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.
Networking Madness! Join us for lunch Friday, March 13
Tip off March with championship-level connections at our PRSA networking luncheon. Join fellow communications pros for an afternoon of thoughtful conversation and strategic relationship-building. Inspired by the energy of March Madness, this gathering is all about strengthening your professional playbook and expanding your network. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the field, come ready to connect, collaborate and build momentum together.
Friday, March 13, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ET
Chuy’s Tex-Mex | 3841 Nicholasville Centre Drive | Lexington
No cost to attend. Lunch and drinks at your own expense.
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Deadline to Register: Wednesday, March 11, 5 p.m. ET
March Coffee & Comms:
May the luck of the Irish be with you Tuesday, March 17!
Join us for a special St. Patrick’s Day edition of Coffee & Comms — where good conversation is the real pot of gold. If you’re looking for an energizing way to start your day, share ideas and enjoy relationship-building over coffee, join us! Wear your green and don’t forget your punch card. Remember, if you attend five meetups, your sixth coffee is on us! We can’t wait to see you there.
Tuesday, March 17, 8:30-9:30 a.m. ET
Brevede Coffee Distillery District | 1170 Manchester St., Suite 110 | Lexington
No cost to attend. Food and drinks at your own expense.​​
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​Congrats to chapter members Amy Preske and Andrea Gils Monzón
Amy Preske, APR, of Booze PR (left) was named Communicator of the Year at Whisky Magazine and American Whiskey's “Icons of Whisky 2026” event. With a career spanning nearly 25 years in the distilled spirits industry, this achievement is very well deserved.
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Andrea Gils Monzón of Lexington-based Shiftmakers Agency (right) has been inducted into the PRSSA Hall of Fame, recognizing her distinguished career and long-standing commitment to student development and the PR profession.
​Thoroughbred Chapter in the News on FOX 56 and WTVQ
PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter members have taken to TV to highlight PRSA's impact across the region, including a range of networking events, professional development opportunities and our inaugural conference coming up this fall.
Board member Dan Koett and member Tina Bryson (left) appeared on FOX 56 with Payden Hinkle, and board members Brant Welch, APR, and Katie Neal, ACC, (right) appeared on WTVQ News at Noon. Katie also promoted her TEDx talk at Bellarmine University (her part starts at 1:34:30).
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Thanks to communications co-chair Dan Koett for making these PR opportunities possible!
Thoroughbred Chapter News
Chapter uses 2026 Week of Caring to benefit Paws 4 the Cause
The Thoroughbred Chapter wrapped up this year's Week of Caring with a visit to Paws 4 the Cause. We're proud to support this organization after its vice president, Anita Spreitzer, was honored as our 2025 Communicator of the Year. We appreciate everyone who donated cleaning supplies, towels, blankets and gift cards to help provide care to animals waiting for their forever homes. If you’re interested in fostering, please reach out to Paws 4 the Cause to learn how to help animals that urgently need foster homes.
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.
Members invited to catch up during new Coffee & Comms meetups
Thanks our chapter programming chair Mallory Olson for organizing a our first Coffee & Comms meetup at Old School Coffee Lansdowne. We chatted about small town media relations, bouncing back from layoffs as high performers, and the benefit of having a trusted group of colleagues like this to lean on.
Join us at our next Coffee & Comms March 17. The 6th cup is on us!
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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Welcome to New Members
The Thoroughbred Chapter is thriving with nearly 80 members! Please join us in welcoming our newest members, who joined in January:
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Abbye Crowe – Public Relations Specialist, New Vista
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Erin Hester – Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky
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Sarah Lynch – AEP Kentucky Power
