Diane Smith named 2023 Percy Award recipient by the Public Relations Society of America Phoenix Chapter

Posted on Oct. 16, 2023  /  Awards, Member Highlights  /  Subscribe 0

PHOENIX (Oct. 12, 2023) — Diane Smith, public relations and communications manager at Pima Medical Institute, was named the 2023 Percy Award recipient by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Phoenix Chapter. Today, Smith was presented the award—the highest individual honor bestowed by the Chapter—at the annual Copper Anvil Awards ceremony in recognition of her service to PRSA’s Phoenix Chapter, Western District and national office.

Established in 1960, the Percy Award is earned by a professional who has demonstrated excellence in the practice of public relations, is an active supporter of PRSA Phoenix and has made positive contributions to the Phoenix community. The award is only given when a panel of past recipients agrees on a deserving practitioner.

Smith currently serves as Chair of the PRSA Western District, which provides regional leadership and representation for 11 Chapters in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii and Nevada. As Chair, she has prioritized District leadership and communications in support of Chapters and has increased awareness and value of the District for its members. Smith previously served on the PRSA Phoenix Chapter Board of Directors, including as Chair in 2020, and volunteers as the professional advisor for Arizona State University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Chapter. She has also served on the national PRSA Board Nominating Committee and is a member of PRSA’s Counselors to Higher Education Professional Interest Section.

Smith has more than 17 years of experience in public relations and over 10 years in broadcasting as a producer and executive producer. In her current role at Pima Medical Institute, Smith oversees all external communications, media relations and social media for the medical career college’s 16 ground campuses and its online division. She also handles all corporate communications needs. Smith holds a master’s degree in journalism from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Arizona State University.

PRSA Phoenix supports public relations professionals across the Valley through professional development, accreditation, events and networking, award programs and more. The Chapter also supports PRSSA students at the state’s universities and colleges. Learn more at phoenixprsa.org.

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