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.
April is APR Month
Now is the perfect time to earn your credential
​The Accreditation in Public Relations demonstrates your knowledge of the advanced PR and communications skills that deliver value in any organization. Now is a good time to start your APR journey, as the Universal Accreditation Board has announced rate increases effective July 1, 2026. PRSA members who apply before July 1 will pay the current fee of $385. The fee will increase to $495 after July 1.
You have one year from the date your application is approved and you receive authorization from the UAB to complete the entire APR process. The process includes the Panel Presentation and the computer-based exam, which is typically taken at the end of the one-year period.
You can learn more here or by reaching out to our Thoroughbred Chapter APR co-chairs, Amy Preske, Brant Welch or Holly Wiemers.
April After-Hours Networking Event: Holler Burger
Filed your taxes? You’ve earned a break. Join the Thoroughbred Chapter at Holler Burger in Richmond on April 15 for an after-hours networking event. You can relax, reconnect and meet fellow PR professionals. It’s the perfect chance to unwind after tax day while building meaningful connections in a fun, casual atmosphere. Bring a colleague or come solo — we’d love to see you there!
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET
Holler Burger | 212 W. Water St. | Downtown Richmond
No cost to attend. Food and drinks at your own expense.
Deadline to Register: Tuesday, April 14, 5 p.m. ET
April Coffee & Comms: Old School Coffee Lansdowne
Spring into the season with Thoroughbred Chapter members! Join us for Coffee & Comms on April 16 at Old School Coffee Lansdowne. This casual morning meetup is the perfect way to connect with fellow comms professionals. Whether you're new to PRSA or a longtime member, start your day with great conversation (and great coffee!). Attend five meetups and your sixth coffee is on us!
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. ET
Old School Coffee Lansdowne | 3373 Tates Creek Road, Lexington
No cost to attend. Food and drinks at your own expense.
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Deadline to Register: Tuesday, April 14, 5 p.m. ET
Thoroughbred Chapter News
UK comms student Garrett Todd is 2026 ISCA president
Garrett Todd, an Integrated Strategic Communication junior at the University of Kentucky, has been selected to serve as the 2026 president of the Integrated Strategic Communication Association. ISCA is a student organization within the Department of Integrated Strategic Communication that is affiliated with PRSSA and the American Advertising Federation.
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Congratulations, Garrett!
Andrea Gils Monzón is new member of PRSSA Hall of Fame
Andrea Gils Monzón of the Lexington-based Shiftmakers Agency has been inducted into the PRSSA Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes her distinguished career and long-standing commitment to student development and the PR profession.
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Great job, Andrea!
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.
​Chapter board member Amy Preske is making mark on distilled spirits industry
Amy Preske, APR, founder and president of Booze PR was named Communicator of the Year at Whisky Magazine and American Whiskey's “Icons of Whisky 2026” event. Amy was also recognized as one of Bourbon Women’s “Women Who Shape Whiskey." You can watch FOX 56's interview with Amy about this prestigious award here.
With more than 25 years of experience in the distilled spirits industry, Amy has helped bring bourbon and spirits brands to life through powerful storytelling and strategic communications. ​She serves on the Thoroughbred Chapter's board as secretary and APR co-chair.
Chapter Leader Katie Neal, ACC, delivered a TEDx talk titled “The Perfectionism Trap: The Hidden Cost of Doing It Right” at Bellarmine University in Louisville on Feb. 20.
She explored how the pursuit of perfection can quietly undermine leadership, performance and well-being, and how professionals can break free to lead with greater clarity and intention.
You can watch Katie's TEDx talk here.
​Thoroughbred Chapter in the News on FOX 56 and WTVQ
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.
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Thanks to communications co-chair Dan Koett for making these PR opportunities possible!
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 a record-breaking 82 members! Please join us in welcoming our newest members, who joined in February:
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Crystal A. Dempsey‑Gillum, Director of Communications, Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation
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Chris Gibson, Public Affairs Specialist, US Department of Defense
