The Chapter has Spoken! The New Career Achievement Award Name is…

After an inclusive and intentional process to rename the Thomas Jefferson Award of Excellence in Public Relations, the chapter has spoken: the new name of the award is the Excellence in Public Relations Award!

The chapter worked with a committee that included former Thomas Jefferson Award winners, board, and chapter members to present a slate of suggestions to the general membership via survey. The new name for this career achievement award aligns with our chapter’s Rising Star award, which recognizes a young PR professional.

The first Excellence in Public Relations Award recipient will be presented during our 2022 Virginia PR Awards in October 2022. The selection criteria will remain the same as our previous career achievement award. The Excellence in Public Relations Award recipient is selected by a panel of their peers. While it is not necessary to demonstrate excellence in every category, nominees are selected based on the following criteria on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 signifying excellence).

Considerations include, but are not limited to:

  • Participation in PRSA
  • Contributions to the profession of public relations
  • Local or national recognition for professional achievements
  • A commitment to public service
  • Mentorship of young practitioners
  • Pursuit of continuing education in the field
  • Professional awards

PRSA Richmond will make a $1,000 donation to the local charity of the award recipient’s choice.

If you or your peers are interested in being the first PRSA Richmond Excellence in Public Relations Award winner, stay tuned for the call for entries in April.

A special thanks to the committee and all chapter members who participated in this important renaming process.