Behind every powerful message, successful campaign, or community-shaping initiative is a dedicated public relations professional whose impact often goes unrecognized. Is there someone in your network who stands out for their passion, integrity, and leadership? Now is the perfect opportunity to highlight their contributions.
Nominate a mentor, colleague, or PR role model for the 2026 Ernest R. McDowell Award – the highest honor presented by the PA Public Relations Society. Please note that nominations from prior years must be resubmitted for consideration. Nominees must be current or emeritus PPRS members; if your candidate is not a member, encourage them to join or renew their membership.
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.
Nomination deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Submit to Leslie Gervasio at leslielynngervasio@gmail.com.
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
2025 – Leslie L. Gervasio