The Pennsylvania Public Relations Society (PPRS) celebrated a milestone of 75 years of advancing professional growth within the public relations field on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, during its annual evening of honors at the Carlisle Country Club. The celebration brought together members, partners, and friends for an evening filled with connection, reflection, and recognition.
This year’s celebration honored Leslie Gervasio, director of communications for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, as the 2025 recipient of the Ernest R. McDowell Award for Excellence in Public Relations. Ruth Miller, director of communications for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, was given the Robert M. Fisher Membership Recruitment Award. Several special anniversary awards and recognitions were given throughout the event, including the Trailblazer Award to Betty Hungerford (pictured, left) and Deb Saline. The diamond anniversary committee was led by Lori Baker Pizzarro, Crystal Hull and Erin Kanter.
“The energy in the room was electric,” 2025 PPRS President Rachel Edwards said. “The 100+ Evening of Honors attendees could be seen laughing, reconnecting, sharing a funny story, and offering support all throughout the night. PPRS is not only a professional society, it is a true community, and that was on display during our 75th anniversary event.”
The special evening also included the installation of next year’s officers:
· President: Brett Marcy, Apollo Communications
· Vice President: Rachel Edwards, Relevant Public Relations & Marketing
· Secretary: Paige Shope, Harrisburg Regional Chamber
· Treasurer: Ted Czech, York County Office of Emergency Management
Photos of the event can be found here.
Founded in 1950, PPRS is the region’s longest-standing professional organization for communicators, representing more than 115 active members from corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, higher education institutions, PR firms, and individual consultants.