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Minnesota PRSA honors 2023 achievements in public relations profession

Published on 5/16/2024

MINNEAPOLIS (May 16, 2024) – The Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (Minnesota PRSA) celebrated the 46th annual Classics Awards on May 9 at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. The awards are presented to public relations professionals, celebrating their exemplary skill, dedication and creativity as determined by their peers at another chapter. In addition, the gala also marked 75 years of excellence for the chapter.

The ceremony was emceed by Jason DeRusha, host of DriveTime with DeRusha on WCCO-AM Radio. A total of 30 awards were handed out, honoring professional achievements from 2023, including 26 awards recognizing outstanding communication programs and tactical elements, two recognizing outstanding community and industry contributions and two student scholarships.

"This year's Classics Awards are special. We're celebrating the chapter's 75 years, honoring the Minnesota public relations community's outstanding work and the incredible contributions by Ryan May, this year's Donald G. Padilla Community Excellence Award recipient and of course, highlighting the profession's future, our PRSSA students," said Marsha Pitts-Phillips, APR, Minnesota PRSA chapter president.

The Donald G. Padilla Community Excellence Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the profession of public relations, has contributed to the mission of PRSA and has volunteered their time and talents toward making our community better. Ryan May, the 2024 Padilla Award winner, is a principal with RDM Consulting LLC and has an esteemed tenure in public relations that spans a quarter of a century.

Since 1999 May has been a key contributor to Minnesota PRSA. His nomination was based on his leadership, tireless community contributions and enduring commitment to continually improving the industry. This includes Ryan’s legendary launch of the Minnesota Public Relations Blog in February 2003. It was one of the first PR blogs at a time when blogging was still in its early years of being a widely recognized communications platform.

“When I started the MNPR Blog, I didn’t know anything about blogging,” May said. “No one knew anything about blogging. I wanted to be a resource to help people find jobs. After 15,000 blog posts, I think I’ve succeeded.”

Despite May’s battle with MS, being awarded the chapter’s highest honor is a testament to May’s perseverance, along with his selfless and tireless spirit which have always made his family very proud. “We’re extremely blessed to have a son who reached the level of success that he did at such an early age,” said Dean May, Ryan’s father. “I think this award reflects his unselfish attitude that Ryan’s had in all the years he has worked in the public relations industry. We’re proud of him for that more than anything else.”

Along with the award, Minnesota PRSA and Padilla each contribute $500 to a charitable organization of the recipient’s choice. May has selected Every Meal in Roseville to receive this contribution.

DeRusha said the Classics Awards epitomizes the state’s history of stellar work in the PR industry. “It’s no mistake that the Twin Cities and Minnesota are such a hotbed of public relations excellence,” he said. “We have great advertising, journalism and storytelling history in this town. It’s great to be here. I love to celebrate excellence and that’s what we’re doing tonight.”

The big celebration included honoring 13 past Minnesota PRSA presidents. “PRSA Classics has meant so much to me,” said Candee Wolf, APR, founder and principal of Wolf Olson Communications. “It was my very first experience getting involved with Minnesota PRSA. It’s near and dear to my heart. I was one of two nominators for Ryan May to receive the Padilla Award. I’m beyond thrilled to be here.” Past chapter president Eva Keiser, APR, joined Wolf in nominating May.

Best of Show Award
The Mall of America took home the Best of Show for Mall of America: A Security Story with the highest overall score. The Mall of America has a full-service communications team based in Bloomington. Its team focuses on engaging communities, building powerful relationships and keeping the public informed about one of the top tourist destinations in the country that’s also known around the world.

Rising Star Award
Megan Karnuth, account executive at Carmichael Lynch Relate, received the Rising Star Award. This award recognizes the passion of the next generation of PR leaders by honoring a young professional with three to seven years of post-undergrad experience. Karnuth was nominated by her colleagues for her commitment to client service, professional contributions and constant support.

Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship
Augustana University student Amber Frigaard received a $2,000 scholarship through the Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship program. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities student Adham Mohamed was granted a $1,000 scholarship.

Click the following links to view the complete list of winners and event photos.

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About Minnesota PRSA
Minnesota PRSA is the ninth largest chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals with nearly 32,000 professional and student members. We are a thriving professional organization whose mission is to build relationships and opportunities among a diverse community of professionals committed to effective, ethical and strategic outcomes. Minnesota PRSA has been an active part of Minnesota’s communication scene since 1953 and its membership comprises 250 corporate, agency, independent, non-profit and government public relations professionals from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Western Wisconsin.

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