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.
May Coffee & Comms: Brevede Coffee Distillery District
Before summer schedules kick in, join the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter for Coffee & Comms — a relaxed morning meetup to connect, recharge and wrap up the season with fellow communications professionals over coffee and conversation. Don’t forget to bring your punch cards — your next coffee could be on us!
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. ET
Brevede Coffee Distillery District | 1170 Manchester St., Suite 10, Lexington
No cost to attend. Food and drinks at your own expense.
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Deadline to Register: Tuesday, May 12, 5 p.m. ET
May Networking Luncheon: Boonedogs
Join PRSA for a casual networking luncheon at Boonedogs. Meet fellow communications professionals, exchange ideas and build relationships in one of Lexington’s favorite laid-back spots. Great conversations (and great hot dogs) await.
Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 11:30-1:30 p.m. ET
Boonedogs | 5902 Old Richmond Road | Lexington
No cost to attend. Food and drinks at your own expense.
Deadline to Register: Tuesday, May 19, 5 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
Save the Date: 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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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.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to New Members
The Thoroughbred Chapter is thriving with a record-breaking 82 members! We welcome our newest members, who joined in March and April:
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Jennifer Brubaker, Hunger Awareness Coordinator, God’s Outreach Food Bank
Jamie Johnson, Media Relations Manager, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
Talia Leuzzi, PRSSA Graduate, University of Kentucky
