PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter
Professional Development • Networking • Accreditation • PRSSA • Awards • Mentoring
We want to connect with you!
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For more than 40 years we’ve been the leading public relations organization serving Lexington and Central/Eastern Kentucky. Our vibrant community of communications professionals covers a wide range of industries and levels of experience.
From senior practitioners to young talent launching careers in PR, we’re the go-to resource for learning, networking and professional development.
Happy Holidays from the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter!
Thanks to all who came to mix and mingle at our Holiday Social Dec. 4 at The Thirsty Fox in the Old Courthouse in downtown Lexington. We celebrated a year of storytelling, connection and community with good cheer and some seriously terrific refreshments.
SAVE
THE
DATE
Inaugural PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Conference Nov. 4-5, 2026 | Lexington
Mark your calendars for the first-ever conference hosted by the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter. Our Conference Committee is hard at work finalizing speakers and a dynamic lineup of topics. More details coming soon!
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Thoroughbred Chapter News
Networking lunch at Ramsey's draws chapter members, PRSSA students
What a terrific afternoon with chapter members and PRSSA students at our networking lunch at Ramsey's Diners - Masterson Station! From the nonstop chatter around the table to our lively discussion about next November’s inaugural Thoroughbred Chapter Conference in Lexington, the energy was nonstop. It’s always refreshing to gather with fellow professionals committed to advancing the PR profession across Central and Eastern Kentucky.
Members, PRSSA students enjoy networking at J. Render's
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Discussions on crisis communications, the power of internships and community relations were on the menu at our Networking Happy Hour at J. Render's in Lexington Oct. 8. Thanks to students from PRSSA Eastern Kentucky University for joining us. A fun and productive way to spend a gorgeous fall evening in the Bluegrass!
Kids' Coat Drive to benefit children in Central/Eastern Kentucky
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The Thoroughbred Chapter is supporting A Coat to Keep the Cold Away, a youth coat drive sponsored by the Believing in Forever charity founded by our 2024 Communicator of the Year Honoree Devine Carama. You can bring a new coat to the Holiday Social Dec. 4 to help keep a child warm this winter. All sizes are needed, but there's a shortage of sizes 7/8 and 10/12. All donations will go to children in the Central Kentucky area. You can also make a monetary donation here.
Welcome to New Members
The Thoroughbred Chapter is thriving! Membership has surged to 76 strong as current members renewed and six new professionals joined our ranks. This growth reflects the energy and value of being part of our PRSA community — where networking, professional development and shared expertise keep us moving forward.
Please join us in welcoming our newest members:
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Tessa Howard, Communications Specialist, Administrative Office of the Courts
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Abby Huddle, Communications Specialist, Eastern Kentucky University
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Meagan Murphy, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Campbellsville University
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Rita Smith, Lead Communications Manager, eBay
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Lillian Dubler, Associate Strategist, C2 Strategic Communications
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Brianna Stephens, Editorial Lead, Christian Appalachian Project
Announcing 2025 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter award honorees
The Thoroughbred Chapter is excited to recognize the outstanding communicators honored at our 2025 Awards Ceremony! From left to right:
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Communicator of the Year: Anita Spreitzer, Vice President, Paws 4 the Cause
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Outstanding Student Award: A’Mya Kendrick, Graphic Design Associate, Eastern Kentucky University’s Center for Student Involvement, and PRSSA member
Communications Impact Award: Ryan Clark, Communications Director, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences
Rising Star Award: Crystal Sicard, Executive Advisor, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Career Achievement Award: Susan Lancho, Senior Manager, External and Government Affairs, Kentucky American Water
2025 Thoroughbred Chapter Communicator of the Year makes the news!
On the Air: WLEX-TV
Watch segment here.
Thoroughbred Chapter President Katie Neal, ACC joined our friends at WLEX-TV bright and early Nov. 12 to celebrate this year’s PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Award honorees! Special thanks to WLEX-TV for the warm welcome.
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Among this year’s honorees is Anita Spreitzer, vice president of Paws 4 the Cause, who was named the 2025 Communicator of the Year for her incredible advocacy and compassion for animals across Kentucky.
On the Air: FOX 56 News
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Chapter President Katie Neal, ACC also appeared on FOX 56 News Nov. 12, this time joined by Anita Spreitzer, our 2025 Communicator of the Year! We appreciate our friends at FOX 56 for spotlighting this year’s honorees.
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​The chapter celebrated Anita and fellow award recipients Susan Lancho (Kentucky American Water), Ryan Clark (University of Kentucky), Crystal S. (formerly of New Vista) and A’Mya Kendrick (Eastern Kentucky University) at an awards dinner Nov. 13 at Carson’s at Andover.
Sold-out media panel offers lively discussion of Kentucky's media landscape
Our media panel brought together 25 PR pros and community members Sept. 23 for a powerful conversation on today’s media landscape. Topics ranged from standing out as a PR professional and relationship building to federal funding challenges, network ownership consolidation and doing more with less.
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Thanks to Dean Jennifer Greer of the UK College of Communication and Information as well as UK/JMI Sports for hosting us at the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington.
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​We especially appreciate the panelists: Shannon Brock, editor, Kentucky Living; Renee Shaw, director of Public Affairs & Kentucky Edition host, KET; Jennifer Smith, news director, WLEX-TV; and Alex Valentine, managing editor, Lexington Herald-Leader.
Chapter President-Elect Whitt publishes 3rd book on public relations
Marc C. Whitt
Congrats to Marc C. Whitt, our chapter's president-elect, on the release of his third book. “TAKEAWAYS: Ideas, Strategies and Encouragement for the Nonprofit Public Relations Professional” was published Aug. 31 by Cherrymoon Media and is available on Amazon. Marc was honored with the PRSA East Central District Platinum Award, recognizing his distinguished service and leadership in the profession at the national, regional and local levels.
"In TAKEAWAYS, Whitt explores the vital role nonprofit organizations play in communities and around the world — and why effective, strategic public relations is central to their success. — Excerpt from news release by Cherrymoon Media
Thoroughbred Chapter has impressive attendance at 2025 ICON in Washington, D.C.
The PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter had a strong showing at this year's ICON in the nation's capital Oct. 28-30. More than 10% of our chapter was among the 2,000-plus attendees (one of the highest chapter rates!), and we were recognized for our strategic planning and mission to help build better communicators.
From sessions on storytelling, conflict resolution and AI strategies, it was an incredible learning environment. Much appreciation to the East Central District for hosting a lunch so we could meet with fellow district members.
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Another highlight was hearing from actress and author Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls") on her storytelling process. Funny story: She said she's only met one person who truly had "writer's block," a friend who never got around to writing their book. Her point: It's natural to feel uncomfortable or struggle with the creative process (and it's OK to ask for help and advice).
Member Spotlight
December
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Ryan Clark
Meet Ryan Clark, director of communications for the UK College of Health Sciences and winner of the 2025 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Communications Impact Award.
Learn more here.
November
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Ellen Williams
Meet Ellen Williams, a new chapter member and the External Affairs manager for Kentucky American Water.
Learn more here.