TUSCALOOSA, Ala., August 5, 2025—The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations will honor five influential public relations professionals at its 15th annual Milestones in Mentoring Gala, on Nov. 13, 2025, at the Union League Club of Chicago. The event will also be a celebration of the Center’s 20th anniversary.
This year’s honorees are:
- Betsy Plank Award: Linda Rutherford, executive advisor, Southwest Airlines
- Legacy Award: Lisa Sepulveda, global chief people and culture officer, Edelman
- John “Jack” Koten Corporate Award: Damon Jones, chief communications officer, Procter & Gamble
- Bruce K. Berger Educator Award: Dr. Karen Miller Russell, professor emerita, University of Georgia
- Emerging Leader Award: Christie Sithiphone, vice president, inclusion & engagement, Marina Maher Communications (MMC)
“The example that these individuals showcased must be celebrated,” said Grant Deady, chair, The Plank Center Board of Advisors. “Their commitment to empowering and mentoring people was key to shape the next generation of emerging leaders in our profession.”
The Milestones in Mentoring Gala recognizes leaders in the public relations profession who have demonstrated an exceptional dedication to mentoring and have made significant contribution to the growth and success of others in the following categories:
- Betsy Plank Award: celebrates an outstanding professional with a lifelong commitment to mentoring and has had a profound impact on others, helping them to build relationships and influence their organization, community and industry.
- Legacy Award: honors an individual who has consistently mentored others, creating a long-term impact on the career of public relations professionals over time.
- John “Jack” Koten Corporate Award: given to an influential public relations leader who has demonstrated a great commitment to mentoring. This award is named after Jack Koten, a distinguished public relations leader.
- Bruce K. Berger Educator Award: acknowledges an educator who had a lasting influence and impact on student’s lives and careers, either in classroom, through student-run organization, pre-professional societies or academic endeavors. This award is named in honor of Bruce K. Berger, a remarkable public relations leader and educator.
- Emerging Leader Award: recognizes promising young professionals who are not only succeeding in their careers but are also providing reverse mentorship to more senior professionals and colleagues.
“This event is made truly special and inspiring by the fact that each honoree is introduced and presented their award by one of their mentees,” Plank Center Director Karla K. Gower said. “It is a powerful reminder of the deep influence of leadership through mentorship.”
A reception will occur at 5:30 p.m. CDT, preceding the awards ceremony. For more information on the 2025 Milestones in Mentoring Gala and the 20th anniversary celebration, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit the Plank Center’s website.
About The Plank Center
The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations is committed to empowering and advancing the next generation of emerging leaders in the profession through mentorship, programming, education and fostering meaningful connections. The Center ensures future leaders possess the knowledge, skills, history, ethics and empathy to foster strong relationships between institutions, organizations and the public they serve for mutual benefit. Established at The University of Alabama in 2005, the Center is named in honor of Betsy Plank, the “First Lady of PR.” For more information, please visit plankcenter.ua.edu and follow our social media channels (@PlankCenterPR).