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The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Volunteer Chapter will recognize the 2026 Communicator of the Year on January 15, 2026, during a lunch and ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Knoxville from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The award honors three individuals who have achieved outstanding professional success. For more information about the awards, visit the awards webpage.

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Volunteer Chapter has elected the 2026 board of directors. The following individuals will serve for the 2026 calendar year and lead the largest association of communications professionals in East Tennessee.

The Bateman Case Study competition is PRSSA’s most prestigious and leading national case study competition that gives students firsthand experience with executing a public relations campaign.

Public relations strategies work to present a clear, consistent, and unified voice for the client. Whether a public, private or non-profit organization, great care is taken to make sure all channels echo the same values and mission-critical beliefs and goals. This is true with digital formats such as websites and social media, as well as printed collateral both internal and external. No matter the format, ideally the messaging remains clear throughout all channels.

My name is Amelia Sandie, and I’m a graduate student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, working toward my master’s degree in public relations. This summer, I’m excited to step into the role of social media and communications Intern!

The Volunteer chapter of the Public Relations Society of America will recognize Eddie Mannis, the President and CEO of the Prestige companies, as its communicator of the year Jan. 14, at an awards luncheon.
The event will be held 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Knoxville.
Tickets are $35 for PRSA members, $25 for PRSSA student members, and $45 for guests. A table for ten may be purchased for $400. All tickets may be purchased at volunteerprsa.org.

The Volunteer chapter of the Public Relations Society of America will recognize Chancellor Donde Plowman of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as its communicator of the year Jan. 26, at an awards luncheon.

The event will be held 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UT Conference Center in downtown Knoxville.

Tickets are $25 for PRSA members and students and $40 for guests and may be purchased at volunteerprsa.org. A table for eight may be purchased for $275.

The Volunteer PRSA salutes member Gary D. McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA, for receiving the Gold Anvil Award at PRSA ICON 2023 in Nashville.

In an era when many say the news finds them, there is no consensus about the importance of following the news

Two students in Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations had the chance to attend the annual Public Relations Student Society of America Leadership Assembly.

PRSA Member Spotlights highlight the journeys of outstanding members within our chapter who are influential in the public relations industry. Mariel De Moya, director of communications for the city of Maryville, recently joined the PRSA Volunteer Chapter board of directors and brings a wealth of international experience.

PRSA Member Spotlight highlights the journeys of our members who continue to shape and influence the public relations profession. Ashley Walker, a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been working in public relations and social media for the past decade at the Tennessee Valley Authority.

PRSA Member Spotlight serves to share the stories of our members who are continuing to make an impact on the field of public relations. A proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Christina Honkonen has been in the public relations and marketing profession for almost two decades working in corporate communications, non-profit, consulting, and helped launch Pitchwire, a boutique marketing and content production company.

As one of the newest faculty members in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations, David Norman brings over two decades of industry experience to the college and is a nationally recognized expert in crisis management.

Kathryn King’s career path from biology to public relations has given her a rewarding experience to pursue her passions. King is a senior public affairs specialist at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and religion from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, before shifting career paths and earning her master’s degree in strategic public relations from George Washington University.

PRSA Member Spotlights serve the purpose of highlighting remarkable members of our Chapter who are making an impact in the field of public relations. Chelsey Russell, assistant vice president and internal communications manager at SmartBank, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is entering her seventh year with the company.

PRSA Member Spotlights highlight outstanding members who are making an impact in the field of public relations in our community and beyond. Jeff Gary is the director of creative services at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a position he has held for nearly nine years. A proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism before realizing his passion was in public relations. He later earned a master’s degree in communications with a concentration in public relations from the College of Communication and Information at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

For Gail Rymer, a career in public relations wasn’t something she initially planned, it just happened. With aspirations of working in journalism, Rymer was drawn into PR when an opportunity arose in a large school district. She embraced the role, spending seven years in school public relations, honing her skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the industry.

Cynthia Moxley, the founder and former CEO of MoxCar Marketing + Communications, originally Moxley Communications, has built an impressive career in public relations. With decades of experience, she has become a respected leader in the Knoxville community, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

The PRSA Membership Spotlight highlights outstanding members who are making a difference in the field of public relations. Kyle Basila is one of many PRSA members achieving great things in the industry. Basila serves as the Director of Communications and Public Relations at Realty Executives and is approaching his fifth year in this role. A proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Class of 2021, Basila majored in public relations, setting the foundation for his successful career.

