Honoring Excellence in Public Relations at PRSA-NY
PRSA-NY has officially announced its esteemed 2025 individual award winners along with the Class of 15 Under 35, elevating the standards of public relations and communications excellence.
The Big Apple Awards Gala
This year's Big Apple Awards gala promises to be an unforgettable event, celebrating the dedication and creativity among the public relations professionals in the industry. Honorees will be recognized at a special ceremony, spotlighting their contributions and achievements.
The Significance of the Big Apple Awards
The Big Apple Awards are prestigious accolades within the New York PR community, representing the pinnacle of achievement in communications. These awards celebrate not just individual accomplishments, but also the collaborative spirit that drives innovative campaigns to success.
Meet the 2025 Individual Award Winners
Every year, a dedicated committee at PRSA-NY reviews nominations to curate a list of distinguished awardees who have excelled in various facets of public relations. The following professionals have been honored for their exemplary contributions to the field:
John W. Hill Award
This highest honor awarded by PRSA-NY recognizes lifetime achievements in public relations. This year, the award goes to Barby K. Siegel, CEO of Zeno Group, reflecting her remarkable impact on the industry.
Excellence in Mentoring Award
Douglas Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, receives this award for his unwavering commitment to guiding communication professionals at all stages in their careers.
Barbara W. Hunter Trailblazer Award
Sam Marchiano, a renowned sports journalist and professor, is recognized for her groundbreaking work and dedication to empowering women in public relations.
Harold Burson Award
Jon Harris, Chief Communications & Networking Officer at Conagra Brands, exemplifies exceptional leadership and dedication, earning the 2025 Harold Burson Award.
Daniel J. Edelman Award for Social Impact
This award strengthens the bond between public relations and social responsibility, recognizing those whose work impacts society positively. The 2025 recipient will be revealed during the upcoming gala.
Celebrating Young Talent: 15 Under 35 Class
The 15 Under 35 Awards recognize young professionals who are shaping the future of communications in the New York metro area. This year’s class comprises talented individuals pushing boundaries and making a mark in their communities.
This Year’s Honorees
A distinguished panel selected these inspiring young professionals:
- Erin Cooper, APCO
- Conor Douglass, Attention Comms
- Abbey Scalia, Berk Communications
- Autumn Blackmon-Burk, GCI Health
- Nicole Sullivan, Gregory FCA
- Joyce Kim, IW Group
- Thomas Palladino, HEINEKEN USA
- Yuliya Kim, Mission North
- Danielle Montana, Peppercomm
- Jackson Budinger, The Trevor Project
- Gabby DiCarlo, Vested
- Olivia Zibaitis, Yahoo
- Christina Kim, Yanolja
- Alli Cloutier Kelly, Zeno Group
- Emily Herman, Zeno Group
Pioneering the Way with Data
This year marks a milestone as Olivia Zibaitis is honored as the first recipient of the PRophet Emerging Communications Engineer Award, showcasing her exceptional use of data and predictive tools.
Event Details
Early bird tickets for the Big Apple Awards are available now, providing great value for attendees. Details are as follows:
- Individual PRSA-NY Member: $500
- Individual Non-Member: $600
- Tables of 10: Starting at $5,000
Ticket prices will increase soon, so securing your spot early is advisable. For further details, be sure to check the event registration link.
The Power of Partnership
This year's event enjoys support from notable sponsors who contribute to the professional growth of the industry. Their involvement helps elevate the Big Apple Awards, making it a revered occasion for public relations professionals.
About PRSA-NY
The New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America holds a pivotal position in fostering excellence in public relations since 1988. Their extensive programs support professionals at every level to thrive in the communications landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Big Apple Awards?
The Big Apple Awards honor excellence in public relations and communications through various distinguished awards.
Who are the key awardees recognized in 2025?
Among the key awardees are Barby K. Siegel and Douglas Simon, recognized for lifetime achievement and mentorship, respectively.
What does the 15 Under 35 program aim to achieve?
This program highlights young talent who are making impactful contributions to the PR industry and their communities.
How can I attend the awards gala?
Tickets for the gala can be purchased through the PRSA-NY website, showcasing early bird pricing available now.
How does one become a sponsor for the event?
Organizations interested in sponsorships can find opportunities listed on the PRSA-NY website for enhancing visibility among communications professionals.
