Alisa Valudes Whyte, CEO & Senior Partner, Merritt Group, center in photo, was named Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) 2023 Washington Woman of the Year. The two other finalists Susan Matthews Apgood, Executive Vice President, Client Engagement & Founder, News Generation, Inc. left in photo; and, Lori Russo, President, Stanton Communications Inc, right in photo. 

WWPR stated, “Alisa’s accomplished career and dedication to community were among the many reasons she was selected as this year’s honoree. Alisa joined Merritt Group in 1997 and helped to build and shape the agency since its founding. She led award-winning campaigns for clients in technology, healthcare and government that leverage the right mix of modern marketing, communications and PR strategies to move their businesses forward. In addition to launching dozens of technology and healthcare start-ups over the years, she also helped to reshape a number of established brands. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of several organizations, including the Northern Virginia Technology Council, Neighborhood Health, and the Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia.”

In 2019, she was honored with a Silver Award for Female Executive of the Year in the annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.  In 2015 and 2016, she was named a finalist for DC Inno’s “50 on Fire” and, in 2016, a finalist in Women In Technology’s (WIT) Annual Leadership Awards.

Prior to joining Merritt Group, Whyte worked at Ruder Finn in Washington, D.C. and the international architectural firm of Leo A Daly as part of the marketing team.

According to WWPR, the finalists were selected “from an impressive and competitive slate of nominations for exceptional women leading the communications industry in the D.C. metro area.

“Nominees were judged blindly on demonstrated ability in the communications field, contributions to the community and industry leadership qualities.”

For the past 33 years, states WWPR, this award has recognized “the trailblazers who have raised the bar in our field and paved the way for the future of the profession. We look forward to once again honoring the dynamic and strong leaders who have shown up in major ways professionally and personally, day in and day out throughout their careers.”

Established by Kate Perrin, the Woman of the Year Awards program recognizes women who have raised the bar in the communications field and for the future of the profession.

PHOTO: Kate Perrin