Deborah Stone

Deborah is a strategic leader and savvy storyteller with a passion for tourism and the economic benefits it brings to communities. She founded Pineapple Public Relations to focus on her love for the travel and tourism industry, specializing in luxury and nature-based destinations. With more than 25 years of experience, Deborah has developed and implemented successful public relations campaigns that drive business growth and increase visitation. 

Pineapple PR has grown to become one of the leading tourism PR agencies in the Southeast. In addition to public relations services, expertise includes FRESH, a specialized content marketing studio, and a full suite of social and digital media services. The agency produces award-winning campaigns for a wide variety of destinations, hotels and resorts and has been recognized for their innovative work by the Public Relations Society of America and named as one of O’Dwyer’s Top Travel & Tourism firms. 

Deborah is proud of the agency’s work in Georgia, making headlines for destinations from the coast to the mountains, including Augusta, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, Dahlonega, Historic Banning Mills, Dade County, Blairsville and more. Notable agency achievements include promoting Little St. Simons Island to achieve its first Condé Nast World’s Best recognition and being invited to Liberace’s house for the celebration(!), navigating crisis communications during the Gulf Oil Spill for a Gulf Coast client, and securing high-profile media coverage, such as an 8-page spread in Garden & Gun and a TODAY show segment on top winter destinations. She is dedicated to enhancing the economic success of the destinations Pineapple PR represents through innovative strategies that capture media attention, grow social engagement and boost SEO through cretive content marketing programs. 

Deborah enjoys being a speaker and presenter for DMOs and tourism organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Clemson University (Go Tigers!!) and a Master of Communication, with an emphasis in public relations, from Georgia State University (Go Panthers!). She founded and served as Chairman of the Travel & Tourism group of the Public Relations Society of America, Georgia Chapter, and is a member of PRSA, O’Dwyers, and the Society of American Travel Writers. Deborah lives in Brookhaven with her husband Steve, two daughters and two doggies and loves to pursue her passion for traveling.