Chapter Member Spotlights: Julie Nelson Harris
What is one of the most memorable or rewarding experiences of your career?
During the pandemic, Somerset Mayor Alan Keck was invited by The New York Times to offer his perspective on reopening the economy in rural communities. Having started my career as a journalist before moving into PR/communications, this was incredibly exciting and I was honored to assist him in producing this op-ed piece. The editing process was rigorous and educational, and I soaked up every second. The piece gave our community a seat at the table in a conversation on the national stage. I learned so much from this experience and will never forget it.
Corto Lima!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-harris-40422/Â
Award-Winning Author and UK Communications Leader Marc Whitt Named PRSA ECD 2024 Platinum Award Winner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 8, 2024Â Â Â Â
Contact:
Risa Richardson, APR
risarichardson@nisource.com
Award-Winning Author and UK Communications Leader Marc Whitt Named PRSA ECD 2024 Platinum Award Winner
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Public Relations Society of America East Central District (PRSA ECD) announced today that Marc Whitt, veteran communications professional and author of multiple critically-acclaimed books, is the recipient of the 2024 Platinum Award. Â
The annual Platinum Award recognizes a public relations practitioner who has achieved a distinguished service record and is clearly identified as a role model for other professionals through chapter, district and national service. The award was established by PRSA ECD in 1996 in honor of former ECD board chair Donald P. Durocher, APR, Fellow PRSA.Â
Over the course of his 40-year career, Whitt has consistently delivered results that have been recognized with more than 40 honors for notable service and contributions to the public relations profession. His books, “PR Lessons Learned Along the Way: Strategies, Tips & Advice for the Higher Ed and Nonprofit Public Relations Professional” and “When In Doubt, Make Applesauce! Core Habits of the Masterful Public Relations Professional” are bestsellers and consistently ranked among lists of the best public relations books of all time.
The Paintsville native currently serves as director of media and strategic relations on the senior leadership staff of the University of Kentucky Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communications. He also teaches in the UK College of Communication and Information’s Department of Integrated Strategic Communication, where he specializes in public relations. Whitt currently serves on the board of the Public Relations and Communication Association International University Advisory Council and on the board of directors for the Thoroughbred PRSA Chapter in Lexington, which includes about 75 PR professionals across Central Kentucky.Â
“Marc exemplifies the highest ideals of public relations through his commitment to ethics, education and mentorship,” said Jennifer Kramer, APR, PRSA ECD’s 2024 Chair. “His dedication to advancing the profession while inspiring those around him to reach new heights is commendable. It is an honor to recognize Marc with this district award, as his leadership and contributions continue to leave a lasting impact on the industry.”
“Marc is a pillar of the PR profession, and not just here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He’s internationally known for his sharp intellect, strategic thinking and masterful insights, and his leadership is marked by the winning combination of integrity, humility, and humor,” said Katie Neal, President of the Thoroughbred Chapter. “As programming chair over the last three years, Marc has been instrumental in guiding our PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter board, consistently bringing out the best in others while steering us towards success that includes record membership numbers. A servant leader through and through, Marc embodies the highest standards of our profession and is highly deserving of this award.”
Whitt will receive his honor on October 22 at the Excellence in PR Award Reception as part of the UK James C. Bowling Executive-In-Residence Lecture Series.
“For me, PR has always been about serving others. It’s about listening and absorbing, solving problems with truth, accuracy, transparency, integrity, character, and the highest ethics. It’s about being a masterful storyteller, engaging people in the mission and values of those we represent,” said Whitt. “PR requires being both a big thinker and a bold doer, a masterful networker and relationship-builder — connecting the right ideas with the right people at the right time. Most importantly, our work truly makes a difference in the life of our organizations, our clients, and in the lives of others. For the past 40 years, the public relations profession has given me more than I can ever repay, including this recognition.”
###
Thoroughbred Chapter Member Spotlights
Meet Michele Hill! She is the Director of Communications and Marketing at the Kentucky League of Cities.
What is one of the most memorable or rewarding experiences of your career?
Creating a fun and engaging conference for our members.
What do you love most about the PR/Communications industry?
I love how you can get creative and challenge yourself to think outside the box to generate something new and exciting.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
You are never too old to change course.
What do you appreciate most about being a PRSA member?
Networking and getting an opportunity to bounce ideas and issues off others in the industry.
What is your favorite Central KY food spot?
