Communications leaders celebrated at 2025 PRoof Awards

People

Jun 6

The West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (WMPRSA) celebrated West Michigan's best public relations and communications projects, programs, and professionals at its annual PRoof Awards. The event was held on June 5 at the Goei Center, with Ben Wilke, Co-Founder of The Comedy Project and Producer at Ideology, as the emcee.

"The PRoof Awards serve as a powerful affirmation of the hard work and innovation within West Michigan's public relations and communications community," said Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR, WMPRSA President. It's an honor to acknowledge the tremendous dedication and outstanding achievements of professionals who truly represent the best and brightest in our industry."

Various achievements were celebrated, including the Public Relations Society of America East Central District (PRSA ECD) naming West Michigan PRSA a 2025 Prominent Chapter, granted for outstanding service to members and the public relations profession through networking, community service, and professional development.

WMPRSA members Bradley Wells and Jessica Meldrum each received their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), a professional designation awarded by the Universal Accreditation Board, which is administered by PRSA.

Professional Winners:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Karen Kirchenbauer, APR, Senior Vice President & Principal, SeyferthPR
PR Professional of the Year: Jeremy Bakken, Director of Communications & Community, Priority Health
Communicator of the Year: Jennifer Drake, Provost, Grand Valley State University
Outstanding Emerging Pro: Payton Peltomaa, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Holland Engineering, Inc.
Media Person of the Year: Alana Holland, Health Beat Reporter, WZZM-TV13
JEDI Communicator of the Year: Founder & CEO, Shannon Cohen, Shannon Cohen, Inc.
Public Relations Student of the Year: Tina Duoibes, Grand Valley State University
Kelly Rossman-McKinney Leadership Award: Tina Duoibes, CEO, GrandPR
Excellence in Community Service: Adam Russo, Owner, COM 616 and Publisher, West Michigan Newspop

The Best of Show Award was presented to Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan for its SUMMERlovin' Partnership Campaign. More than 70 award entries were judged by the PRSA Greater Cleveland chapter, with 43 awards distributed at the event. For a complete list of 2025 PRoof Award Campaign and Tactic winners, visit https://www.wmprsa.org/press-room.

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