A Night to Remember: Celebrating Excellence in Communications

On Aug. 28, the FPRA Capital Chapter came together for one of our favorite traditions — the Excellence in Communications Awards & Leadership Celebration. The evening was filled with laughter, heartfelt applause, and more than a few happy tears as we honored the people who make Tallahassee’s communications community shine.

A Tradition of Celebrating Each Other

Our chapter has always taken pride in recognizing the creativity, leadership, and service of our members. This year was no different. With colleagues, friends and family in the room, we reflected on the work that strengthens not just our organizations but our community as a whole.

A special thank you goes out to our sponsors — Branding Solutions, TREW Media, Brown Lucas Consulting and Lauren Helm PR — for helping us make the celebration possible.

Recognizing Our Members

The night began by honoring the loyalty and dedication of longtime members. Their commitment reminds us that FPRA isn’t just about professional growth; it’s about friendships, mentorship and a sense of belonging that lasts for decades.

Bronze Members: 10+ Years

  • Sarah Bascom (2009)
  • Jan Dobsen, APR (2009)
  • Alison Faris, APR (2011)
  • Brianna Green (2014)
  • Amanda Handley, APR, CPRC (2014)
  • Jordan Jacobs, APR, CPRC (2013)
  • Christina Johnson (2007)
  • Lizzy Kelly, APR (2010)
  • Victoria Langley Heller (2010)
  • Zoe Linafelt, APR (2012)
  • Megan Dougherty Lowe (2015)
  • Cynthia Muir, APR (2011)
  • Steven Murray (2009)
  • Drew Piers, APR, CPRC (2014)
  • Sandi Poreda, APR (2007)
  • Elizabeth Ray (2015)
  • Emily Read, APR (2009)
  • Ron Sachs (2008)
  • Nanette Schimpf, SPR, CPRC (2006)
  • Michelle Ubben (2006)

Silver Members: 20+ Years

  • Terri Ard, APR, CPRC (2001)
  • Michelle Bono, APR, CPRC (1998)
  • Jennifer Fennell, APR, CPRC (1996)
  • Stacey Getz, APR (2002)
  • Karen Kirksey (2004)
  • Kristen Knapp, APR, CPRC (1996)
  • Melanie Mowry Etters, APR, CPRC (1996)
  • Heidi Otway, APR, CPRC (2003)
  • Kelly Robertson, APR (2003)
  • April Salter, APR, CPRC (1999)

Gold Members: 30+ Years

  • Valerie Beynon, APR (1990)
  • Janet Dennis, APR, CPRC (1981)
  • Karen Moore, APR, CPRC (1989)
  • Rick Oppenheim, APR, CPRC (1980)
  • Rachel Smith, APR, CPRC (1992)
  • Francine Walker, APR, CPRC (1985)

We also celebrated members who earned statewide and national recognition:

  • The Sachs Media team, winner of the Gold Pollie Award from the American Association of Political Consultants
  • Kelly Corder, APR, CPRC, 2025 FPRA Communicator of the Year
  • Dana Dudley, Chief Operating Officer at ESPMedia, recipient of the 2025 Above and Beyond Award
  • Karen Moore, APR, CPRC, founder and CEO at Moore, honored with the inaugural John A. Pieno Jr. Leadership Award
  • April Salter, APR, CPRC, founder and CEO at SalterMitchell PR, named a 50 Over 50 honoree and elected FPRA Statewide President-Elect for 2025-2026
  • Lauren Wooten, founder and CEO at Adele Creative, named a 2025 Rising Star in Florida Politics by Influence Magazine

Celebrating Excellence

Then came the moment we were all waiting for — honoring the winners of this year’s Excellence in Communications Awards.

Impact & Service Award: Angela Gibbs, United Way of the Big Bend
 Angela has been the quiet powerhouse behind her organization, turning complex data into stories that move people to give, volunteer, and advocate. Her ability to connect statistics with real human impact has elevated the organization’s profile and inspired others to engage in meaningful ways.

Rising Star Award: Tori Lynn Schneider, Apalachee Center, Inc.
 In her first year in a newly created communications role, Tori not only expanded her team but also boosted her organization’s public presence significantly. She’s the kind of professional who quietly drives big results while making everyone around her feel capable and confident.

PR MVP Award: Lauren Toner, SalterMitchell PR
Lauren joined her team as an intern eight years ago and quickly became a go-to problem solver, always ready to jump in where needed. Known for her calm, strategic approach and infectious positivity, she makes colleagues feel supported while helping projects succeed at every turn.

Member of the Year: Ruthann Campbell, APR, CPRC, Fiore Communications
Ruthann is like a chess grandmaster in the communications world, quietly observing, planning and executing strategies that advance the chapter. When the board needed support, she stepped up immediately, embodying leadership, generosity and commitment to the FPRA community.

Communicator of the Year: Terrie Ard, APR, CPRC, Moore
 Terrie has transformed her organization from a boutique six-person firm into a communications powerhouse, pioneering work in influencer engagement, AI strategy, and crisis communications. Her ability to combine technical expertise with human connection continues to inspire the profession.

President’s Award: Andy Janecek, Leon County Property Appraiser’s Office
 As treasurer, Andy keeps the chapter financially grounded while also serving as a mentor and cheerleader to colleagues. His guidance and unwavering support have helped the chapter navigate growth and challenges with confidence and clarity.

Stanley Tait Professional Award for Service: Carla Brown Lucas, Brown Lucas Consulting, LLC
 Carla’s name is practically synonymous with the Capital Chapter. Having served in nearly every board position and led her own consultancy, she continues to mentor, inspire, and challenge members to aim higher while balancing razor-sharp strategy with humor and warmth.

We’re also proud to celebrate this year’s additional award nominees:

  • Holly Brooks
  • Rachel Corry
  • Stephanie Derzypolski
  • Torrey Ford
  • Nayla Harris
  • Shonda Knight
  • Candide Mullin
  • Shannon C. Smith
  • Gerald Tookes

Reflecting, Celebrating and Looking Ahead

While the awards are a highlight, the evening was also about connection, reflection and growth. Members swapped stories, celebrated milestones and looked ahead to a new year full of opportunities, innovation and professional development.

This night reminded us that great communication isn’t just about strategy or storytelling. It’s about people — the colleagues who mentor us, challenge us and cheer us on. As we move into the coming year, the Capital Chapter is excited to continue growing together, supporting one another and elevating the public relations profession in Tallahassee and beyond.

Here’s to another year of connection, collaboration, and celebrating the communicators who make it all possible.