Han Woo Ri in Lexington
Connect with Michele on LinkedIn!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelerhill/
PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Named PRominent Chapter Award Winner
PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Named PRominent Chapter Award Winner
LEXINGTON, Ky – The Public Relations Society of America East Central District (PRSA ECD) announced today that the Thoroughbred Chapter in Lexington, Kentucky, is the winner of the 2024 PRominent Chapter Award.
The Thoroughbred Chapter represents public relations professionals from Central Kentucky. Founded in 1984 and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the organization is one of two in Kentucky and its membership includes a number of regionally and nationally recognized practitioners.
The PRominent Award was established by PRSA ECD in 2021. The district represents 16 chapters in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Western and Northwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Nominees for the award were required to demonstrate excellence in diversity and inclusion initiatives, membership outreach, community service and professional development programming.
The Thoroughbred Chapter is one of two in Kentucky and was one of five chapters in the district to receive the special recognition. This is the second year in a row that the Chapter has earned the honor, in part for its wide range of in-person and virtual programming, as well as its supportforareacollegestudentsseekingtoenterthepublicrelationsprofession.
“We are honored to congratulate the Thoroughbred Chapter for their achievement in public relations excellence,” said Jennifer Kramer, APR, PRSA ECD’s 2024 Chair. “Earning this award for the second year in a row is a testament to their tireless commitment to improve programming and services for members.”
Katie Neal, president of the Thoroughbred Chapter’s board of directors, credited the work of leaders and members who volunteer their time to support the chapter.
“Central Kentucky is home to an incredibly diverse range of PR professionals, and we are grateful to be recognized once again for continued excellence among the 16 PRSA ECD chapters,” said Neal, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at TimelyCare. “This is an exciting and challenging time for our industry as PR professionals industry adapt to continued media consolidation, the impact of AI, and declining trust in institutions. PRSA provides the professional development resources, learning opportunities and networking events that strategic communications professional wants and needs as we look toward a better future.”
Additional information about PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter events and membership can be found at www.kyprsa.org.
###
Lexington’s PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Announces Communicator of the Year, Communications Excellence Awards
Lexington’s PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Announces Communicator of the Year, Communications Excellence Awards
By Holly Wiemers
LEXINGTON, Ky., (June 5, 2024) – The Lexington, Kentucky based Thoroughbred Chapter of Public Relations Society of America has named Devine Carama, director of ONE Lexington, community activist and hip hop artist, as its 2024 Communicator of the Year. The award recognizes a person who is not a public relations professional but who did an outstanding job of communicating during the past year.
This award and others recognizing communications excellence will be presented at a ceremony hosted by the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter on June 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Pasta Garage’s Banchetto 972, 972 Delaware Ave. in Lexington. The event is open to attend. Tickets can be purchased at www.kyprsa.org/event/june-awards-event.
In addition to the award for Communicator of the Year, three area communications professionals will also be recognized for their remarkable accomplishments. Those winners include Megan Moloney with the Career Achievement Award, Andrea Gils MonzĂłn with the Communications Impact Award and Mallory Olson with the Rising Star Award.
“As the leading professional organization serving the communications community, PRSA is fortunate to have and thrilled to recognize such tremendous talent right here in Central Kentucky,” said Katie Neal, president of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter.
Carama was nominated by members of the Thoroughbred Chapter’s board in recognition of his impact on the Lexington community. He is a 2022 Emmy Award-winning hip-hop artist, educator, community activist and motivational speaker from Lexington. He is also the director of ONE Lexington, the Lexington Mayor’s youth gun violence reduction program, which has launched several new initiatives in its first year under his direction. Additionally, he is the founder and director of a youth-focused nonprofit organization called Believing In Forever, Inc.
Carama was voted “Best Lexingtonian” in Smiley Pete’s inaugural “Best of Lex,” appearing on the cover of Chevy Chase and The Southsider in April 2024. He was also named among the top four musicians in Lexington. Additionally, he was awarded the 2024 MLK Jr. Unity Award.
“Devine Camara is a visionary leader, creative catalyst and community builder. His message of hope, peace, non-violence and community support is inspiring and omnipresent across the city – and evident in many ways,” Neal said. “No one is more deserving of being called Communicator of the Year given the impact he has on the people of Lexington every day.”
Nominators point to statistics showing a decrease in gun violence through his organization’s efforts. They also highlight the success of Believing in Forever’s annual winter coat collection, which has resulted in more than 15,000 coats being collected for children in Central and Eastern Kentucky in the past eight years.
