News Releases
Two Public Relations Leaders to Be Inducted Into West Virginia PR Hall of Fame
Two distinguished leaders in the field of public relations will be honored for their lifetime achievements when they are inducted into the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame on Thursday, Nov. 13, during the PRSA West Virginia Night of Honors at the Art Museum of West Virginia University.
Dr. Diana Martinelli, former dean of the WVU Reed College of Media, has dedicated more than 36 years to advancing the field of public relations through education, research, and leadership. A proud graduate of WVU, Martinelli became the first Widmeyer Professor in Public Relations and has authored more than two dozen scholarly works. As dean, she guided the college through reaccreditation and a transformative merger with the College of Creative Arts, creating innovative programs designed for today’s media landscape. A diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) champion, she also serves on the advisory board of the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations and is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society.
Karen Frashier, APR, Fellow PRSA, began her career in healthcare communications at Charleston Area Medical Center, where she also became active in PRSA. Over the course of her career, she has served in leadership roles for major hospital and healthcare systems in Georgia and Florida, specializing in strategic marketing, branding, communications, and government relations. Frashier was accredited in 1987 and earned the Society’s highest honor, Fellow PRSA, in 2012. Today, she continues to lead as CEO and chief strategist of Advocate Marketing PR, and remains a passionate advocate for professional accreditation and excellence in the field.
The PRSA West Virginia Night of Honors begins at 6 p.m. and will also recognize outstanding professionals and campaigns through the Crystal Awards and Best of West Virginia Awards. The event is hosted in partnership with the WVU PRSSA Chapter, and a portion of ticket proceeds supports student programs across the state’s four PRSSA chapters at WVU, University of Charleston, West Virginia State University, and Marshall University.
Martinelli and Frashier join twelve previous Hall of Fame inductees, including H. William “Bill” Chaddock, David Cotton, APR, Fellow PRSA, Cathryn Gibbs Harris, APR, Fellow PRSA, Diane Slaughter, CAE, APR, Fellow PRSA, Joe Gollehon, APR, Fellow PRSA, Charles “Charlie” Ryan, APR, Jeri Matheney, APR, George Manahan, Joe Long, APR, Dr. Bill Bissett, Linda Arnold, Dr. Tee Ford-Ahmed, Dr. Hal Shaver, and Ginny Painter, APR.
To register for the event, visit prsawv.org.
About the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame
The West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the PRSA West Virginia Chapter, recognizing professionals with at least 25 years of service who have made significant contributions to the public relations profession. Inductees are selected for their outstanding career achievements, mentorship, commitment to ethical practice, and service to their communities.
About PRSA West Virginia
Founded in 1979, the Public Relations Society of America, West Virginia Chapter serves as the leading resource for professional development, networking, and ethical guidance for communications professionals across the state. The chapter’s diverse membership represents public, private, and nonprofit sectors, united by a shared commitment to advancing the practice and principles of public relations.
PRSA West Virginia Chapter Announces 2024 Best of West Virginia Award Finalists
PRSA West Virginia Chapter Announces 2024 Best of West Virginia Award Finalists
Honoring Excellence in Public Relations and Communications Across the State
Charleston, W.Va.— The Public Relations Society of America West Virginia Chapter (PRSA WV) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2024 Best of West Virginia Awards. Based on the prestigious Crystal Awards, the Best of West Virginia Awards celebrate exceptional public relations and communications campaigns and tactics by professionals and organizations dedicated to advancing the industry in West Virginia. Winners will be announced at the upcoming Night of Honors event on Tuesday, November 12.
This year’s finalists showcase the outstanding innovation and impact of PR and communications work that advances the interests of West Virginia’s communities, industries and organizations. Categories include “Campaigns,” which highlight comprehensive projects across external, integrated and internal communications, and “Tactics,” which focus on strategic tools like social media, collateral and media relations.
