AAA Names Yolanda L. Clark

ORLANDO, Fla.--AAA, the nation’s largest organization for motorists and other travelers, has named Yolanda L. Clark to the position of managing director of AAA Public Relations at the association’s national office in Heathrow, Fla.

Clark most recently served as the chief spokesperson and director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under the Department of Homeland Security. Prior to this post, she served as the southeast regional public affairs officer and media spokesperson for TSA in the Atlanta Regional Office.

AAA, a widely-cited source for the nation’s media on topics affecting the safety and security of travelers and vehicle owners, has a national public relations presence in Washington, D.C., Miami and at its national office in central Florida. Clark will have overall management responsibility for these operations, while working with local AAA club public relations departments to assist media in their areas.

“AAA is pleased to have someone of Yolanda Clark’s talents and experience join our team to manage the association’s broad public relations portfolio and energize our media outreach,” said Susan Pikrallidas, vice president, AAA Public Affairs.

Previous to her federal service, Clark served as the Deputy Director of Public Relations for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for four years where she managed the crisis communications and public relations operation of the world’s busiest airport during the 9/11 tragedy. She also was responsible for developing public relations strategies to support the airport’s $5.4 billion 10-year Master Plan which included construction of a new fifth runway, dubbed “The Most Important Runway in America” by former Transportation Security Norman Mineta.

In addition to work in the fields of security, transportation and aviation, Ms. Clark has a wealth of experience in television and client-side management. She served as the Program Promotions Manager for Central Florida’s premier Public Broadcasting and National Public Radio stations, WMFE Channel 24 and 90.7 FM and has held management level positions in successful public relations firms.

In 2002, the State of Georgia recognized her when she was voted one of Georgia's 100 Most Powerful and Influential Women. She is a member of numerous business and civic organizations including PRSA, the National Press Club and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

A seasoned spokesperson, Clark has appeared on national television shows including: CNN Late Edition, The Today Show, CNN American Morning and was once featured as a guest host on ABC’s The View during the “View Across America” series.

She holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University and is a native of south Florida.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 49 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com .