PRSA Inland Empire Chapter Presents Team and Individual Awards
Posted by Graham24 on Nov. 15, 2024 / Subscribe 0
Along with awards for professionals' PR tactics and campaigns, the Public Relations Society of America Inland Empire Chapter presented two individual awards and one team award at its Polaris Awards Gala in Riverside on Nov. 8.
2024 Aaron Norris Spirit of PR Award was awarded to Charee Gillins, marketing and communications director at Inland Empire Community Foundation, who finds innovative strategies and tactics to lift up the stories of the nonprofits the foundation serves. She is an award-winning leader who oversees brand management, marketing, external communications, social media, community sponsorships and signature events for IECF, the region’s oldest and largest community foundation. She is also a respected member of PRSA-IE, as shown by her years of service as a longtime member, past president and current board member. A nominator noted, "Charee, is the embodiment of our Chapter: warm, kind, smart, innovative, a fierce advocate for our region and a dedicated practitioner."
The Aaron Norris Spirit of PR Award for a team or organization was presented to Eastern Municipal Water District Public and Governmental Affairs for its commitment to serving the community. EMWD’s Public and Governmental Affairs team is a 14-member department that is responsible for engaging, educating, and coordinating with the public, legislators, partner agencies and key stakeholders. Its core tenets are excellence, harmony, and adaptability. EMWD’s customer communications are forecasted and driven by an annual Strategic Communications Plan that engages its community through unique tactics ranging from career education programs to creative social media content.
The Chapter's individual and team awards were named for Aaron Michael Norris, APR, who died July 1, 2022. Norris was an inspirational leader and beloved friend to many and was a past president of PRSA-IE, as well as past chair of the PRSA Western District. He had a passion for philanthropy and giving back to organizations and causes that help make life better for others. His legacy lives on with these chapter awards as well as the Aaron Norris Creative Fund, which helps support Inland Empire arts programs.
The Chapter also debuted a new honor: the Young Professional of the Year Award, recognizing an exceptional young public relations professional who has shown great commitment to the profession and community and has the potential to be among the next generation of leaders. The Chapter's first recipient is Haley Munson, water efficiency coordinator for Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District. In addition to being a trusted and reliable spokesperson, Munson was recognized for her community impact, including building relationships with local officials and community members. She is also a volunteer for the PRSA-IE Chapter.
The PRSA Inland Empire Chapter, founded in 1965, is the premier public relations organization for Riverside and San Bernardino counties and serves more than 120 members across the region by providing professional development and networking opportunities.
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