2024 Best of West Virginia Award Finalists
Campaigns
· External Communications - Agency LMC
Barbour County Health Association “We Are Here”
· External Communications - Agency LMC
Grant County Bank CMI Campaign
· Integrated Communications - Agency LMC
West Virginia Primary Care Association (WVPCA)
· Internal Communications
Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley, Inc
· Reputation/Branding
West Virginia American Water
West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) - Bottle Filling Stations
Tactics
· External Website - Agency LMC
Coplin’s Website Development Project
· Social Media - Agency LMC
Regional Tourism Organization
· Social Media - Agency LMC
UCC To Promote Underground Mine Safety
· Collateral (Brochures/Mailings/Posters) - Agency LMC
Clay-Battelle Health Services Association
· Media Relations - Kirkpatrick Group
PPG’s Specialty Coatings and Materials Business
"PRSA WV is thrilled to recognize the exceptional work of our colleagues who continue to shape the narrative of West Virginia," said Rachel Coffman, Awards Chair, PRSA WV. "Their efforts exemplify the innovation, resilience, and passion of our profession and our commitment to driving positive change across our communities."
PRSA WV will announce the Best of West Virginia Awards during its Night of Honors event, bringing together industry leaders and professionals for an evening of celebration and recognition. PRSA WV will also induct two professionals into the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame. Join us on Tuesday, November 12 at the University of Charleston's Geary Student Union Ballroom from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and register here.
About PRSA WV and the Crystal Awards
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) West Virginia Chapter is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through the state of West Virginia. They are a chapter of PRSA, the national organization, guided by the PRSA Code of Ethics, PRSA-WV empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Their annual awards program, the Crystal Awards, honors the campaign and tactics work of West Virginia’s public relations practitioners, agencies, and college students. Work entered by West Virginia practitioners or agencies can be for any client or employer, not just those based in West Virginia; work done for West Virginia-based companies, or companies doing business in West Virginia, may be submitted by out-of-state agencies or practitioners. Work must be completed in 2023 within the award submission deadline. For more information, visit www.prsawv.org.
Media Contact
Rachel Coffman, Assembly Delegate, Awards Chair
Public Relations Society of America, West Virginia Chapter
Email: [email protected]
Two Marshall University Leaders To Be Inducted Into West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame
TWO MARSHALL UNIVERSITY LEADERS TO BE INDUCTED INTO WEST VIRGINIA PUBLIC RELATIONS HALL OF FAME
Charleston, W.VA. - A son and daughter of Marshall University will be recognized for their exceptional lifetime contributions to the public relations profession when they are inducted into the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame Nov. 12 in ceremonies at the University of Charleston.
The late Dr. Harold “Hal” Shaffer, a renowned and beloved educator, and Ginny Painter, chief of staff for Marshall, will be honored by the West Virginia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA WV). The honorees represent the pinnacle of excellence in the field of public relations in West Virginia. Their exceptional work, leadership and dedication advanced the profession and contributed significantly to the development and growth of our communities.
Dr. Harold C. “Hal” Shaver APR left a legacy as the first dean of the Marshall W. Pitt Page School for Journalism and Mass Communication, influencing the careers of dozens of current West Virginia pr professionals, and aiding pr and communications education across the nation as a member of the Accrediting Council on Education. The Marshall PRSSA student pr society is named for Shaver.
Ginny Painter APR has over 30 years of experience in higher education and government communications. Currently, she is chief of staff to Marshall University President Brad Smith. As Marshall’s senior vice president for communications and marketing, she was responsible for the university’s overall communications. She held leadership positions at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the University of Charleston, the Marshall University Research Corporation, and served as deputy commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.
The induction ceremony is part of PRSA WV’s Night of Honors event at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 at the University of Charleston, hosted by the UC Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter (PRSSA). Guests can register by clicking here or by visitng prsawv.org. The chapter will also honor West Virginia’s PR professionals and their work with the prestigious Crystal Awards and Best of West Virginia awards. A portion of ticket sales support the student programs for West Virginia’s four PRSSA chapters, including chapters at West Virginia University, West Virginia State University and Marshall.
