9.21.09

PRSA Charlotte Announces 2009 Chapter Award Winners

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 21, 2009) – The Charlotte chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) today announced the winners of its annual Pegasus, Infinity and Young Professionals awards. They are:

Pegasus Award – Tim Newman

The Pegasus Award honors an individual outside of the public relations profession who demonstrates superior knowledge and use of public relations for the betterment of the community. Tim Newman, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), is this year’s winner.

For the past five years, Newman has actively led the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. In addition to overseeing the operation and marketing of such important facilities as the Charlotte Convention Center, Ovens Auditorium, Bojangles’ Coliseum, Time Warner Cable Arena and the new NASCAR Hall of Fame, Newman leads the overall sales and marketing focus of the CRVA via Visit Charlotte. Prior to joining the CRVA, Newman was president of Charlotte Center City Partners, general manager of the Charlotte Knights, and held various positions with Morgan Stanley, Wachovia Securities and Beaver Sports Properties.

Infinity Award – Jerri Haigler

The Infinity Award honors a local public relations professional whose character, career and service represent the highest standards for the profession. Jerri Haigler, executive director of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Family and Community Services and Parent University, is this year’s winner.

Over the course of her 22-year career, Haigler has served in various public relations positions in this region, including 17 years of service to Union County Schools, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Central Piedmont Community College. Currently, Haigler is responsible for developing Parent University, a relatively new CMS initiative. The program provides free workshops, resources and information for families, to help their children succeed in school and in life, and is a collaborative effort with various social service agencies and family-oriented organizations. In its first year, Parent University offered more than 200 workshops encompassing 90 different topics.

Young Professional Award – Amanda Kirkpatrick

The PRSA Charlotte Young Professional Award honors a younger member of the chapter, with less than seven years of industry experience, who exemplifies strong professional capabilities, leadership qualities, service to the public relations community and a respected character. Amanda Kirkpatrick, an account manager at Carolina PR & Marketing, is this year’s winner.

Since joining Carolina PR & Marketing in 2005, Kirkpatrick has established herself as a trusted resource for clients and coworkers alike, providing candid, professional and ethical counsel. She is known for her creative flair, unbridled curiosity and the ability to introduce new thinking and technologies -- characteristics that make her work both distinctive and effective. Prior to coming to Charlotte, Kirkpatrick served as the public relations and special events coordinator for the Charleston, S.C.- landmark Drayton Hall Plantation. An Alabama native, Kirkpatrick is a graduate of College of Charleston.

“These three professionals exemplify excellence in public relations at all levels,” said Brandon Uttley, president of PRSA Charlotte. “Each has made significant contributions to our profession and community and we’re proud to recognize them.”

The PRSA Charlotte Awards Celebration will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2009, at Byron Hall in the Design Center of the Carolinas. Tickets for the cocktail hour and plated dinner may be purchased in advance through www.PRSACharlotte.org for $50 per person. Tables of eight are available for $500, and may be purchased through the Web site as well. Organizations wishing to sponsor the gala or donate items to the silent auction may contact jennifer.darwin@bankofamerica.com or akirkpatrick@carolinapr.com.

###

About PRSA Charlotte

Founded in 1978, PRSA Charlotte has approximately 250 members representing public relations professionals in corporate, nonprofit, government and consulting sectors. The association emphasizes continuing education, professional accreditation, networking and adherence to ethical standards. For more information, visit www.prsacharlotte.org.