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.
Congratulations to graduating seniors from PRSSA Eastern Kentucky University
Amya Kendrick
PRSSA Eastern Kentucky University
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Amya Kendrick graduated in May 2026 with a bachelor's degree in Public Relations from Eastern Kentucky University.
Amya is a first generation, award-winning graduate from Paducah, Kentucky. Since 2024, she served as PRSSA EKU's chapter president, leading them to recognition with the PRSSA Pacesetter Award. Amya has been recognized and awarded for her service to public relations in and out of the classroom. Amya will continue pursuing public relations full time post grad.
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“Becoming a PRSSA member made me who I am today,” Amya said. "Without PRSSA I was just another student. As soon as I joined, I evolved into a leader, professional communicator and an exceptional student. I attended conferences that introduced me to my mentors who I always look up to. Some of them have even led me to internships and other opportunities. I always say the $55 dollar fee changed my life."
Congratulations, Amya!
Graci McCoy
PRSSA Eastern Kentucky University
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Graci McCoy graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in Public Relations from Eastern Kentucky University.
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Along with PRSSA, Graci was involved in the Campus Activities Board and SGA on campus. Her favorite part of PR is planning events and creating campaigns.
“I loved being able to network with everybody at EKU and getting to experience tours and speakers that I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” she said about participating in PRSSA.
Congratulations, Graci!
June Networking Happy Hour: Kentucky Native Café
Unwind with the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter at Kentucky Native Café for a laid-back networking happy hour. Grab a drink, enjoy the scenery and connect with fellow communicators in a relaxed setting designed for easy conversation, new connections and a little industry talk along the way.
Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 4-6 p.m. ET | Kentucky Native Café | 417 E. Maxwell St. | Lexington
No cost to attend. Food and drinks at your own expense.
June Coffee & Comms: McLeod's Coffee House
Take a summer coffee break with PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter’s Coffee & Comms. Join fellow communications professionals for meaningful conversation, new connections and a casual start to the day. Don’t forget your punch card — your next cup could be on us!
Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. ET
McLeod's Coffee House | 376 Southland Drive | Lexington
No cost to attend. Food and drinks at your own expense.
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Deadline to Register: Wednesday, June 17, 8 p.m. ET
Here’s a preview of our sizzling summer networking events! Look for more info here and in upcoming issues of The Loop newsletter.
Thursday, June 11: Happy Hour at Kentucky Native Cafe, Lexington
Thursday, June 18: McLeod’s Coffee House, Lexington
Thursday, July 9: Kenwick Table, Lexington
Thursday, July 23: Lunch at Goodfellas Pizzeria-Distillery, Lexington
Thursday, Aug. 13: The Greenery: Coffee + Social Space
Thursday, Aug. 20: Happy Hour at Brothers Wright Distilling Co., Pikeville, hosted by Chapter President Marc Whitt
You're invited: Check out our summer lineup!
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Inaugural PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Conference
November 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! For updates, check here.
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Thoroughbred Chapter News
Chapter member Michele Hill earns NAGC award for writing
Michele Hill, a member of the Thoroughbred Chapter, recently received first place for writing from the National Association of Government Communicators.
Michele is director of communications and marketing for the Kentucky League of Cities. She is also a former communications co-chair for our chapter and a current member of the PRSA East Central District Board of Directors.
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Congratulations, Michele!
Immediate Past President Katie Neal to speak at ICON 2026
Join PRSA in Orlando, Florida, this October for ICON 2026, the largest and most iconic PR event of the year.
Katie Neal, ACC, the Thoroughbred Chapter's immediate part president, will present at ICON on Monday, Oct. 19. Her session, "Lead without Limits,” will focus on tackling perfectionism, imposter syndrome and burnout among PR professionals.
Apply to earn your APR before fees increase July 1, 2026
If you’ve been thinking about earning your Accreditation in Public Relations, there’s no better time than now, before the rate increases from $385 to $495 on July 1, 2026. The renewal fee for current APRs will also increase, going from $75 to $150 on July 1, 2026.
These price adjustments were made at the national level by PRSA and the Universal Accreditation Board after a careful review of comparable professional credentials and industry standards.
Thoroughbred Chapter establishes Tom L. Preston Lifetime Achievement Award
The Thoroughbred Chapter has created its first named honor — the Tom L. Preston Lifetime Achievement Award — recognizing a career of extraordinary impact, integrity and leadership in the field of public relations.
The award is named in honor of Tom L. Preston, a founding member of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter and one of Kentucky’s most distinguished communications professionals. Preston’s career has been defined by excellence in practice, a deep commitment to ethical leadership, and a lasting influence on generations of practitioners.
Preston also holds the distinction of being the first Kentuckian elected to the prestigious PRSA College of Fellows, the organization’s highest individual honor.
Beginning with the chapter’s 2026 Awards Banquet on Sept. 24, the Tom L. Preston Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented annually to an individual whose career reflects the highest standards of the profession and a measurable, lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Marc Whitt, director of Media & Strategic Relations at the University of Kentucky and board president of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter, has been named to the “Strategic 26” — Top 26 Strategic Communication Leaders of the Year, a global honor recognizing outstanding professionals who are making a meaningful impact on the communications industry. See news release here.
Strategic, a global platform for communication leaders, selected 26 professionals from across multiple countries and disciplines who exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, and ethical practice within the field.
PR pros enjoy April's networking events in Richmond and Lexington
​We had a great turnout at our after-hours event April 15 at Holler Burger in downtown Richmond. Chapter board members Abby Huddle and Marc Whitt were joined by PR pros representing the City of Richmond Mayor’s Office, Eastern Kentucky University, EKU PRSSA, God’s Outreach Madison County Food Pantry, ISC Association-University of Kentucky, New Vista and the University of Kentucky.
​The future’s so bright for the Thoroughbred Chapter we gotta wear our shades! Thanks to this crew for coming out for caffeine and conversation April 16 at Old School Coffee-Lansdowne in Lexington. Check back here and in The Loop newsletter for upcoming networking opportunities.
Welcome to New Members
The Thoroughbred Chapter is thriving with a record-breaking 85 members! We welcome our newest members, who joined in May:
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Anna Sawyer, Social Media, Blue Grass Airport
Dwight Donald Butler, Partner, Americana Real Estate & Auctions