Blending community activism and art, Carama recently released his book, Pages Full of Rhymes, which chronicles his 20-year rap career through 100 thought-provoking, revolutionary, personal and poetic verses from his music catalog. He talks about his writing process, the grind of being an indie artist and how this beautiful culture not only helped him find his purpose but created a platform to advocate for social change.
Megan Moloney, vice president of marketing and communications at Transylvania University, was named recipient of the Career Achievement Award, an award recognizing someone who is a current member of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter or who has been a member in the past five years who has more than 15 years of experience and has demonstrated a commitment to excellence.
Since joining Transylvania University in 2018, Moloney has led efforts to expand their outreach and public relations efforts. Leading a small team of creatives, including writers, designers, content creators and marketers, Moloney has focused on raising the university’s profile in the community and nationally.
Under her leadership, Transylvania’s Marketing and Communications team has been recognized with 24 awards in the last three years, including one best-of-show and 14 Gold awards at the Educational Advertising Awards and the Collegiate Advertising Awards. Notably, the 1780 blog, which Moloney launched in 2018, has received six gold awards in each of the three years it has been entered.
Prior to her position at Transylvania University, Moloney had a multi-decade career in federal government communications, including with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the U.S. Secret Service and the White House.
Andrea Gils MonzĂłn, founder & CEO of Shiftmakers Consulting, was named as recipient of the Communications Impact Award. The award recognizes someone at the mid-level range in their career, doing outstanding work in the profession, with five to 15 years of PR/communications experience.
Through her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, Gils MonzĂłn has not only set new benchmarks within the public relations industry but has profoundly impacted its strategic direction with her multicultural insights and expertise.
Over the past 12 years in the U.S., Gils MonzĂłn has leveraged her deep understanding of diverse cultural dynamics to drive meaningful engagement across various organizations and communities, enhancing the inclusivity and global reach of her initiatives. Her career has been guided by her deep commitment to diversity, education and ethical practices, earning her extensive recognition. Her innovative approaches to integrating AI, coupled with her dedication to inclusivity and ethics, have reshaped public relations practices to effectively address the needs of an increasingly globalized society.
Additionally, her leadership has transformed PRSA’s strategic direction and set new standards for inclusivity and professional integrity in the industry. Gils Monzón has held numerous volunteer leadership roles within PRSA at the local and national levels. Previously, as co-chair of the PRSA National Diversity & Inclusion Committee, she spearheaded the first three-year strategic diversity and inclusion plan. She has served on the PRSA National Board since 2023.
Mallory Olson, media relations manager at TimelyCare, was named as recipient of the Rising Star Award, an award recognizing someone new to the field, with two to five years in a PR or communications role.
At TimelyCare, Olson is an integral part of the strategic communications team, serving as the primary point of contact for journalists and oversees the company’s awards program.
Olson began her career as a TV news journalist, having worked as a reporter and weekend news anchor in State College, Pennsylvania, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In August 2019, the University of Kentucky hired Olson for her first public relations role as a PR officer. In the three years she worked at UK, she focused on enterprise storytelling for a variety of UK and UK HealthCare entities.
In July 2022, Olson joined the team at TimelyCare, higher education’s most trusted health and well-being provider, as the second person hired in the strategic communications department. There she has seen tremendous success and professional growth as a rising star in the industry.
Additional information about the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter, including membership, is available at www.kyprsa.org.
###
Foundation Marketing & Communications Coordinator
About The Foundation for the Horse
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and help for Horses at Risk. It is governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders. In 2022, and for the second consecutive year, The Foundation awarded over $1 million in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
Position Summary
As part of a dynamic team, the Foundation Marketing & Communications Coordinator will be responsible for the development and execution of marketing and public relations endeavors for The Foundation for the Horse, the 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
In this full-time role, you will have the ability to directly impact the welfare of horses through The Foundation.
This individual will work directly with the Director of Industry Relations and the team to support their efforts and elevate the messaging of The Foundation.
This position is key to The Foundation’s emphasis on communicating effectively with its various constituencies, including donors, prospects, volunteers, and the equine industry at large.Â
Key Responsibilities
- Branding and Messaging
- Develops The Foundation’s brand narrative and brand identity.
- Oversees all print, digital and written marketing, and development material to be consistent with brand identity.
- Oversees projects working with outside agencies as needed.
- Identifies, presents, and maintains opportunities for consistency in messaging and brand standards to improve and support the donor experience across channels from donor relations to digital to print.
