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.
2025 Thoroughbred 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 will celebrate 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.
Celebrate the holidays with us!
Let’s wrap up the year PRSA-style! Join the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter for our Holiday Social at the Old Fayette County Courthouse in downtown Lexington. Enjoy festive holiday refreshments, good cheer and great company as we celebrate a year of storytelling, connection and community. Come mix, mingle and make merry with your fellow PR pros before the year comes to a close!
Thursday, Dec. 4 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET
Old Fayette County Courthouse, 215 W. Main St., Lexington
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Social includes festive holiday refreshments.
$20 Chapter Member | $30 Non-Chapter Member | $15 PRSSA Member
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Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m. ET
Thoroughbred Chapter has strong 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).
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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We kicked off our Kids' Coat Drive in September to support 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'll have the opportunity at our upcoming events to donate new coats for children in Central/Eastern Kentucky. You can also make a monetary donation here.
Welcome to New Members
We extend a warm welcome to the following new and reinstated chapter members:
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Ryan Clark, Director of Communications, University of Kentucky
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Lauren Monahan, Outreach, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Waste Management
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Jan Wallace II, Student, Western Governors University
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Dylan Walter, Graduate Student, Ball State University
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Shannon White, Director of Communications and Engagement, American Board of Family Medicine
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Ellen Williams, External Affairs Manager, Kentucky American Water
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
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.
Member Spotlight
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.
October
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Susan Lancho
Meet Susan Lancho, senior manager for External and Government Affairs at Kentucky American Water.
Learn more here.