There's still time to submit a nomination for the 2025 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Awards!
Extended Deadline: Sunday, Sept. 21, midnight ET | Learn more here.
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.
Call for Nominations:
2025 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Awards
Nominations Open: Tuesday, Aug. 5
Submission Deadline Extended: Sunday, Sept. 21, midnight ET
It's once again time to recognize excellence in public relations and communications in Lexington and Central/Eastern Kentucky. Learn about our annual annual awards competition and how to nominate someone here.
Featured Event: Media Panel Luncheon & Coat Drive, Sept. 23
MEDIA PANEL
"Pressing Matters: A Candid Conversation
With Kentucky’s Media Voices"
Designed by Freepik
Hosted by the Thoroughbred Chapter & Dean Jennifer Greer of the University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 | Noon-1:30 p.m. ET
JMI Café, Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington
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​Media Panelists
Renee Shaw, Director of Public Affairs & Kentucky Edition Host, KET
Rick Green, Executive Editor, Lexington Herald-Leader
Jennifer Smith, News Director, WLEX-TV
Shannon Brock, Editor, Kentucky Living​
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COST: $15 Chapter Member | $20 Non-Chapter Member
Deadline to Register: Friday, Sept. 19
Kids' Coat Drive
Our media panel event will also kick off our community service project, the Thoroughbred Chapter Kids' Coat Drive. Your donation will benefit Coats to Keep the Cold Away, a charity founded by our 2024 Communicator of the Year Honoree Devine Carama.
If you'd like to donate, you can bring a NEW kid's coat to the event. All sizes are needed, with 7/8 and 10/12 needed the most. You can also support this cause by making a monetary donation online here.
Welcome to New Members
We extend a warm welcome to the following new and reinstated chapter members:
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Ryan Clark, Director of Communications, University of Kentucky
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Lauren Monahan, Outreach, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Waste Management
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Jan Wallace II, Student, Western Governors University
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Dylan Walter, Graduate Student, Ball State University
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Shannon White, Director of Communications and Engagement, American Board of Family Medicine
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Ellen Williams, External Affairs Manager, Kentucky American Water
2025 East Central District Conference Sept. 12-13 in Ohio
There's still time to register for the PRSA East Central District Conference, coming up Sept. 12-13 at the International Center for Creativity in Dublin, Ohio. Thoroughbred Chapter President Katie Neal will be one of the presenters. You don't want to miss this conference, which is all about best practices, industry trends and professional improvement! Learn more.
Chapter President-Elect Whitt publishes 3rd book on public relations
Marc C. Whitt
Congrats to Marc C. Whitt, our chapter's president-elect, on the release of his third book. “TAKEAWAYS: Ideas, Strategies and Encouragement for the Nonprofit Public Relations Professional” is being published by Cherrymoon Media and will be available on Amazon Aug. 31. In 2024, Marc was honored with the PRSA East Central District Platinum Award, recognizing his distinguished service and leadership in the profession at the national, regional and local levels.
"In TAKEAWAYS, Whitt explores the vital role nonprofit organizations play in communities and around the world — and why effective, strategic public relations is central to their success. He addresses a broad range of topics including media relations, branding, community engagement, leadership, fundraising and donor relations, digital communication, and ethical decision-making. Written in Whitt’s conversational, storytelling style, the book both provokes thought and sparks new ideas, making it accessible and invaluable for professionals at every career stage." — Excerpt from news release by Cherrymoon Media
Thoroughbred Chapter News
Katie Neal has article featured in
PRSA's Strategies & Tactics
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Thoroughbred Chapter President Katie Neal addresses ageism in the workplace in Experiencing Ageism in PR Today, an article she wrote for the August 2025 issue of Strategies & Tactics. She explores the issues some PR veterans face as they grow older in the industry and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by today's hiring landscape.
Networking Happy Hour at The Willow
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Thanks to everyone who came to our August networking event at The Willow - A Blooming Collective in Lexington. We had great conversation with our fellow communications pros in a beautiful, creative space. Look for more networking events soon!
Join our private Facebook group
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Our chapter now has its own private Facebook group. It’s a dedicated space for PR pros, communicators and creatives across our chapter to connect, collaborate and support one another. Join us and be part of the conversation!
Board members planning the path ahead for Thoroughbred Chapter
The Thoroughbred Chapter Board recently met for its annual mid-year retreat — a time to recharge, refocus and envision how best to serve the needs of our members. A major focus of the gathering was planning the inaugural PRSA Thoroughbred Conference for the fall of 2026 (date TBA). This landmark conference promises to be an enriching experience for PR professionals throughout the region, offering dynamic speakers, hands‑on learning and valuable networking opportunities. Stay tuned for more details as we build an event designed to educate, inspire and connect our PR community!
