PRSA Honors Exceptional Communicators at ICON in Washington, D.C., October 28–30

NEW YORK, September 17, 2025 - PRSA, the nation's leading professional organization serving the communications community, proudly announces the recognition of five distinguished members for their exceptional contributions and dedicated service to both the organization and the communications profession. These honorees will be celebrated during ICON, PRSA's premier annual conference, held this year in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., at the Washington Hilton, from October 28-30.

"The caliber of talent and unwavering dedication within our membership never fails to inspire," said Matt Marcial, CAE, CEO of PRSA. "This year's winners embody the highest standards of leadership, innovation and professional excellence."

Gold Anvil Award - Grace T. Leong, MBA, APR

Awarded for lifetime achievement in public relations, this is PRSA's highest individual honor. Grace T. Leong, MBA, APR, is the CEO of HUNTER, a leading integrated marketing communications firm with a footprint across North America and the U.K. Through her 36-year career, Leong has elevated the strategic role of PR for Fortune 100 companies and propelled HUNTER into one of the industry's most respected consultancies. A 37-year PRSA member, she's held leadership roles with the PRSA-NY board and the National Board of Directors and chaired the PRSA International Conference in 2004. Leong has also mentored hundreds of students through PRSSA, championed diversity initiatives, and received accolades such as the John W. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award and the Plank Center's "Milestones in Mentoring" Award.

Outstanding Educator Award - Hilary Fussell Sisco, Ph.D., APR

Presented to an educator who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of public relations education through college or university teaching, the award goes to Hilary Fussell Sisco, Ph.D., APR, professor of public relations at Quinnipiac University and the longstanding editor-in-chief of Public Relations Journal. She has produced more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, with research focusing on nonprofit PR, social media and crisis communications. Sisco is Trustee for the Institute of Public Relations, an Arthur W. Page Legacy Scholar, a recipient of Quinnipiac's 2024 Center for Excellence in Teaching Award, and an active leader on PRSA-affiliated boards and committees, inspiring the next generation of communicators through teaching, mentorship and scholarship.

Patrick Jackson Award - Capt. Brook DeWalt, M.A., APR+M, Fellow PRSA

Recognizing a member who has significantly advanced PRSA by working to support Chapters, Districts and the overall organization, this year's honor goes to Capt. Brook DeWalt, M.A., APR+M, Fellow PRSA. As a Navy public affairs officer with more than 37 years of communication experience spanning international relations, crisis response, and public diplomacy, DeWalt currently serves as Director of the American Forces Network, leading 700 personnel across 26 global broadcast stations and overseeing a $34 million budget, while also commanding the Defense Media Activity's Navy Element. His prior assignments include senior public affairs leadership roles for the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Navy, U.S. Strategic Command, NATO operations in Afghanistan, and U.S. efforts in Pakistan and Guantanamo Bay. A decorated military officer and award-winning communicator, DeWalt has been recognized as PRSA's PR Professional of the Year and has earned more than 60 national communication awards. His many contributions to the profession span the breadth of PRSA and PRSSA over three decades, including active participation in 10 local Chapters and 7 special interest Sections, inception of the APR+M credential, past International Conference co-chair, and recipient of more than 20 Silver and Bronze Anvil awards. He holds degrees in journalism, mass communication, and national security strategy, and is a frequent lecturer and mentor to future communication leaders.

D. Parke Gibson Award - W. Patrick McSweeney, APR, Fellow PRSA

Honoring a PR professional who has helped increase awareness of the profession in multicultural communities, the award is presented to W. Patrick McSweeney, APR, Fellow PRSA. As managing director of McSweeney Public Relations LLC in Milwaukee, McSweeney has built a distinguished career in inclusive storytelling and strategic communications that authentically reflect and uplift diverse voices. A dedicated PRSA leader, he has advanced diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at both the local and national levels, ensuring that the profession continues to represent and serve all communities.

PR Pro of the Year - Dominic K. Hawkins II

Awarded to an individual who represented the best in public relations as an outstanding communicator or influencer over the past year, Dominic K. Hawkins II serves as vice president of communications at the NAACP, where he leads integrated marketing and communications efforts to advance civil rights objectives. His prior leadership roles span notable initiatives in tech, public health, financial services and social justice sectors at organizations like TIAA, Deloitte and SKDK. He has earned recognition from the GW Black Alumni Association (IMPACT Award), PR News (Rising Star) and is a sought-after presenter at universities nationwide. Hawkins is celebrated for his strategic insight, commitment to equity and mentorship of emerging communicators.

About PRSA

PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Signature events include the Anvil Awards, and ICON, the premier annual gathering for communications professionals and students. For more information, visit https://www.prsa.org.

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Media Contact:

Linda Beltran

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