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.
Introducing Coffee & Comms:
Help us kick off our coffee meetups on Tuesday, Feb. 17
We're excited to announce Coffee & Comms — our new monthly coffee meetup for communicators. Stop by, sip coffee, swap ideas and grow your network in a relaxed setting. No pressure, no panels — just good conversation! Kick off Coffee & Comms with us on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Old School Coffee Lansdowne.
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Plus, attend five meetups and your sixth coffee is on us!
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 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.
Chapter Leader Katie Neal to take TEDx Stage at Bellarmine University
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The Thoroughbred Chapter is proud to celebrate one of its own as Katie Neal, ACC, a longtime board member and past president, takes the stage at TEDxBellarmineU on Friday, Feb. 20, at Bellarmine University in Louisville.
Neal will deliver a featured TEDx talk titled “The Perfectionism Trap: The Hidden Cost of Doing It Right,” exploring 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.
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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Thoroughbred Chapter News
Chapter kicks off 2026 with networking lunch at Drake's Hamburg
We enjoyed the first networking event in 2026 with lunch at Drake’s Hamburg
It may have been cold outside, but great food and lively conversation with fellow PR professionals made for a welcome break from the winter weather.
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Check back here for other exciting networking opportunities to come in the months ahead.
Thoroughbred Chapter announces 2026 board members
We are pleased to announce our 2026 Board of Directors, a dedicated group of communications professionals from Central/Eastern Kentucky.
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“This board represents the depth of talent, collaboration and professional-ism that defines our chapter,” said Chapter President Marc Whitt. “Together, we are committed to supporting our members through meaningful programming, professional development and ethical leadership, while continuing to elevate the role of public relations in our community.”
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See board member profiles here.
Thoroughbred Chapter supports Believing in Forever Youth Coat Drive
Amy Preske, APR, chapter secretary and APR co-chair, and her husband, Chris Rose, volunteered with Devine Carama and his Believing in Forever Youth Coat Drive. In 2025, Devine delivered over 2,300 new winter coats to children in Central and Eastern Kentucky.
Thanks to all our chapter members who donated to this worthwhile cause. Devine is the 2024 Thoroughbred Chapter Communicator of the Year. His passion for helping Kentucky youth is inspiring.
Chapter board retreat sets stage for strong year ahead
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The PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Board gathered in December for a productive retreat that brought incoming and outgoing board members together to share insights, reflect on recent successes and plan new opportunities to support our members.
The collaborative session focused on the 2026 inaugural conference Nov. 4-5 and on ensuring a smooth transition of leadership so the chapter can continue to serve the region’s communications community.
Exciting initiatives are already taking shape for the year ahead!
Announcing 2025 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter award honorees
The Thoroughbred Chapter is excited to recognize the outstanding communicators honored at our 2025 Awards Ceremony! From left to right:
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Communicator of the Year: Anita Spreitzer, Vice President, Paws 4 the Cause
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Outstanding Student Award: A’Mya Kendrick, Graphic Design Associate, Eastern Kentucky University’s Center for Student Involvement, and PRSSA member
Communications Impact Award: Ryan Clark, Communications Director, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences
Rising Star Award: Crystal Sicard, Executive Advisor, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Career Achievement Award: Susan Lancho, Senior Manager, External and Government Affairs, Kentucky American Water
Welcome to New Members
The Thoroughbred Chapter is thriving! Membership has surged to 76 strong as current members renewed and six new professionals joined our ranks. This growth reflects the energy and value of being part of our PRSA community — where networking, professional development and shared expertise keep us moving forward.
Please join us in welcoming our newest members:
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Tessa Howard, Communications Specialist, Administrative Office of the Courts
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Abby Huddle, Communications Specialist, Eastern Kentucky University
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Meagan Murphy, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Campbellsville University
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Rita Smith, Lead Communications Manager, eBay
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Lillian Dubler, Associate Strategist, C2 Strategic Communications
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Brianna Stephens, Editorial Lead, Christian Appalachian Project
