began contributing to both Premier Builder and Mount Vernon Neighbors magazine, a division of Best Version Media.
Tina has been a member of the Public Relations Society of America - Hawai'i, Orange County (CA), and Puget Sound (WA) chapters - since 2002, holding a Board position for the Hawai'i Chapter in 2004. She was the Founding Chair for YPR, a young PR professionals resource affiliated with the PRSA-Hawai'i Chapter, and held Board positions with Ad2 Hawaii whereby her pro-bono PR efforts on behalf of various non-profit organizations received national accolades. She has also served as Fundraising and Membership Chair for the Skagit Performing Arts Council in 2005-06 and 2008, respectively, and was a founding Board member for the Skagit "Dungies" Baseball Club in 2022. Tina is currently an active member of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce.
With a genuine love for the written word and extensive knowledge of business management principles, Tina has successfully executed strategic marketing and public relations campaigns that have resulted in increased revenue, enhanced awareness and elevated customer loyalty. Her coast-to-coast client base has spanned from Washington State, Oregon, and California to Connecticut, Texas, and the islands of Hawai'i. Over the years, she has put her expert knowledge to use for organizations and personal brands within the construction, design, retail, healthcare, non-profit, entertainment, luxury hotel and resort, restaurant, and sports industries.
It is Tina's belief that one person can make a difference. It is through her own experiences and personal empowerment that she strives to help others reach their potential, personally and professionally. Chikara PR, LLC was founded on the premise that together, through collaborative effort and positive energy, we all benefit.
Feel free to contact Tina directly for a complimentary consultation at 360.630.9300 or tina@chikarapr.com.