PRSA GEORGIA RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING PROGRAMS AND PROFESSIONALS
Awards celebration honored excellence in public relations work and industry superstars
ATLANTA, November 4, 2016– The Georgia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (www.prsageorgia.org) hosted its annual Awards Ceremony on November 3, honoring excellence in public relations practice and industry leaders for their contributions to the Chapter and the profession. More than 400 professionals attended the celebration held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre with special guest emcees Karyn Greer, Investigative Reporter, WGCL/CBS46 and Kimberley Kennedy, Host – Atlanta Plugged In, CBS46.
During the ceremony, 75 Phoenix Awards and 69 Awards of Excellence were presented to the programs and projects that represented the best in public relations in Georgia conducted between June 1, 2015 and May 31, 2016. The Best of Phoenix Award was presented to Ketchum on behalf of Hilton Worldwide for “Look Mom… It’s #PrettyGreat Travel Hacks.”
In addition, several individuals were honored for their demonstrated leadership and contributions to the public relations profession, including:
Hilary Hanson McKean, APR, Partner, Global Leadership Council, Managing Director, Global Practices, Ketchum Atlanta, Dallas & Toronto was inducted into the Order of the Phoenix / PRSA Georgia Hall of Fame. The Order of the Phoenix was established in 1986 by PRSA Georgia to recognize and honor distinguished public relations professionals for their career achievements, significant contributions in the field of public relations and exemplary community service. Chapter members inducted into the Order of the Phoenix also enter the PRSA Georgia Hall of Fame, created in 1988 by the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at The University of Georgia.
Bill Bolling, Founder, Atlanta Community Food Bank; Chairman & Senior Advisor, Food Well Alliance received the Distinguished Public Relations Award, which recognizes a prominent Georgian outside of the public relations practice who has made an outstanding contribution to Georgia’s regional, national or international reputation through public relations practices and principles.
Lisa Tilt, President, Full Tilt Consulting, received the Luminary Star Award, which recognizes a Chapter member with more than 15 years of experience who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributions to the profession of public relations.
Annette Filliat, APR, Communications Manager, Institute of Diversity, Georgia Institute of Technology was recognized with the Shining Star Award, given to a member with eight to 15 years of professional experience and demonstrated leadership within the Chapter.
Sarah Funderburk, APR, Director of Public Relations and Partner, SPR Atlanta, received the Rising Star Award, which honors a member with less than seven years of professional experience who has shown leadership and contributions to the Chapter.
About PRSA Georgia:
PRSA’s Georgia Chapter (www.prsageorgia.org) consists of some 900 members throughout Georgia. Its mission is to enhance the profession, provide continuing education and offer networking opportunities for its members.
The Chapter has monthly meetings as well as eight Special Interest Groups (Corporate and Employee Communications, Healthcare, Independent Counselors, Leader Board, Nonprofit, Technology, Travel and Tourism, and Young Professionals) that meet at various times.
The Chapter supports 10 PRSSA (student society) groups at the following colleges: Berry College (Rome), Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta), Columbus State University (Columbus), Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville), Georgia State University (Atlanta), Georgia Southern University (Statesboro), Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw), Savannah State University (Savannah), University of Georgia (Athens), and University of West Georgia (Carrollton).
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