Deborah Stone originally founded Pineapple PR as a way to fuse her love of storytelling with her passion for travel. Since its founding in 1996, the agency has seen immense growth and transformation, with Deborah placing an emphasis on innovation and creativity.
Deborah has further defined Pineapple PR’s niche to focus on upscale and nature-based travel destinations as well as economic development, food and beverage clientele, resorts, attractions, and more. Since its founding, the company has added a social and digital practice, moved into a new space, and grown at a rate of 20 percent each year since 2015, which Deborah counts as one of her proudest professional achievements. Delivering client results while focusing on team and individual growth has been a key factor in the agency’s success.
“Our mission at Pineapple PR is to create a space for strong, talented people to thrive and grow; to implement best practices on behalf of our clients; to be ever mindful to focus on results that matter; and to create bottom-line impact for our clients each and every time,” says Deborah.
With more than 20 years of experience, Deborah directs, creates, and implements integrated and forward-thinking communication strategies that deliver impactful results for Pineapple PR’s clients. Her strategic vision has resulted in year-over-year occupancy tax increases for Pineapple PR clients, as well as national exposure through outlets including the Today Show, The Weather Channel, the New York Times, and more.
Deborah has always stressed that promoting tourism is supporting economic development, leading Pineapple PR to being named the agency of record for the Georgia Department of Economic Development and working with their Global Commerce and Centers of Innovation divisions.
Deborah graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She went on to receive her Master of Arts degree in Communication with an emphasis in public relations from Georgia State University.
She is the founder and past Chairman of the Travel & Tourism group of the Public Relations Society of America, Georgia Chapter, and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.