Public Announcements

Public Relations Society of America’s Detroit Chapter Hosts Annual Meeting & Celebration to Recognize Southeast Michigan’s Leading PR and Communications Professionals

Nov. 6, 2025

 

DETROIT – Nov. 6, 2025 - The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Detroit Annual Meeting & Celebration will honor the outstanding achievements of local public relations professionals on Thursday, Nov. 20, at Wayne State University Student Center Ballroom. Since PRSA Detroit was established 78 years ago as one of the first chapters in North America in 1947, PRSA Detroit’s Annual Meeting & Celebration has become one of the largest gatherings of public relations and communications professionals in the region. Lauren Winfrey, anchor and reporter at CBS News Detroit, will be the emcee.

“PRSA Detroit is such a vibrant community of professionals who are committed to developing their skills, connecting with one another and supporting the region,” said Megan Bonelli, 2025 Chapter President. “I am very excited to come together to celebrate our award winners and scholarship recipients, while reflecting on another wonderful year for our Chapter.”

Tina Kozak, CEO of Franco, will be officially entered into the Chapter’s Hall of Fame for 2025 for her significant contribution to the profession. Kozak is the first woman CEO in Franco’s lengthy history. With over 18 years at Franco, she has helped define longstanding leadership and dedication at the agency.

Sharon Garcia, APR, vice president of marketing and communications at Downtown Detroit Partnership and past president of PRSA Detroit (2021), will be bestowed with The Robert Hefty Distinguished Service Award for her longtime dedication to growing the Chapter. Additionally, Georgie Kirsten, APR, head of corporate communications at Freudenberg Chemical Specialities and current PRSA Detroit board member, will receive The Nancy Skidmore Distinguished Service Award for her commitment to the Chapter.  

The Chapter will also honor recipients of the following categories in the Best in PRSA Detroit Awards, which recognize preeminent campaigns and individuals in the wider region regardless of membership status. Honorees include: 

  • Gabriella Burman, director of communications at The Zekelman Holocaust Center, will receive the award for Best in Media Relations. 

  • Nikki Little, Chief Marketing Officer at Franco, will receive the Best in Overall PR Campaign Award for Franco's 60th anniversary campaign. 

  • Kristin Sokul, APR, CFRE, senior director of advancement: communications, marketing and media/PR at Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, will receive the Best Seasoned Professional Award. 

  • Sydney Jackson, communications specialist II at Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, will receive the Best New Professional Award. 

  • Colleen Lafferty, owner at Maiorana+Partners and visiting professor at Oakland University, will receive the award for Best In PR For Good for her work with GRIZZ Recovery at Oakland University.

Karen Couf Cohen, APR, principal of Karen Couf Cohen Public Relations and Jessica Stilger, APR, director of communications at the Berkley School District, will be honored for earning their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation from the Universal Accreditation Board this year. Additionally, Allison Gavagan, Chapter intern and Oakland University Donna and Walt Young Honors College student, will be celebrated for her work throughout the year. 

The 2026 PRSA Detroit Board and officers are also being formally elected, with the passing of the gavel from Megan Bonelli, 2025 president, to Antonice Strickland, MPS, the Chapter’s anticipated 2026 president. Notably, PRSA Detroit 2026 executive officers will include vice president Jeff Adkins, treasurer Rachel LePoudre, APR and secretary Chrystal Wilson, APR, once confirmed at the Annual Meeting & Celebration.

All are welcome to attend. Registration is open until November 14. A portion of ticket sales goes to the PRSA Detroit Scholarship Fund. For information about joining PRSA Detroit and upcoming programs, please visit prsadetroit.org.

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