Meet Quincy Fuehne. Quincy is the Strategic Communications and Public Relations Manager for Frontier Nursing University.

What do you love most about the PR/Communications industry?
I love being able to tell stories of impact! I also get to learn about new things each day, which makes it fun. I feel like, because I’m in PR, I know a little bit about a lot! I also find great joy in being able to raise awareness for various causes and initiatives.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Stay curious, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and listen.

What do you appreciate most about being a PRSA member?
There are so many benefits, but I really appreciate getting to bounce ideas off other members and the various webinars that are offered. I’ve used PRSA for recommendations on tech platforms, videographers, photographers, etc., and received amazing, reputable suggestions.

What is your favorite Central KY food spot?
This is TOUGH! I can narrow it down to three: Archa Nine, Corto Lima, or Local Feed.

Meet Jan Carrico. Jan is the Digital Workplace Communications Manager for UK HealthCare.

What is one of the most memorable or rewarding experiences of your career?
As an alumnus of the University of Kentucky, it was a privilege to return to campus at UK HealthCare in dual roles to support the launch of a new electronic health record (EHR), Epic, and a new modern intranet platform.

As digital workplace communications manager, I led vendor selection, strategic development and a six-month concept-to-launch of the new intranet, The Loop, for 20,000+ users in support of the 19-month EHR project. UK HealthCare won the Interact Excellence Award 2021 for Best Intranet Launch, besting the National Basketball Association (NBA).

As change communications manager on the EHR Project Team, I provided strategic communications support to increase user Epic adoption and usage via multi-channel organizational readiness and activation communications. The June 2021 big bang launch simultaneously at three hospitals, 25 outpatient clinics and 300 departments was successful and uneventful.

What made these efforts so memorable and rewarding for me were the challenges both teams overcame to keep these digital initiatives on track during the pandemic, as well as the transformative benefits both provided to UK HealthCare and its patients.

What do you love most about the PR/Communications industry?
There are so many interesting and challenging communication problems to solve.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
How to build a network through targeted networking. It is an important skill, especially in public relations.

What do you appreciate most about being a PRSA member?
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) with the support of accredited public relations professionals in the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter. Equally meaningful is the opportunity to connect with and learn from communications leaders on a local, regional and national level. There is so much to learn from the creative ways best practices are applied in different industries.

What is your favorite Central KY food spot?
I’m a new fan of Minton’s for breakfast. A lunch fav is Taziki’s Mediterranean Café. In the summer, we like to drive out to Wallace Station in Midway for a casual dinner outdoors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 8, 2024    
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.  

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. 

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. 

“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.”

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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

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.

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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 Monzón 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.

Communicator of the Year

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.

Career Achievement Award

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.

Communications Impact Award

Andrea Gils Monzón, 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 Monzón 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 Monzón 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.

Rising Star Award

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.

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