2008-12-09 01:08:03 -
www.prsapugetsound.org/ - The Puget Sound Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America named Kay Herring recipient of the 2008 Jay Rockey Lifetime Achievement Award at the chapter"s Holiday Gala in early December.
Herring, an accredited public relations professional in the Puget Sound area since 1987, was recognized for her professional, community and volunteer accomplishments, especially her involvement in public relations education and mentoring in Washington state for the past 20 years. The award is named after Rockey, a pioneer in public relations in the Pacific Northwest.
Herring was a founding developer and teacher of the University of Washington"s Certificate Program in Public Relations and was the first professional advisor of the University"s student
public relations organization. During her career, she has also provided public relations counseling, training, strategic planning and implementation to many national and international firms including The Boeing Company, Weyerhaeuser, Holland America Line, Westin Hotels and Resorts, University of Phoenix and others. In addition, she has held many positions at PRSA"s local, regional and national levels.
Herring and her husband, Erik Peterson " who was an executive in several area public relations firms " are one of very few couples in the U.S. who are accredited in public relations (APR). Both have also been designated PRSA Fellows in the 22,000-member national organization. For the past 30 years, they have practiced public relations in California, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and Texas.
Herring joined five other PRSA Puget Sound chapter award recipients who were recognized for their contributions, including:
- Valerie O"Neil, APR (Starbucks Coffee Company), who was honored as the Public Relations Professional of the Year;
- Brandie Ahlgren (CityDog Magazine and BSA Communications), who received the Hugh Smith Community Service Award;
- Forrest Carman (Owen Media), named New Member of the Year; and
- Bob Frause, APR (Frause) and Jenny Bragg (The Fearey Group) who were selected to receive the President's Award for Volunteerism.
"We were pleased to recognize this outstanding group of local communicators who truly represent the Puget Sound"s finest when it comes to public relations and their commitment to this community," said Janelle Guthrie, APR, president of PRSA Puget Sound. "I am proud to lead an organization whose members exhibit such a high level of commitment to their profession."
About PRSA Puget Sound
The Puget Sound Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is the region's largest professional organization for public relations professionals, with nearly 400 members throughout Western Washington. Members of the non-profit association represent corporations, agencies, sole practitioners, military, government, health care and other service organizations. Founded in 1957, the chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007. www.prsapugetsound.org
Editor's note: APR is a mark of accreditation for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice. The designation is earned based on broad knowledge, strategic perspective and sound professional judgment.
PRSA Puget Sound
Janelle Guthrie, APR, 360-586-0725
