At its recent holiday event, FPRA Tampa Bay announced the winners of its inaugural chapter awards. The awards recognize the best public relations talent and chapter heroes in Tampa Bay. Award submissions were collected over the summer to represent the August 2021-August 2022 chapter year. Congratulations to the winners!
Lifetime Achievement Award
2022 Recipient – Joe Hice, APR, CPRC
By far the most prestigious and honorable award, the Public Relations Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for those public relations professionals who have dedicated their career to the profession and the advancement of public relations. Non-members are eligible to receive the award too.
Chapter Member of the Year
2022 Recipient – Grace Maseda, APR
The Member of the Year Award is one who goes above and beyond in their commitment of time and energy to ensure the success of the chapter. Not only has this recipient embraced the creative thinking and opportunities for participation in chapter programs and projects, but she or he also serves as an ambassador to the community for FPRA. This person excels at their profession and enjoys giving back to this chapter to inspire future PR leaders to learn and grow through FPRA.
PR Professional of the Year
Winner – Michele Sager, APR
The PR Professional of the Year award honors a chapter member who exemplifies the highest of standards in their commitment and execution of public relations. The recipient of this award displays a strong ethical and professional attitude. They are committed to raising the professional standard of the FPRA community and are a role model to others and set a standard for others to strive for.
Rising Star Award
2022 Recipient – Melissa Gulvin, APR
The Rising Star Award recognizes an up-and-coming leader. This is someone who has shown enthusiasm and passion for the profession, and wherever you see them, they are likely to be making a positive difference through their service to chapter events, career pursuits and in other arenas. We like to encourage our members to seek opportunities to get involved and the Rising Star awardee is someone who puts this call into action.
President’s Unsung Hero
2022 Recipient – Jessica Martinez
The Unsung Hero Award was created to recognize the contributions of an individual FPRA member for their hard work and dedication to the chapter ‘behind the scenes’ that helps to enhance and promote the Public Relations profession. This award honors an individual who consistently provides support and assistance to the chapter and its professional goals without hesitation. This award is given by the chapter president.
Emerging Leader in Action
2022 Recipient – Lauren Sutton
The Emerging Leader in Action Award recognizes an up-and-coming student leader from Tampa Bay’s FPRA Student Chapter. This student demonstrates tenacity and a willingness to work diligently for the success of the FPRA student chapter. This student consistently illustrates creativity and enthusiasm for supporting their fellow public relations students and their involvement with the FPRA Tampa Bay board members.