Member Spotlight: Derek Zarn
Tell me a little about yourself.
I'm someone who deeply values creativity, new ideas that challenge my worldview, and continuous learning. Growing up, I was always drawn to artistic endeavors. This creative foundation has given me a unique perspective in my professional life, especially in public relations. Outside of work, I'm passionate about community service and sit on the Board of Directors for the Urbandale Food Pantry. Additionally, I love staying active, whether it's yoga, power lifting, or exploring new countries.
What drew you to public relations in the first place?
For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed writing and storytelling, making public relations a logical field for me. But I didn’t realize this until after I graduated from Iowa State University and started working full-time! I initially went to college for graphic design, which now complements the public relations and marketing work that I do today.
What has your career path looked like? What is your current role?
After graduating from Iowa State, I began my professional journey as a Graphic Designer/Printing Technician with the City of Ames. In this role, I honed my design skills and gained valuable experience in print production. Over time, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the Public Relations Officer, whose work I found both exciting and stimulating. This exposure sparked my interest in public relations and communications.
Being young — and maybe a little naïve — I was eager to expand my expertise. I immersed myself in learning as much as possible from her, taking on additional responsibilities and projects that broadened my skill set. My efforts paid off when, after five years with the City of Ames, I accepted a position with the City of Urbandale as a Marketing & Communications Specialist. In this role, I led several successful campaigns, significantly enhancing public engagement and community outreach.
Over the past decade, my role has evolved, and I have continuously sought out professional development opportunities (shameless plug here for PRSA and 3CMA, both are amazing resources for government practitioners) to stay ahead in the field. I now serve as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the City of Urbandale. In this leadership position, I work closely with all city departments, drive the city’s communication strategy, and ensure that our messaging resonates with our community.
How did you get involved with PRSA Iowa?
Because I didn’t take the more traditional route of studying public relations at university, I looked for other ways to build my knowledge and expertise in the field. Although my coursework at Iowa State included several writing, media law, and marketing classes, I wanted a deeper and more specialized understanding of public relations. To achieve this, I joined PRSA. Being a part of PRSA provided me with access to a wealth of resources, professional development opportunities, and a network of experienced PR professionals. This involvement has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and refining my skills.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Diana Deibler, a mentor and friend, once told me: “Don’t put ten pounds of potatoes into a five-pound bag.” It’s genius! The more you say, the less they read. Don’t tell people everything you know – tell them what they need to know.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time? What’s that!? In all seriousness, I’m an “experiences guy”. I enjoy learning about other cultures and seeing the world. So I spend most of my free time traveling. Within the last six months, I’ve visited Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.