- Plan Development and Execution
- Development and execution of annual marketing, public relations and social media plans for Foundation and its entities, including The Equine Disease Communication Center
- Identify and present short- and long-term goals and planned initiatives based on team needs and input.
- Print and Digital Marketing
- Development and execution of print and digital advertising
- Oversee, create, and evaluate content for media releases, social media, newsletters, e-blasts, annual reports, marketing and development collateral and other print and digital content.
- Manage the Foundation’s website.
- Oversee special marketing and communications projects of The Foundation and its entities.
- Coordinate photography and video production as needed, and curate associated photo and video libraries.
Qualifications
- An undergraduate degree in marketing, communications, public relations, business, or related field.
- Three years of experience working in a non-profit or membership-based organization, preferably within development/fundraising.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing marketing and public relations campaigns.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing to a diverse audience.
- Mission-driven and goal-oriented.
- Preference consideration for applicants with development or equine industry experience.
The Foundation for the Horse is located at AAEP, headquartered at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. This is a full-time, hybrid position, offers incredible benefits and is based in Lexington.
To apply, please submit resume and a one-page cover letter to:
Keith Kleine
Director of Industry Relations
AAEP & The Foundation for the Horse
kkleine@aaep.org
PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Named PRominent Chapter Award Winner
Contact:
Risa Richardson
risarichardson@nisource.com
859-953-2100
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Public Relations Society of America East Central District (PRSA ECD)
announced today that the Thoroughbred Chapter is the winner of the 2023 PRominent Chapter Award.
The Thoroughbred Chapter represents public relations professionals from Lexington and surrounding
counties. Founded in 1957, the organization is one of two in Kentucky and its membership includes a
number of regionally and nationally recognized practitioners.
The PRominent Award was established by PRSA ECD in 2021. The district represents 16 chapters in
Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Western and Northwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Nominees for the award were required to demonstrate excellence in diversity and inclusion initiatives,
membership outreach, community service and professional development programming.
The Thoroughbred Chapter is one of two in Kentucky and was one of five chapters in the district to
receive the special recognition. The Lexington Chapter received special recognition for their
programming and support for area college students seeking to enter the public relations profession. The
chapter holds annual networking sessions and mentoring sessions and offers discounted memberships
for students in the Public Relations Student Society of America chapters at area colleges including the
University of Kentucky, Berea College and Eastern Kentucky University.
“We are honored to congratulate the Thoroughbred Chapter for their achievement in public relations
excellence,” said Kaylin Staten, PRSA ECD’s 2023 Chair.
Tina Bryson, president of the Thoroughbred Chapter’s board of directors, credited the work of leaders and
members who volunteer their time to support the chapter.
“I am grateful for the communications professionals that contribute so much to make our local chapter
and board a huge success,” said Bryson, who leads the communications team at Christian Appalachian
Project. “We are committed to providing engaging programming for our members, while also prioritizing
DEI initiatives and investing in students pursuing a career in our profession.”
###
2023 Thoroughbred Awards are Here!
Thoroughbred Awards – Things You Need to Know
For more than 20 years, the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter has offered an awards program that recognizes the outstanding work done by public relations and communications professionals in central Kentucky.
This year the individual awards program is on hold so that we can continue to recruit additional help and make updates to the program.
However, we are still accepting nominations for the Communicator of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.
The deadline for applications has been extended to May 1 2023, at 5 p.m.
Communicator of the Year
Each year the Thoroughbred chapter awards a Communicator of the Year award. This is the 24th year in which our chapter honors a person or persons who during the last calendar year have done an excellent job of communicating his or her passion, but does not work as a PR professional.
The deadline for entries is May 1 2023, at 5 p.m.
Communicator of the Year nomination form
Lifetime Achievement/Hall of Fame
The Thoroughbred chapter periodically awards one of our chapter members a Lifetime Achievement Award. One of the requirements, among others, is the recipient must have at least a 20-year career in public relations. It is not presented every year… just at times when the chapter board feels it should be presented. The last two recipients were Cliff Feltham and Mary Hemlepp.
The deadline for entries is also May 1 2023, at 5 p.m.
Lifetime Achievement-Hall of Fame nomination form
Materials must be submitted electronically on or before May 1, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Email Nominations to: Â Katie Porter at kporter@aaep.org
PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Announces 2023 Board of Directors
The Thoroughbred Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has announced its 2023 Board of Directors consisting of communications professionals from various companies and organizations across Central Kentucky.