Painter and Shaver join ten previous members of the Hall of Fame. They are H. William “Bill” Chaddock, David Cotton APR Fellow PRSA, Cathryn Gibbs Harris APR Fellow PRSA, Diane Slaughter CAE APR Fellow PRSA, Joe Gollehon APR Fellow PRSA, Charles “Charlie” Ryan APR, Jeri Matheney APR, George Manahan, Joe Long APR, Dr. Bill Bissett, Linda Arnold and Dr. Tee Ford Amed.
About the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame
Membership in the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame is a prestigious recognition given to individuals who have significantly impacted the public relations industry for at least 25 years. Induction into it is the highest recognition the West Virginia Chapter of PRSA can bestow, honoring distinguished public relations professionals for their career achievements, significant contributions to the profession, mentoring of others and community service.
About PRSA
The West Virginia chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) was established in 1979. It is the leading resource for public relations and communication professional development in West Virginia with a diverse membership of professionals.
Media Contact:
2023 WV PR Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
2023 West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
The West Virginia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is thrilled to announce the distinguished individuals who have been selected for induction into the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame Class of 2023. These exceptional professionals have demonstrated exemplary dedication to the field of public relations and have left an unforgettable mark on the industry through their outstanding achievements.
The 2023 West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame inductees are:
Linda Arnold, MA, MBA - Linda is the founder and former chairman & CEO of The Arnold Agency, a West Virginia-based public relations, advertising and governmental relations company. Her agency specializes in healthcare marketing, telecommunications, banking, energy and franchised businesses. She is the former director of communications and press secretary for Governor John D. Rockefeller, IV and a syndicated columnist and author of two books. Her syndicated column, “Live Life Fully,” has been published for over a decade and appears nationally in newspapers and online, reaching 500,000 readers regularly.
Bill Bissett- Bill is the state director for the U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito with a longstanding history of public service, spanning to his earlier career days as director of communications at the West Virginia Department of Transportation. Bill holds former positions with Charles Ryan Associates (CRA) as their vice president, various leadership posts with Marshall University, and led the Kentucky Coal Association in the 2010s. In 2016, Bissett was hired as the president & CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce where he led the region’s business community through the COVID-19 pandemic before taking his current role with the United States Senate.
Trevellya “Tee” Ford-Ahmed, Ph.D.- Tee is the communications and media director for the Mount Zion Black Culture Center in Athens, Ohio, and Professor Emerita at West Virginia State University (WVSU). She joined the faculty at WVSU in 1990 and received a Charter for the C. R. Byrd Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) in 1991. After retiring from WVSU, Tee dedicated her talents to reviving PR campaigns for the Black in Appalachia and Black by God West Virginia initiatives. Her published works include USAID’s Teaching through Radio Drama Guide and contributions to the cultures studies anthology “Generation to Generation, Maintaining Culture Identity over Time,” among others. Abroad, Tee has participated in numerous study tours and completed a lectureship at the University of Maiduguri in Nigeria and a cultural research project in China on a six-week fellowship with the University of Hawaii’s Southeast Asian Studies Center.
These inductees represent the pinnacle of excellence in the field of public relations in West Virginia. Their exceptional work, leadership and dedication have not only advanced the practice of PR but have also contributed significantly to the development and growth of our communities.
Inductees will be honored at the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall at Marshall University. This gala is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary professionals while bringing together the state's PR community to network and share insights.
The induction ceremony is hosted by Marshall University’s Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter (PRSSA). Event registration is $25. Proceeds support student programs and expenses for West Virginia’s four PRSSA chapters.
To learn more and register, CLICK HERE.
We invite all members of the media and the public to join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals who have made a lasting impact on our profession. For press inquiries or to request additional information, please contact:
Jordan Ferrell
Chapter President
West Virginia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 304-692-5982
State’s Communication Industry Announces Finalists for Top Public Relations Awards to be Honored in August
The State’s Communication Industry Announces Finalists for Top Public Relations Awards to be Honored in August.
