BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Alabama Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) honored five members during its annual Celebration of Influence awards luncheon at Brasfield & Gorrie on Jan. 13.
The event brought together Alabama’s public relations professionals, students and guests to celebrate individual contributions to the profession and to install the 2026 Alabama PRSA board of directors.
The award winners were nominated by their peers and selected by independent judges. Honorees represent a range of career stages and disciplines within public relations, from education and economic development to corporate communications and mentorship.
“Alabama PRSA’s annual awards recognize professionals whose work reflects the standards, judgment and leadership that define strong public relations practice,” said Buffy Lockette, APR, 2026 chapter president.
2025 Winners With President Buffy Lockette; Brandon Wilson, Meg Burton, Tiffany Nabors, Karyn Brown, Blake Williams
In addition to recognizing award recipients, the luncheon included the installation of the 2026 Alabama PRSA board of directors, honored members who earned Accreditation in Public Relations and recognized members who served in leadership roles at the local and national levels during 2025.
The Alabama PRSA award recipients are:
Karyn Brown, APR
Outstanding Educator Award
An assistant dean for communication and media at Mississippi State University, Brown has spent more than three decades preparing students for careers in public relations through teaching, mentorship and leadership. Through Alabama PRSA’s long-standing support of Mississippi State’s PRSSA chapter, her influence extends beyond Alabama.
Meg Burton, APR
Dave Rickey Public Relations Professional of the Year
Burton serves as vice president of communications and media production at Brasfield & Gorrie. A past president of Alabama PRSA, she is recognized for leadership grounded in sound judgment, mentorship and long-term investment in people and the profession.
Tiffany Nabors, APR
Servant Leader Award
As internal communications manager at Encompass Health, Nabors is known for a leadership approach rooted in service and clarity. She serves on the Alabama PRSA Board of Directors and the board of First Light, an emergency shelter for women and children.
Blake Williams, TMP
Young Public Relations Professional of the Year
As communication and research specialist for the Limestone County Economic Development Association, Williams supports economic development efforts across North Alabama. He also serves as Alabama PRSA’s liaison to the University of North Alabama PRSSA chapter, helping strengthen connections between students and professionals.
Brandon Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSA
Ron Council Mentorship Award
Executive chairman of Wilbron, Inc., Wilson is recognized for a career defined by mentorship, professional service and leadership development. A past president of Alabama PRSA and a member of the PRSA College of Fellows, he continues to support students and practitioners through formal and informal mentoring.
About Alabama PRSA
Now in its 60th year, the Alabama chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is the state affiliate of the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals. The chapter’s diverse membership is comprised of communication professionals working in a broad range of industries across Alabama. Through professional development, networking and service opportunities, the chapter strives to promote the effective, ethical and responsible practice of public relations. Learn more at alabamaprsa.org.
