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.
Networking Events in October & November
October Networking Happy Hour: Join us at J. Render's
Ready to unwind and connect with fellow communications pros? Join us for a Networking Happy Hour that blends fun, conversation, and spicy vibes at J. Render's! Whether you're looking to swap ideas, share stories or enjoy a laid-back evening with great people, this is your chance.
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. ET
J. Render's | 3191 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington
Appetizers will be provided. Drinks at your own expense.
November Networking Lunch: Join us at Ramsey's Diner
You’ve gotta eat, so why not make it a power lunch? We’d love to have you join us at Ramsey's Diner - Masterson Station for our November networking event. Join fellow communications professionals over a hearty lunch to swap ideas, share stories, and connect and recharge.
Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Ramsey's Diner - Masterson Station | 112 Lucille Drive, Lexington
No cost to attend. Lunch at your own expense.
Thoroughbred Chapter shines at East Central District Conference
The Thoroughbred Chapter was well represented at the PRSA East Central District Conference Sept. 12-13 in Ohio with 20% of the total participants. We’re proud to share that our chapter received the PRominent Award for the third consecutive year. We enjoyed sessions featuring PRSA CEO Matthew Marcial, PRSA National Board Chair Ray Day, APR, and other thought leaders on AI, media relations and cultural trends.
Special thanks to our student members, professional members and board leaders who attended — and congratulations to Chapter President Katie Neal for presenting on battling perfectionism, imposter syndrome and burnout.
Mark your calendar for the next ECD Conference in Detroit on Sept. 2–3, 2026!
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 to host book signing
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 released Aug. 31 by Cherrymoon Media and is available on Amazon.
You're invited to Marc's book signing:
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Thursday, Oct. 9 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET
University of Kentucky Bookstore, Gatton Student Center, 160 Avenue of Champions, Lexington
Marc C. Whitt
2025 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Awards
Save the Date: Thoroughbred Chapter Awards Ceremony
Thursday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m. ET, Carson's at Andover, Lexington
Nominations are in and being tabulated for the 2025 PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter Awards! We can’t wait to celebrate the outstanding work of our colleagues at our annual awards ceremony. Save the date for Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. ET at Carson’s at Andover for an evening of recognition, networking and inspiration. Registration to open soon.
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
Thoroughbred Chapter News
Preske is chapter delegate at
PRSA Leadership Assembly
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A special thank you to Thoroughbred Chapter Secretary & APR Co-Chair Amy Preske, APR, for serving as our delegate at the PRSA Leadership Assembly Oct. 3. Amy will cast our vote on nominees for the PRSA National Board officers and directors. We appreciate her commitment to ensuring our chapter has a voice in shaping the future of our organization.
Katie Neal has article featured in
PRSA's Strategies & Tactics
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Thoroughbred Chapter President Katie Neal addresses ageism in the workplace in Experiencing Ageism in PR Today, an article she wrote for the August 2025 issue of Strategies & Tactics. She explores the issues some PR veterans face as they grow older in the industry and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by today's hiring landscape.
Join our private Facebook group
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Our chapter now has its own private Facebook group. It’s a dedicated space for PR pros, communicators and creatives across our chapter to connect, collaborate and support one another. Join us and be part of the conversation!
