Chapter Awards

Outstanding Professionals Nominations

Please use these criteria to nominate a co-worker, manager or other PR professional for one of the following awards.

Nomination Instructions: Nominations in each category should include a professional biography of the nominee and a summary of accomplishments. Letters of recommendation are encouraged. We will request an electronic color photo of the winner. Please submit nominations to Susan Seilnact at [email protected].

The Roger Yarrington Public Relations Professional of the Year Award

There are local practitioners who deserve special recognition for their contributions to the public relations profession. If you know someone who meets the following qualifications, please nominate the practitioner for the Public Relations Professional (PR Pro) of the Year Award:

  • Demonstrates superior professional character;
  • Exhibits exemplary professional achievement;
  • Creates a positive impact on the profession; to the lives of professionals and/or organizations;
  • Contributes his/her time and talents to the community; and
  • Has earned the respect of peers, co-workers and clients.
  • Letters of recommendation are encouraged.

**Nominees for Pro of the Year do not have to be members of GKC- PRSA.

The Bill DeLay Award for Distinguished Service to GKC-PRSA

GKC-PRSA relies on members’ participation and volunteerism to achieve its goals. The chapter created the GKC-PRSA Service Award to recognize these efforts. If you know someone who meets the following qualifications, please nominate them for the GKC-PRSA Service Award:

  • Is a GKC-PRSA chapter member in good standing;
  • Exhibits exemplary volunteer efforts on behalf of the chapter;
  • Demonstrates participation exceeding the status quo; and
  • Displays a strong presence in the public relations profession and marketing community.
  • Letters of recommendation are encouraged.

The Public Relations (PR Team) of the Year Award

GKC-PRSA will recognize a PR and/or communications team that deserves special recognition for its achievements during the past year. This team can be a PR agency, internal PR group or collaboration. Include team members and accomplishments. Letters of recommendation stating why the team deserves the honor are encouraged.

Debra Peterson Rising Star of the Year Award 

The Rising Star of the Year Award recognizes a relative newcomer to the field of public relations for demonstrating exceptional leadership and professional achievements during their initial years in the profession. The Rising Star demonstrates:

  • Emerging leadership and outstanding achievements in PR
  • A good grasp of PR strategies and tactics
  • Contributions to the community, the PR profession, and their employer / clientsTraits and qualities that distinguish the nominee and their accomplishments, such as business savvy or creativity

All PR professionals who have been in full-time practice for 5 years or less (began full-time practice July 1, 2020 or later) are eligible (this period excludes internships and part-time employment while working on a degree). Include these in the entry: 

  • Bio / resume / background
  • Accomplishments
  • Activities outside work
  • Letters of recommendation are encouraged.

** Nominees for Rising Star of the Year do not have to be members of GKC-PRSA.