Officers
- President: Tina Bryson, Christian Appalachian Project
- President-Elect: Katie Neal, TimelyMD
- Immediate Past President: Bethany Langdon, Georgetown College
- Co-Secretary: Brittney Edwards Kinison, Frontier Nursing University
- Co-Secretary: Brant Welch, Farmers National Bank of Danville
- Co-Treasurer: Ashley Tabb, UK Healthcare
- Co-Treasurer: Brant Welch, Farmers National Bank of Danville
Directors-at-large
- Programming Chair: Marc Whitt, University of Kentucky
- Diversity Chair: Kim Brown, Berea College
- Membership Chair: Emma McKinstry, 418 Communications
- Awards Co-Chair: Cliff Feltham, Kentucky Utilities (Retired)
- Awards Co-Chair: Katie Porter, American Association of Equine Practitioners
- PRSSA Liaison: Scott Toncray, APR, PR Consultant
- Social Media Chair: Dani Jaffee, University of Kentucky
- Communications Chair: Mackenzie Davis, Gresham Smith
- APR Co-Chair: Amy Preske, APR, Buffalo Trace Distillery
- APR Co-Chair: Brant Welch, APR, Farmers National Bank of Danville
- Ethics Chair, APR Co-Chair: Holly Wiemers, APR, University of Kentucky- Ag Equine
The Thoroughbred Chapter is a diverse group of communications professionals and public relations practitioners, and offers a variety of programs to help our members learn, grow, and connect with others.
These monthly events feature communications presentations and networking sessions that are open to both members and non-members. Keep up with monthly programming updates on all social media platforms and learn more about the chapter at http://www.kyprsa.org/.
Governor Andy Beshear Selected Communicator of the Year by Thoroughbred Public Relations Group
Governor Andy Beshear Selected Communicator of the Year by Thoroughbred Public Relations Group
(LEXINGTON, KY) June 22, 2021 — The Thoroughbred Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announces the winner of its annual Communicator of the Year award goes to Governor Andy Beshear and Team Kentucky.
The award is bestowed on the Governor and his team for the work they did to communicate with the people of Kentucky during the COVID 19 pandemic crisis in the calendar year 2020.  The award goes to a person or group who does not work as a public relations professional, but exemplifies excellent communications of their message to a variety of audiences. The selection is made by the board of directors of the Thoroughbred Chapter of PRSA located in Lexington.
“2020 was a year of extraordinary challenges, however Governor Andy Beshear, Dr. Steven Stack, and Virginia Moore worked tirelessly to lead Team Kentucky through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ryan Worthen, president of the Public Relations Society of America Thoroughbred Chapter. “The Governor’s daily press conferences and frequent updates informed and educated Kentuckians, and his caring and compassionate communication provided peace of mind to many in a time of great uncertainty.”
This is the 24th year the Thoroughbred Chapter has selected a Communicator of the Year. Other recipients include form UK women’s basketball coach Matthew Mitchell, Catholic Action Center director Ginny Ramsey, former UK president Dr. Lee Todd, and former EKU president Doug Whitlock. Former Governor Steve Beshear was the honoree in 2015.
Individual and company awards were also presented. Each entry was judged by members of a sister PRSA chapter and could receive either a Win (First), Place (Second) or Show (Third) designation.
Award recipients include:
Tina Bryson, Assistant Director of Communications, Christian Appalachian Project
One Win (Kentucky Education Television PSAs), Two Place certificates and two Show certificates.
Bethany Langdon, Corporate Director of Marketing & Communications, New Vista
Two Wins (New Vista News – Social Media: See The Good), One Show certificate.
Holly Weimers, Communications Director, UK Ag Equine Programs
Two Wins (UK Equine Weekly – Equine Science Newsletter).
Brittney Kinison, Director of Marketing & Communications, Frontier Nursing University
One Win (FNU Quarterly Newsletter), One Place certificate & One Show certificate.
Todd Wold, Professor/Sponsor of Communication Students, Asbury University
One Win (2020 Highbridge Film Festival – Won by student group)
Mackenzie Davis, PR & Creative Services Coordinator, Wiser Strategies
Two Place certificates.
Ashley Tabb, Publications Production Manager, UK Health Care
One Place certificate.
Beth Goins, Director of Marketing Communications, UK College of Education
One Place certificate.
Kristi Middleton, Chief External Affairs Officer, EKU Communications & Brand Management
One Show certificate.
“On behalf of the chapter’s board of directors, we applaud the excellent work done by public relations and communications professionals throughout central Kentucky,” Worthen said.
See the Governor’s acceptance video here.Â
###