ATHENS — Six members of the North Alabama chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama were recognized for excellence at the Southern Public Relations Federation annual conference.
Among the honorees was Blake Williams, who received the Young Practitioner Award, which recognizes emerging public relations professionals who demonstrate excellence and uphold high ethical standards early in their careers.
Since 2015, Williams has worked in public relations for local nonprofits through internships, consulting work and now in his role as Communications & Research Specialist for the Limestone County Economic Development Association.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by professionals I admire,” Williams said. “I love what I do and the people I get to serve every day in Limestone County. Communication plays such an important role as our communities grow; this reinforces my commitment to doing work that makes a positive difference in our community.”
Williams, a graduate of Mississippi State University, credits mentors and local peers for encouraging his continued professional growth through the Public Relations Council of Alabama and the Southern Public Relations Federation.
“North Alabama is growing rapidly and communication is at the center of that progress,” he said. “There’s a strong network of communicators here, from education and healthcare to economic development and tourism, who work together to improve quality of life across our region.”
At the conference, Lisa Darnell Frazier was inducted into the Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame for her distinguished leadership and contributions to the field. Patricia Lloyd was recognized as a senior practitioner, an honor reserved for veteran professionals with a proven record of leadership, experience, and ethical standards.
Three other North Alabama PRCA members – Amanda Jarrett, Laura McPhail, and Makala Paul – earned Lantern Awards of Excellence for their work across various categories.
The PRCA North Alabama chapter hosts monthly luncheons open to members, guests, and the public. These events provide opportunities for professional development, networking, and student engagement.
For more information, visit the PRCA North Alabama Facebook page.
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