On March 27, Leslie Walton, Assistant Director for Employer Development at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration, spoke to members of the PRSA Volunteer Chapter and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Great Smoky Mountain Chapter. She shared insights on how professionals can identify and leverage their CliftonStrengths to transform natural talents into impactful strengths.

During a recent visit, members of the PRSA Volunteer Chapter got a behind-the-scenes look at how TVA oversees more than 650 miles of the Tennessee River system and the network of tributaries that feed into it. Inside the center, engineers track conditions in real time, using advanced tools and data to make informed decisions that help reduce flood risk, generate hydroelectric power, and support communities across the Valley.

On Thursday, February 19, Joe Stabb, PhD, APR, presented to the PRSA Volunteer Chapter how key generative engine optimization (GEO) is for the public relations sector as AI continues to change the rules of digital visibility.

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, PRSA CEO Matthew Marcial visited Knoxville, Tennessee, to speak to the members of the Volunteer Chapter and share his vision for the future of PRSA nationwide.

On Oct. 8, Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA, presented to the PRSA Volunteer Chapter how essential connections are within the public relations field and for personal career growth. His presentation, ‘Connections are Career Insurance’, detailed not only how important connections are for people to get jobs, but also the best practices for networking professionals.

On Sept. 10, the PRSA Volunteer Chapter had the opportunity to see firsthand the Cirrus Vision Center and hear from global public relations and communications manager, Nadia Haidar, as she shared her own personal journey and the success of Cirrus.

On June 17, Morgan Vance, the executive director of the Pat Summitt Foundation, spoke to PRSA Volunteer Chapter members about the value in prioritizing strategic brand growth and development. Her presentation, ‘Brand Legacy: Protecting and Growing Over Time’, offered detailed insights into preserving a recognizable brand, while promoting the mission and legacy of Coach Pat Summitt and her fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

On Wednesday, April 9, Ellen Liston, Public Relations Manager at Dollywood Parks & Resorts, and Carol Agee, Senior Manager of Partnership Marketing and Community Relations for Dollywood Parks and Resorts, welcomed members of PRSA’s Volunteer Chapter and the AFP Great Smoky Mountain Chapter to the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The meeting offered an in-depth look at the company’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy, grounded in Dollywood’s core value of service and its mission to uplift its neighbors when they are in need.

On Monday, March 10, Michael Cherenson, APR, Fellow PRSA, visited the PRSA Volunteer Chapter and the UT Information Integrity Institute to discuss the growing challenges posed by misinformation and the tools professionals can use to combat its spread.

On February 13, 2025, Scott Brooks and Travis Brickey of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), along with Mark Nagi of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), joined the PRSA Volunteer Chapter to share their invaluable experiences managing crisis communications during Hurricane Helene. Their insights underscored the importance of timely, transparent, and strategic communication in the face of a natural disaster.

Congratulations to the honorees of the 2025 Communicator of the Year!

Benjamin Haynes, the director of media relations for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently addressed a PRSA Volunteer Chapter at the University of Tennessee Research Park at Cherokee Farm, focusing on the theme of "Adaptation to a Changing Media Landscape." With over 27 years of experience in public affairs and communication, including 16 years at the CDC, Haynes brought a wealth of insight to the discussion.

Stacy Smith gives a presentation on PR teachings that hold up still 44 years later.

On Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, the PRSA Volunteer Chapter paid tribute to Drue Hamlet, Cole Pawlaczyk, and Chancellor Donde Plowman as they were honored with the 2024 Communicator of the Year awards for their outstanding accomplishments. The ceremony took place at the UT Conference Center in downtown Knoxville.

On Thursday, August 17, the PRSA Volunteer Chapter hosted Maria De Moya’s workshop on Avenues to Greater DE&I in Public Relations Practice.

Our latest PRSA Event was held at the famously historic Blount Mansion on June 21, 2023. Cole Pawlaczyk informed the many members with exclusive data and tactics of current Designsensory projects, with news of potential AI tools.

In the heart of Rivertown Junction, past Dogs N’ Taters and into the Blue Ribbon Pavilion, the PRSA Volunteer Chapter was given an exclusive talk with the Dollywood public relations and marketing team.

Sarah Smith, Body Positive Influencer and Plus Size Model, delivered an informational yet inspirational speech to the students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on her experience as an influencer and public relations professional.