PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter names Father Jim Sichko 2026 Communicator of the Year
Internationally recognized Papal Missionary of Mercy honored for using communication, compassion, and simple acts of kindness to inspire people around the world
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Dan Koett | 859.797.3646 | dkoett@framingyournarrative.com
LEXINGTON, Ky., Aug. 20, 2026 — From sharing messages of faith and hope across six continents to transforming simple acts of kindness into a worldwide ministry of mercy, Father Jim Sichko has spent more than 25 years demonstrating the power of communication to bring people together and move them to action.
The Public Relations Society of America Thoroughbred Chapter today announced Father Jim as its 2026 Communicator of the Year, recognizing his ability to use storytelling, humor and authenticity to inform, inspire and connect with audiences throughout Kentucky and around the world.
A priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Father Jim is an internationally recognized preacher, evangelist, motivational speaker and author. In 2015, Pope Francis commissioned him as a Papal Missionary of Mercy during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, one of only 100 appointed in the United States and 1,000 worldwide.
“Father Jim understands something that sits at the very heart of great communication: Before you can reach people, you have to connect with them,” said Marc C. Whitt, president of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter. “Whether he is speaking to thousands of people, sharing a story online or quietly helping one person who needs it, he communicates with authenticity, humor, and extraordinary humanity. He doesn’t simply deliver messages, he creates connections, inspires action, and reminds people that each of us has the ability to make someone else’s life a little better.”
The Communicator of the Year Award recognizes an individual outside the professional public relations field who has demonstrated exceptional communication skills to inform, inspire and make a meaningful impact.
Father Jim’s signature presentation, “60 Minutes for Jesus,” reaches audiences of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of religious affiliation. Combining humor, personal stories and real-life experiences, his presentations encourage people to recognize the good within themselves and others and put that recognition into action. Dolly Parton once described him as “the best opening act ever.”
Having spoken in all 50 states and across six continents, Father Jim spends nearly 300 days each year traveling for parish missions, retreats and speaking engagements. His daily social media outreach reaches more than 150,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram and X.
Closer to home, Father Jim is widely known for his “simple acts of kindness,” turning messages of mercy and compassion into tangible assistance for people in need. From Lexington to Eastern Kentucky communities recovering from devastating floods, his collaborations with businesses, organizations, public figures, and community leaders have helped make thousands of acts of mercy and outreach possible.
“Communication means very little if it stops with words,” Father Jim said. “For me, the question has always been: What are we going to do with the message? If something I say can encourage one person to show mercy, perform an act of kindness, or just see another person differently, then communication becomes something much bigger. I am deeply honored by this recognition, and I hope it reminds all of us that we have a voice, and every day we get to choose how we use it.”
Father Jim is the author of several books, including Encountering God: As a Traveling Papal Missionary of Mercy, Among Friends: Stories from the Journey, Amazing Grace, and 60 Seconds for Jesus. His work and message have been featured by national media outlets including CBS News, EWTN, Fox News, America Media, Esquire, and National Catholic Reporter.
Father Jim will be honored at the 2026 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Awards on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. at Carson’s at Andover in Lexington.
The nomination deadline for the chapter’s remaining 2026 awards have been extended through Monday, Aug. 31, at 11 p.m. ET. Categories include the new Tom L. Preston Lifetime Achievement Award, Career Achievement Award, Communications Impact Award, Rising Star Award and Outstanding Student Award.
Anyone may submit a nomination, and self-nominations are encouraged. Complete award criteria and nomination information are available here.
About PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter
The PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter serves public relations professionals in the Lexington area, offering opportunities for networking, professional development and advocacy. The chapter is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, promoting ethical practices and enhancing the value of public relations.