Behind every powerful message, successful campaign, or community-changing initiative, there’s an unsung hero in public relations. Is there someone in your professional world who inspires you with their passion, integrity, and leadership? Now’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve.
Nominate your mentor, colleague, or PR role model for the 2025 Ernest R. McDowell Award—the highest honor bestowed by PPRS. Nominations made in previous years must be resubmitted to be considered this year. Award recipients must be PPRS members (active or emeritus), so if your nominee is not currently a member, encourage them to apply or renew.
Presented annually, this prestigious award honors individuals who demonstrate sustained excellence in public relations and meaningful contributions to their community. It’s named in memory of Ernest R. McDowell, former senior VP of Marketing and Corporate Relations at Capital Health System, now UPMC PinnacleHealth.
Award Nomination Information
⚡Nomination deadline is Friday, May 16, 2025.
📄 Download the nomination form at this link.
📧 Submit to Joelle Shea at joelle.santolla@gmail.com.
🎉Celebrate the winner at the Evening of Honors on Nov. 8
Past Honorees Include:
1991 – Ernest R. McDowell
1992 – Robert M. Fisher
1993 – Frederick E. Leuschner
1994 – Nicholas J. Goble
1995 – Kenneth L. Bowers
1996 – Robert E. Hetherington
1997 – Betty C. Hungerford
1998 – George H. Geise
1999 – William T. Lunsford, Jr.
2000 – David E. Sill (posthumously)
2001 – Elizabeth Van Wye
2002 – Kathy A. Silks
2003 – Susan L. Anthony
2004 – Deborah Saline, APR, Fellow PRSA
2005 – Robert S. Saline, APR, Fellow PRSA
2006 – Tony May
2007 – Albert Mason, APR
2008 – Kenneth G. Robinson, APR
2009 – Rob Rutz
2010 – Denise Calabrese
2011 – John Maietta
2012 – Crystal L. Hull, ABC
2013 – Mark Shull
2014 – Tamara L. Gillis, Ed.D, ABC, IABC Fellow
2015 – Kathy Burrows
2016 – Nance McCown, PhD
2017 – Lori Baker Pizzarro
2018 – Cheryl Slavinsky
2019 – Jason Kirsch, APR
2020 – Roger Baumgarten
2021 – Sean Connolly
2022 – Suzanne Graney
2023 – Amy Hill, APR
2024 – Joelle Shea