PRSA New Year Networking Luncheon — Welcome to 2026!
Join us as we ring in 2026 with a networking luncheon at Drake’s Hamburg! Kick off the year with fellow communications professionals through great conversation, fresh connections and shared intentions for the year ahead. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to PRSA, we’d love to see you there. Registration is free; food and drinks will be available to purchase.
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ET
Drake's Hamburg | 1880 Ridge Drive, Lexington
No cost to attend. Lunch and drinks at your own expense.
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Deadline to Register: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 5 p.m. ET
PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter
Professional Development • Networking • Accreditation • PRSSA • Awards • Mentoring
We want to connect with you!
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For more than 40 years we’ve been the leading public relations organization serving Lexington and Central/Eastern Kentucky. Our vibrant community of communications professionals covers a wide range of industries and levels of experience.
From senior practitioners to young talent launching careers in PR, we’re the go-to resource for learning, networking and professional development.
SAVE
THE
DATE
Inaugural PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Conference
Nov. 4-5, 2026
Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center | 141 E. Main St. | Lexington
Mark your calendars for the first-ever conference hosted by the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter. Our Conference Committee is hard at work finalizing speakers and a dynamic lineup of topics. More details coming soon!
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Chapter board retreat sets stage for strong year ahead
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The PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Board gathered in December for a productive retreat that brought incoming and outgoing board members together to share insights, reflect on recent successes and plan new opportunities to support our members.
The collaborative session focused on the 2026 inaugural conference Nov. 4-5 and on ensuring a smooth transition of leadership so the chapter can continue to serve the region’s communications community.
Exciting initiatives are already taking shape for the year ahead!
Thoroughbred Chapter News
Thoroughbred Chapter announces 2026 board members
We are pleased to announce our 2026 Board of Directors, a dedicated group of communications professionals from Central/Eastern Kentucky.
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“This board represents the depth of talent, collaboration and professional-ism that defines our chapter,” said Chapter President Marc Whitt. “Together, we are committed to supporting our members through meaningful programming, professional development and ethical leadership, while continuing to elevate the role of public relations in our community.”
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See board member profiles here.
Thoroughbred Chapter supports Believing in Forever Youth Coat Drive
Amy Preske, APR, chapter secretary and APR co-chair, and her husband, Chris Rose, volunteered with Devine Carama and his Believing in Forever Youth Coat Drive. In 2025, Devine delivered over 2,300 new winter coats to children in Central and Eastern Kentucky.
Thanks to all our chapter members who donated to this worthwhile cause. Devine is the 2024 Thoroughbred Chapter Communicator of the Year. His passion for helping Kentucky youth is inspiring.
Networking lunch at Ramsey's draws chapter members, PRSSA students
What a terrific afternoon with chapter members and PRSSA students at our networking lunch at Ramsey's Diners - Masterson Station! From the nonstop chatter around the table to our lively discussion about next November’s inaugural Thoroughbred Chapter Conference in Lexington, the energy was nonstop.
It’s always refreshing to gather with fellow professionals committed to advancing the PR profession across Central and Eastern Kentucky.
Member Spotlight
January
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Samantha Sexton
Meet Samantha Sexton, the marketing communications manager for Parker Hannifin.
Learn more here.
December
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Ryan Clark
Meet Ryan Clark, director of communications for the UK College of Health Sciences and winner of the 2025 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Communications Impact Award.
Learn more here.
Welcome to New Members
The Thoroughbred Chapter is thriving! Membership has surged to 76 strong as current members renewed and six new professionals joined our ranks. This growth reflects the energy and value of being part of our PRSA community — where networking, professional development and shared expertise keep us moving forward.
Please join us in welcoming our newest members:
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Tessa Howard, Communications Specialist, Administrative Office of the Courts
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Abby Huddle, Communications Specialist, Eastern Kentucky University
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Meagan Murphy, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Campbellsville University
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Rita Smith, Lead Communications Manager, eBay
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Lillian Dubler, Associate Strategist, C2 Strategic Communications
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Brianna Stephens, Editorial Lead, Christian Appalachian Project
Announcing 2025 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter award honorees
The Thoroughbred Chapter is excited to recognize the outstanding communicators honored at our 2025 Awards Ceremony! From left to right:
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Communicator of the Year: Anita Spreitzer, Vice President, Paws 4 the Cause
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Outstanding Student Award: A’Mya Kendrick, Graphic Design Associate, Eastern Kentucky University’s Center for Student Involvement, and PRSSA member
Communications Impact Award: Ryan Clark, Communications Director, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences
Rising Star Award: Crystal Sicard, Executive Advisor, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Career Achievement Award: Susan Lancho, Senior Manager, External and Government Affairs, Kentucky American Water
Thoroughbred Chapter has impressive attendance at 2025 ICON in Washington, D.C.
The PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter had a strong showing at this year's ICON in the nation's capital Oct. 28-30. More than 10% of our chapter was among the 2,000-plus attendees (one of the highest chapter rates!), and we were recognized for our strategic planning and mission to help build better communicators.
From sessions on storytelling, conflict resolution and AI strategies, it was an incredible learning environment. Much appreciation to the East Central District for hosting a lunch so we could meet with fellow district members.
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Another highlight was hearing from actress and author Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls") on her storytelling process. Funny story: She said she's only met one person who truly had "writer's block," a friend who never got around to writing their book. Her point: It's natural to feel uncomfortable or struggle with the creative process (and it's OK to ask for help and advice).
Sold-out media panel offers lively discussion of Kentucky's media landscape
Our media panel brought together 25 PR pros and community members Sept. 23 for a powerful conversation on today’s media landscape. Topics ranged from standing out as a PR professional and relationship building to federal funding challenges, network ownership consolidation and doing more with less.
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Thanks to Dean Jennifer Greer of the UK College of Communication and Information as well as UK/JMI Sports for hosting us at the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington.
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​We especially appreciate the panelists: Shannon Brock, editor, Kentucky Living; Renee Shaw, director of Public Affairs & Kentucky Edition host, KET; Jennifer Smith, news director, WLEX-TV; and Alex Valentine, managing editor, Lexington Herald-Leader.