A Night Worth Celebrating: The 79th Annual Meeting and Celebration
Posted on Nov. 6, 2026 / Subscribe 0
It’s almost time to gather for Southeast Michigan’s largest public relations and communications event! Prepare your evenings best to reconnect with industry friends for the 79th Annual PRSA Detroit Meeting and Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the historic Detroit Athletic Club.
Marking the chapter’s first return to the venue since 2007, this year’s celebration will bring together industry leaders, professionals and community partners for an evening of recognizing the outstanding work happening across our industry. April Morton, Emmy award-winning producer and multimedia reporter on Live in the D on WDIV-TV, will be the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.
We are excited to officially welcome Michelle Zdrodowski, chief public affairs officer at Great Lakes Water Authority, into the PRSA Detroit Hall of Fame for her significant contributions to the profession. 
Chiara Clayton, director of communications at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, will be honored with the Robert Hefty Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her longtime commitment to the City of Detroit and the PRSA Detroit Chapter. Karen Couf Cohen, APR, founder of Karen Couf Cohen Public Relations, will receive the Nancy Skidmore Service Award for her dedication and responsibility to the Chapter.
The Chapter will also honor recipients in the following Best in PRSA Detroit Award categories, which recognize preeminent campaigns and individuals in the wider region, regardless of membership status. Honorees include:
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Best Young Professional: Nina Scarpelli, Franco
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Best Seasoned Professional: Michelle Franzen Martin, APR, Delta Dental of Michigan
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Best Overall PR Campaign: Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, VVK PR + Creative
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Best Media Relations: Yoga Moves Multiple Sclerosis, Karen Couf Cohen Public Relations
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Best in PRSA Detroit - PR for Good Campaign: City of Oak Park, Michigan, Communications Department
The celebration will also mark the chapter’s annual leadership transition as the 2027 PRSA Detroit Board will be formally elected and Antonice Strickland,MPS, 2026 president, passes the gavel to incoming president Jeff Adkins.
Whether you're a longtime PRSA member, a communications professional looking to make new connections or simply interested in celebrating the work happening across our region, all are welcome!
We hope to see you there!
Courtney Jordan is a senior at Wayne State University studying communication studies. She leads WSU’s PRSSA as co-president and serves as PRSA Detroit’s 2026 Fall Chapter Intern.
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