PRSA Richmond recognizes the extraordinary achievements of seasoned public relations practitioners working in the Greater Richmond metropolitan region with the chapter’s highest honor.

Award Criteria

Considerations include, but are not limited to:

Participation in PRSA

• Is the nominee a member of PRSA Richmond?
• Have they held board positions?
• Do they attend or participate in PRSA meetings, conferences, workshops or special events?
• Have they won awards within PRSA?
  
  

Contributions to the profession of public relations

• Have they published articles or books about PR?
• Do they speak about regional/national topics that touch the field?
• Are they shaping the conversation at the local/national/international level?
• Are they an innovator in the field?
  
  

Local or national recognition for professional achievements

• How have their companies/organizations benefited from their professional experience?
• Has their leadership resulted in ongoing success for their business?
• Are there metrics associated with their success?
  
  

A commitment to public service

• Have they completed pro bono work in their field?
• Do they lend their expertise to local or national nonprofit organizations or professional associations?
• Do they sit on any boards?
  
  

Mentorship of young practitioners

• Have they given time and talent to empower others or promote younger practitioners’ professional growth?
• Have they helped with diversity initiatives?
• Have they taught classes?
• Helped with APR readiness?
• Served as a formal or informal mentor/advisor?
  
  

Pursuit of continuing education in the field

• Have they received their APR or other forms of accreditation or certification?
• Have they pursued a master’s or doctorate in the field of public relations?
  
  

Professional awards

• Have they received any other awards or honors in the field of public relations?
• In their industries?
  
  

As part of the award, PRSA Richmond makes a $1,000 donation to the local charity of the recipient’s choice.

History

In 1962, the former Old Dominion Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) presented the Thomas Jefferson (TJ) Award of Excellence to community leaders to recognize their efforts in public service. In 1975, the award became the highest honor for public relations practitioners in the Richmond chapter. Then in 2022, PRSA Richmond members voted to change the name to a more inclusive and industry-related name. After a comprehensive and intentional process, the chapter’s “career achievement” award was renamed the Excellence in Public Relations Award.

The first Excellence in Public Relations Award was given during the 2022 Virginia PR Awards. The Excellence in Public Relations Award recipient is selected by a panel of public relations peers.