The Northwest Chapter of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL) annually recognizes two local public relations professionals for the honors of Member of the Year and Communicator of the Year. The honorees are decided by the board of directors from nominations taken by the membership based on the following criteria.
PRAL Northwest Chapter Member of the Year Award: The award recognizes and honors a PRAL NW member who has demonstrated dedication to professional development and to the advancement of the PRAL Northwest Organization. Criteria for nomination and selection are as follows: the nominee should be a member of PRAL Northwest; the nominee should have demonstrated great initiative to excel in their profession and the nominee should have been focused on helping PRAL grow in the region, as well as be an outstanding member and asset to the organization.
2024 Public Relations Association of Louisiana Northwest Chapter’s Member of the Year:
Brian Williams
PR and Communications Assistant Director, BRF
“Brian has been a committed member of PRAL’s Northwest Chapter for many years,” said Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, President of PRAL’s Northwest Chapter. “He has served in several capacities on the board and continues to bring new ideas and members to our organization.”
PRAL Northwest Chapter Communicator of the Year Award: The award recognizes and honors a community professional and PRAL NW member who has demonstrated exemplary communication skills throughout the past year. Criteria for nomination and selection are as follows: the nominee should live and work within the Northwest region of Louisiana, and the nominee should have demonstrated a high degree of skill in communicating effectively through the use of one or more of the mass media. Effective communication was based on a high degree of knowledge in their field of endeavor; presented with candor, forthrightness, and truthfulness; and resulted in the social, culture, or economic betterment of the region involved.
2024 Public Relations Association of Louisiana Northwest Chapter’s Communicator of the Year:
Paige Melton
Associate Director of Communications, United Way of Northwest Louisiana
“Paige continues to grow as a PR Practitioner through her professional development and strategic implementation of industry tactics,” said Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, President of PRAL’s Northwest Chapter. “This year, she won a Beacon Award and a Torche’ Award at the state level for her end-of-year Giving Tuesday campaign for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. In addition, she took home the top award for her category, Best in Show,” said Michelle Marcotte, VP of Membership and Awards for PRAL’s Northwest Chapter.
The PRAL Northwest Chapter congratulates Brian Williams and Paige Melton on their honors and are proud to have them represent Northwest Louisiana!