CHARLESTON, W.Va., July 24, 2023 – PRSA-WV, the state’s leading professional organization serving the communications and integrated marketing community, today announced the finalists for the 2023 Best of West Virginia Crystal Awards, which recognize and honor the very best communications campaign and tactics planned and executed during the year of 2022.
Entries across 30 categories were received, including submissions from leading agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations and universities. Based on the judging conducted by Public Relations Association of Louisiana – Baton Rouge, 5 finalists were selected with the top scores in the campaign and tactic categories to be considered for the, “Best of West Virginia Award,” during PRSA-WV’s annual Crystal Award Celebration. For over 40 years, PRSA-WV has reviewed and benchmarked the highest quality of work in the state of West Virginia in public relations. The campaign categories honor the best strategic public relations campaigns of the year, as well as outstanding creative and execution of those campaigns. The tactic category recognizes outstanding public relations tactics that contribute to the success of overall programs or campaigns. These can be media releases, social media graphics, brochures, etc.
This year’s Crystal Award ceremony, will again include the presentation of both the Crystal Award and Award of Merit honors for campaigns and tactics, as well as the “Best Of” West Virginia Award. The premier event will be held on August 15, 2023, at the West Virginia Cultural Center located on the West Virginia Capitol Complex. The award ceremony will have a different structure expanding the “Best of” categories to include a silver and bronze level award, as well as, including the “Best of” for the tactical categories.
“In years past, we only honored the overall best campaign with a Best of WV award,” said Jordan Ferrell, President of PRSA-WV. “We felt the profession of PR has grown to be more dynamic, with more attention given to our overall top five campaign and tactics honorees. We have amazing PR and communications professionals in this state, and we look forward to honoring their outstanding work in August.”
Below are the finalists for the “Best of West Virginia” Award in the PRSA Crystal Award Campaign Category:
· Coffman Collaborative – Events and Observances More than 7 Days – Belle Chemical Manufacturing Month STEM Engagements
· Coffman Collaborative – Community Relations – The Things We Make: Belle Chemical & Carver Graphic Design Simulated-Workplace Project
· Skyya/GreenPower Motor Company – External Communications – GreenPower Motor Company’s Electric Entrance to WV
· West Virginia Regional Technology Park – Events and Observances Less than 7 Days – Red Carpet Tour of West Virginia
· West Virginia American Water – Crisis Communications – Ohio Train Derailment Response
The finalists for the “Best of West Virginia” Award in the PRSA Crystal Award Tactic Category are:
· Agency LMC – External Website – Omni Associates – Architects
· Agency LMC – Social Media Graphic – The Center for Rural Health Development: HPV Vaccination Campaign
· Agency LMC – Collateral (Brochures/Mailings/Posters) – Barbour Community Health Association: Diabetes Tracking Booklet
· Coffman Collaborative – Digital Newsletter – Belle Chemical Manufacturing Month STEM Engagements
· Coffman Collaborative/Carver Graphic Design – Single-Issue Publications- The Things We Make: Belle Chemical Coloring Book
The Best of West Virginia recognizes the top three campaigns and tactics in addition to the Crystal Awards during the August 15 ceremony.
To buy tickets to the event, you can register here.
About PRSA WV and the Crystal Awards
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) West Virginia Chapter is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through the state of West Virginia. They are a chapter of PRSA, the national organization, guided by the PRSA Code of Ethics, PRSA-WV empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Their annual awards program, the Crystal Awards, honors the campaign and tactics work of West Virginia’s public relations practitioners, agencies, and college students. Work entered by West Virginia practitioners or agencies can be for any client or employer, not just those based in West Virginia; work done for West Virginia-based companies, or companies doing business in West Virginia, may be submitted by out-of-state agencies or practitioners. Work must be completed in 2022 within the award submission deadline. For more information, visit www.prsawv.org.
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