News
PRSA Richmond Announces 2026 Virginia PR Awards Winners
Judi Crenshaw, APR, Recognized for Excellence in Public Relations, Abby Kittrell Named Shining Star, and Sarah Prevost Receives Rising Star, Best-in-show Awarded to The Hodges Partnership and Virginia Commonwealth University
RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Richmond) held the 79th Annual Virginia Public Relations Awards on Thursday, April 30, at the Dr. Claude G. Perkins Living & Learning Center at Virginia Union University. The event celebrates outstanding strategies and campaigns while honoring extraordinary professionals within the industry.
This year, three exceptional individuals received recognition for their contributions. Judith Crenshaw, APR, Assistant Professor at the Richard T. Robertson School of Mass Communication at Virginia Commonwealth University, was honored with the Excellence in Public Relations Award. With a career spanning over 30 years, her leadership has expanded visibility, foster partnerships and advanced mission driven initiatives for nonprofit organizations and higher education.
Abby Kittrell, Owner of AA Communications received the Shining Star Award, given to mid-career professionals who exemplifies leadership and service. For 13 years, Kittrell has supported various sectors through brand and social media marketing and is recognized for her service commitment to several community organizations throughout Richmond.
Sarah Prevost, Account Executive at Commonwealth Public Relations, was named this year's Rising Star recipient. As an early-career professional, she has demonstrated incredible work supporting clients in the public relations field while mentoring emerging professionals.
Each year, the Virginia PR Awards recognizes exceptional public relations work across the commonwealth. Entries are collected from different sectors that showcase strategic campaigns and tactics from a local, statewide, national and global level. This year, 24 individuals and organizations were presented awards including three student PR awards given to Bluestone Communications, James Madison University’s student-led PR firm for community impact and innovation and the Asian American Missions Advocacy Team (ASAM) at Virginia Commonwealth University for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The Hodges Partnership was awarded Best in Show – Capital Awards category in national media relations for “ Rapid Response Media Strategy Elevated Virginia Nonprofit to National Spotlight.” This multi-layered strategy used creative tactics to reposition Mercy Chefs as a leading voice in disaster relief.
Virginia Commonwealth University won Best in Show of the Commonwealth Award category for Reputation/Brand Management for its “ Honoring the Life and Legacy of Bruce O. Tucker” campaign. The campaign reflects VCU’s commitment and close partnership with the Tucker family to acknowledge historic wrongs and build a transparent path forward.
“On behalf of PRSA Richmond, I am proud to congratulate this year’s Virginia PR Awards winners on their outstanding achievements,” said Chapter President Kenita B. Matthews, APR. “Each year we have the wonderful opportunity to recognize the very best practitioners in our region, who go above and beyond to elevate our industry and strengthen the communities we serve through their incredible work.”
The event was presented by Padilla, with additional sponsorship from The Hodges Partnership, PRSA Richmond Independent Practitioners, and HWilson PR.
To view the list of this year’s winners click here.
Awards Interactive Microsite
https://virginiaprawards.my.canva.site/
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About PRSA Richmond
PRSA Richmond is a professional association serving Central Virginia public relations practitioners. The chapter and the national organization share the vision of bringing professionals together to enhance the practice, exchange experiences and ideals, and to promote professional development. For more information, visit: www.prsarichmond.org.
