Chapter Champion Award: February 2023, Denise Ward

Denise Ward, APR, has been named February’s Chapter Champion for her work on multiple committees, including social media, newsletter and nominating committee. Most recently, she served as Co-Chair for the Annual Conference Committee. She has also worked with PRSA nationally as an Anvil Awards judge and previously as a member of the Counselors to Higher Education programming committee.

“Volunteering and being actively engaged with PRSA GA has been invaluable to me. I am a true believer in life-long learning and know that the ongoing professional development opportunities and networking with my peers have allowed me to grow my skill set as a public relations practitioner,” she said. “This not only benefits me personally, but it also benefits my organization. I would encourage anyone in this field, no matter where they are on their career paths, to get involved.”

Denise is an established communications professional with more than 25 years of experience in journalism, strategic communications, marketing and public affairs, both in the U.S. and abroad. She currently works as the Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Spelman College. Prior to that, she held communications roles including public relations director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (now Elevance Health) as well as director of communications and media relations representative at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to joining Georgia Tech, Denise worked in communications roles for Albany State University, The Hershey Company, MillerCoors and the University of San Diego. She is a graduate of Valdosta State, holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Phoenix and recently earned her APR from PRSA.