The Public Relations Society of America National Capital Chapter (PRSA NCC) held its 52nd Annual National Capital Excellence in Communication Awards (ECAs) on Wednesday, December 2. The virtual event, which attracted about 200 industry professionals, honored outstanding communications programs, products and campaigns in the greater Washington, D.C., area; and the year’s National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame inductees  Lisa Osborne Ross, (left in photo) U.S. chief operating officer and president of Edelman’s D.C. office, and Gemma Puglisi, (right in photo) an award-winning media strategist, former journalist, author and assistant professor of public communication at American University.

PRSA NCC presented 14 ECAs and four Certificates of Excellence. ICF Next on behalf of the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program took home multiple awards for its campaign Diabetes Alert Day 2019®: Reaching Multicultural Audiences, including the year’s top honor of Best in Show.

“This year’s winners showcase the most innovative, strategic and exemplary work in communications,” said Lisa Kiefer, president of PRSA NCC and managing director of client services at Morning Consult. “This year’s winners not only join the ranks of the most outstanding communications work in the region, but they also serve as the inaugural winners under the rebranded Excellence in Communication Awards name. On behalf of the PRSA National Capital Chapter, congratulations to all our award winners, National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame honorees and everyone who submitted entries this year. We also appreciate the support of all of our sponsors, volunteers, attendees and partner organizations that made this premiere event possible.”

Osborne Ross and Puglisi were honored by PRSA-NCC for “their lifelong achievements in the PR industry, for using their sphere of influence to advance the greater D.C. community and local nonprofits, for mentoring and propelling the next generation of young professionals forward, and for their selfless contributions to multiple professional development organizations in our industry.”

Local media personality Sarah Fraser, TV host, podcast host of The Sarah Fraser Show and former radio personality, served as emcee for the event, which ended with a special virtual concert by local musician Brian Johnson to support the local arts and music community.

For a list of all National Capital Excellence in Communication categories and winners, visit www.prsancc.org/2020/eca.