The Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA NCC) announced that nominations are now open for its National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame award. According to PRSA NCC, the award “is one of the most prestigious recognitions for PR leaders locally and, because of the reach of PRSA NCC members, nationally.”

PRSA NCC founded the National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame in 1999 to honor and celebrate outstanding leaders in the public relations field as part of the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration. Hall of Fame inductees include a diverse group of communicators such as agency leaders, White House and Capitol Hill communication advisors, Pentagon and Cabinet-level spokespeople, business leaders, international experts, social activists, and educators.

The criteria and eligibility requirements for the induction into the Hall of Fame include: 30 or more years of distinguished accomplishments, visionary leadership, contributions to the profession through industry member associations, board leadership, mentoring and developing others, and commitment of time and talent to their local public relations community with an intent to inspire the next generation of public relations professionals to excel. Inductees will be honored at PRSA NCC’s annual Thoth Awards event. A date is pending, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Hall of Fame induction serves as a lifetime achievement award for a senior level communicator for his or her accomplishments in the communication industry, deep commitment to the public relations profession and practice, and selfless contributions to multiple professional communication organizations, and local colleges and universities,” said Lauren Lawson-Zilai, PRSA NCC President Elect and Hall of Fame Chair.

Nominees exemplify the true characteristics of a leader in public relations – someone who had led teams and contributed significantly to the growth of his or her company or organization, and someone who has the perseverance to face any challenge and can strategically link a program to lasting results. They are role models for contributions to the profession, have led innovative and cutting-edge campaigns on behalf of their clients, have had an enduring impact on the PR sector, and have had a significant influence on their local community through civic or volunteer involvement. Nominees have also received acknowledgment or previous awards for their contributions to the public relations field.

Nominees must have worked in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area for at least 10 years and can either be currently employed or retired, and they do need to be a member of PRSA NCC. The deadline for nominations is midnight on Friday, July 24, 2020. The nomination form is available here.

Last year, Danny Selnick, nationally recognized senior communications counselor, was inducted. A complete list of Hall of Fame members can be seen here.