Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Kenner, LA
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and minors in Business and Leadership Development
Favorite Quote: “If I was down to my last dollar, I'd spend it on public relations.” - Bill Gates
Favorite PR Moment: Working in an international COVID-19 communications council to correct misinformation about the pandemic.
Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of public relations, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.
Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.
Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), New Orleans Press Club, Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter, a New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI) alum and a member of the Diversity Action Alliance coalition. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, Google Ads and analytics, content marketing and social media.
A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series.
An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission, SPRF and PRSA.
Outside of work, Alicia is an active volunteer for Divine Mercy Parish and on the board of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Home & School Association where she recently chaired their annual gala, raising more than $110k. On the weekend, you can normally find her at the ballpark with her three boys or with a book in her hand.