PRSA Alaska Communicator of the Year

The PR Communicator of the Year is the Alaska Chapter’s highest individual award. Created in 1993, the award is given to a PRSA Alaska Chapter member who has made significant contributions to the public relations profession and the community. 

Candidates may either be nominated by other PRSA Alaska Chapter members or be self-nominated. There is no fee to nominate an individual for this award.

Award criteria:

The award is given based upon a clear demonstration of work in the following areas: 

• Achievements: Detail the achievements of the nominee and demonstrate how these have advanced the profession of public relations and its positive visibility. 
• Application: Show how the nominee has used public relations concepts and techniques to successfully solve problems or take advantage of opportunities. 
• Accomplishments: List awards and other forms of recognition the nominee has received or public relations accomplishments, including being accredited (APR) and being a member of the PRSA College of Fellows. 
• Service to other organizations: Explain how the nominee’s involvement in professional and business organizations has advanced the profession of public relations and its visibility. 
• Service to PRSA: Cite offices, committee assignments, and other examples of the nominee’s service to the Society. 

The nominee should have demonstrated the award criteria in the past year (up to present) in which they are being nominated for the award.

Nominators must submit the following:

• Summary of Qualifications – A summary of accomplishments, no longer than two typed pages, that includes specific examples of success (problem, solution and outcome) in each of the five areas listed above.
• Letters of Support – Three letters that second the nomination. The letters must come from individuals separate from the nominator. Each letter must be on letterhead and the body can be no longer than 500 words. The letters must specifically address the award criteria. At least one letter must be from a PRSA member. (Please note: no more than three letters of recommendation will be considered.)

No other information shall be considered. Any information sent that exceeds word counts, or is outside the above requirements will not be considered.

Judging panel considerations:

The award judging panel will consider the following. Include specific examples of this information in your nomination and/or letters of support.

• What achievements has the nominee accomplished in the past year? What are the measurable outcomes of those achievements? How have these achievements advanced the profession?
• How has the nominee successfully used public relations concepts and techniques in the past year?
• Has the nominee demonstrated forward-thinking approaches or adapted to changing communication landscapes (digital, crisis, DEI, etc.)?
• How has the nominee used their communications expertise to strengthen local communities, not solely their employer?
• What are notable awards or recognitions the nominee has received? Have they received any recognition for their work in the profession, including being accredited (APR) and a member of the PRSA College of Fellows. 
• How has the nominee’s involvement in professional organizations advanced public relations in the nominee’s community, our state or in the nation?
• How is the nominee involved in PRSA? In addition to general membership, are they a member of any special sections or committees? What volunteer roles have they had over the past year or over the last several years? Has their involvement led to improvements or successes for the chapter? Has the nominee actively engaged in PRSA events, workshops or professional development in the past year?
• Has the nominee supported emerging professionals through mentoring, training or knowledge sharing?
• Does the nominee exemplify values and ethics that others can look up to?

The judging panel includes at least three judges selected from past chapter presidents, with a minimum of two holding APR accreditation.