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A Night to Remember: 2025 Annual Meeting & Celebration Recap

Posted on Dec. 10, 2025  /   0

On Nov. 20, PR and communications professionals from Southeast Michigan came together to recognize all of our outstanding members and the amazing accomplishments we have made this year as a Chapter!

Following a welcome from emcee Lauren Winfrey and the serving of dinner, 2025 President Megan Bonelli gave the opening remarks for the evening’s event. 

The events for the evening began with the presidential passing of the gavel. Past presidents handed down the gavel through the line of succession with Bonelli handing the gavel to newly elected 2026 President, Antonice Strickland.

“2026 will be a defining year for PRSA Detroit — one rooted in connection, collaboration and community,” said Strickland. “In Detroit, we carry a unique energy, creativity and resilience that sets us apart. This year, our Chapter will look, feel and breathe Detroit in everything we do — from the venues we gather in to the voices we amplify and the partnerships we cultivate.”

The 2026 Executive Board was formally installed. This includes:

In addition to this, the Board of Directors were also installed. Joining for initial 3-year terms:

Returning Board of Directors:

Leland Bassett was recognized for 50 years with the Chapter. Cynthia Carey, APR, Mary A. Mazur and Robert Moll, APR were also recognized for 25 years with the Chapter. 

Georgella Muirhead, APR was also recognized for her legendary career within PR in Detroit, as she plans to retire this year. 

Karen Couf Cohen, APR, principal of Karen Couf Cohen Public Relations, and Jessica Stilger, APR, director of communications at the Berkley School District, were also formally pinned for earning their Accreditation in Public Relations through the Universal Accreditation Board this year. 

Recipients of the Donald P. Durocher Memorial Scholarship, Whitney Byard and Ava Tomasino were also honored with their scholarships. Additionally, Allison Gavagan, Chapter intern, was celebrated for her work throughout the year. 

Tina Kozak, CEO of Franco, was honored as the 2025 PRSA Detroit Hall of Fame Award inductee for her significant contributions to the profession. Kozak is the first woman CEO in Franco’s lengthy history. With over 18 years at Franco, she has helped define longstanding leadership and dedication at the agency.

Georgie Kirsten, APR, head of corporate communications at Freudenberg Chemical Specialities, was recognized as the winner of the Nancy Skidmore Service Award for her contributions to the Chapter.

Sharon Garcia, APR, vice president of marketing and communications at Downtown Detroit Partnership, was celebrated as the winner of the Robert Hefty Distinguished Service Award for her longtime involvement with the Chapter and continued support. 

Winners of our second annual “Best in PRSA Detroit” awards were also recognized. We are grateful for the amazing professionals who help to make our industry so great:

Thank you to all who came out for this celebration! We look forward to an amazing 2026!

Allison Gavagan is a junior at Oakland University studying Public Relations & Advertising and Psychology. She is the 2025 Chapter Intern at PRSA Detroit and the Communications Intern at Uncommon Bold.

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