FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 8, 2024
Contact:
Risa Richardson, APR
risarichardson@nisource.com
Award-Winning Author and UK Communications Leader Marc Whitt Named PRSA ECD 2024 Platinum Award Winner
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Public Relations Society of America East Central District (PRSA ECD) announced today that Marc Whitt, veteran communications professional and author of multiple critically-acclaimed books, is the recipient of the 2024 Platinum Award.
The annual Platinum Award recognizes a public relations practitioner who has achieved a distinguished service record and is clearly identified as a role model for other professionals through chapter, district and national service. The award was established by PRSA ECD in 1996 in honor of former ECD board chair Donald P. Durocher, APR, Fellow PRSA.
Over the course of his 40-year career, Whitt has consistently delivered results that have been recognized with more than 40 honors for notable service and contributions to the public relations profession. His books, “PR Lessons Learned Along the Way: Strategies, Tips & Advice for the Higher Ed and Nonprofit Public Relations Professional” and “When In Doubt, Make Applesauce! Core Habits of the Masterful Public Relations Professional” are bestsellers and consistently ranked among lists of the best public relations books of all time.
The Paintsville native currently serves as director of media and strategic relations on the senior leadership staff of the University of Kentucky Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communications. He also teaches in the UK College of Communication and Information’s Department of Integrated Strategic Communication, where he specializes in public relations. Whitt currently serves on the board of the Public Relations and Communication Association International University Advisory Council and on the board of directors for the Thoroughbred PRSA Chapter in Lexington, which includes about 75 PR professionals across Central Kentucky.
“Marc exemplifies the highest ideals of public relations through his commitment to ethics, education and mentorship,” said Jennifer Kramer, APR, PRSA ECD’s 2024 Chair. “His dedication to advancing the profession while inspiring those around him to reach new heights is commendable. It is an honor to recognize Marc with this district award, as his leadership and contributions continue to leave a lasting impact on the industry.”
“Marc is a pillar of the PR profession, and not just here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He’s internationally known for his sharp intellect, strategic thinking and masterful insights, and his leadership is marked by the winning combination of integrity, humility, and humor,” said Katie Neal, President of the Thoroughbred Chapter. “As programming chair over the last three years, Marc has been instrumental in guiding our PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter board, consistently bringing out the best in others while steering us towards success that includes record membership numbers. A servant leader through and through, Marc embodies the highest standards of our profession and is highly deserving of this award.”
Whitt will receive his honor on October 22 at the Excellence in PR Award Reception as part of the UK James C. Bowling Executive-In-Residence Lecture Series.
“For me, PR has always been about serving others. It’s about listening and absorbing, solving problems with truth, accuracy, transparency, integrity, character, and the highest ethics. It’s about being a masterful storyteller, engaging people in the mission and values of those we represent,” said Whitt. “PR requires being both a big thinker and a bold doer, a masterful networker and relationship-builder — connecting the right ideas with the right people at the right time. Most importantly, our work truly makes a difference in the life of our organizations, our clients, and in the lives of others. For the past 40 years, the public relations profession has given me more than I can ever repay, including this recognition.”
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