Our chapter has been fortunate to have such a wealth of PR talent in the Kansas City Metro area, and each fall we name one of those individuals as the chapter’s PR Pro of the Year at our annual PRISMS Awards Gala.

Beginning in October 2009, GKC-PRSA launched the PR Pro of the Year Program – a new venture enabling the reigning PR Pro to take on an active ambassador role within the chapter and be recognized throughout the year, instead of just on one night.

PR Pro of the Year Program

The purpose of the program is to better utilize our current PR Pro of the Year, along with all of the past winners, to better position our profession and our chapter to both the business community, and our current and prospective members.

The goal is to establish the program in this first year and then look at expanding the PR Pro of the Year role into the business community soon thereafter.

Program Outline

• Previous PR Pros of the Year winners will act as initial support group and resource to the new winner (i.e. volunteer for the luncheon panel, attend PR Pro dinners, etc.)

• The PR Pro will be assisted by 3-4 New Pros with the coordination of the dinners, lunch panel and any additional event needs as they arise.

• Dinner with PR Pros (2-3) throughout the year varying between a senior pros focus and a new pros focus to accommodate different issues and concerns. These are unstructured, broad and philosophical … think “speed mentoring.”

• The reigning PR Pro of the Year will host a “Panel of PR Pros” for one of the monthly luncheons. The topic will be on their thoughts and knowledge on a current event.

• The PR Pro will be at two of the monthly luncheons 30 minutes early to discuss “open forum” of topics or to provide an opportunity for an informal discussion about that month’s topic from their perspective. i.e. “Live blogging with a PR Pro.”

• The PR Pro will be featured in a Q&A feature story for the online newsletter and a podcast interview. Both will be spaced accordingly throughout the year.

• The PR Pro should be open to other opportunities that may arise throughout the year (i.e.  PRSSA visit), based on scheduling and availability.

PR Pro events for 2010 will be posted soon!

PR Pro History

Each year, a PR practitioner is bestowed the Roger Yarrington Public Relations Professional of the Year Award at the annual GKC/PRISMS awards gala for exemplifying the following characteristics:

• Demonstrates superior professional character;

• Exhibits exemplary professional achievement;

• Creates a positive impact on the communications profession, in the lives of professionals, and on organizations;

• Contributes his/her time and talents to the community; and

• Has earned the respect of peers, co-workers and clients.

Esteemed Past “PR Pro of the Year” Winners

2009 Jacqueline Clark, APR

2008 Melissa Sturges

2007 Michael DeMent, APR

2006 Bob Inderman

2005 Larry Wheeler

2004 Roshann Parris

2003 Steve Doyal

2002 Suze Parker, APR

2001 Sherlyn Manson

2000 Dean Davison, APR

1999 Bill Musgrave

1998 Chip Rouse, APR

1997 Becky Blades, APR

1996 Eric Morgenstern, APR, Fellow PRSA

1995 John Gilbert

1994 Reg Rowe, APR

1993 Michael R. Swenson

1992 Janet Smith, APR

1991 Dr. Roger Yarrington, APR, Fellow PRSA

1990 David Westbrook

1989 Shirley Quastler, APR

1988 Not Awarded

1987 Don Landes, APR

1986 Brook Poirer

1985 Beverly Norman, APR

Contact: Andy DiOrio, SVP People, ADiOrio@amctheatres.com