Washington Women in Public Relations Announces Winners of 2012 Emerging Leaders Awards

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) named Olivia Doherty, Laura Hornbuckle and Jennifer Myers winners of the 2012 Emerging Leaders Awards (ELA). The third annual ELA honors rising stars, ages 23-30, in the public relations and communications field for their professional accomplishments.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120719/DC42921 ) 

2012 WWPR Emerging Leader Awards Winners:

Olivia Doherty, The Hatcher Group, Director of Communications

Doherty provides comprehensive strategic communications expertise to nonprofit clients working to advance social change. She previously worked with the Pew Center on the States, where she oversaw the planning and execution of major report releases that earned media coverage in hundreds of media outlets, including top-tier outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, Reuters and The Associated Press. Doherty also serves as an executive board member of FAIR Girls, providing strategic communications guidance for the international nonprofit that helps girls avoid and escape trafficking.

Laura Hornbuckle, Edelman Public Relations, Account Supervisor

Hornbuckle manages influencer and industry outreach efforts, executes speaking engagements and implements media outreach plans in key markets for clients such as American Petroleum Institute (API), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Royal Dutch Shell. In addition to her client work, she serves on the Washington office's Editorial Services Team and is the philanthropy chair of the Living in Color initiative, organizing the office's community outreach activities. In June 2012, Hornbuckle was honored with the Chairman's Quality Award for an Initiative by Edelman Public Relations.

Jennifer Myers, StrategyOne, Research Director

Myers provides strategic analysis and communications guidance and manages the firm's overall research design and execution of primary research programs. She manages both quantitative and qualitative research programs for clients such as Walmart, Boeing, GE, Anheuser-Busch, Shell and Chase. She is also recognized as an agency expert in public affairs, messaging and crisis management.

2012 Judges Panel:

A distinguished panel of judges selected the finalists based on their record of excellence and accomplishments in their careers thus far, as well as their leadership qualities and ethical standards.

The 2012 judges included:

• Patrick Brady, Senior Vice President, Stanton Communications
• Alana Hill, Media Relations Professional, IBM and President, Black Public Relations Society – Washington, D.C.
• Carrie Jones, Principal, Managing Director, JPA
• Melanie Jordan, Managing Director, PRofessional Solutions
• Kendra Kojcsich, Vice President, Porter Novelli (WWPR Past President)
• Rachel Querry, Senior Director of Communications, Humane Society of the United States
• Maria Rodriguez, President, Vanguard Communications

"WWPR is honored to recognize these three talented women," said Tina McCormack Beaty, WWPR President. "They show the potential to contribute to the public relations and communications industry for many years to come, making them truly emerging leaders."

The complete list of 2012 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards finalists included: Liz Bryan, Account Director, Spectrum; Olivia Doherty; Laura Hornbuckle; Jennifer Myers; Samantha Reho, Public Affairs Strategist, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Department of the Army; and Jess Stone, Digital Media Specialist and Senior Associate, Gibraltar Associates.

The ELA awardees were announced at a cocktail reception on Tuesday, July 17 at the National Press Club. NBC 4's anchor Angie Goff was the keynote speaker.

The 2012 ELAs were made possible by the following businesses:

Gold Sponsors: Boss Ladies Mean Business; Central Michigan University; DS Simon; Edelman Public Relations; National Press Club; Porter Novelli; PR Newswire; Strauss Radio Strategies; Z Communications

Silver Sponsors: JPA; Ketchum; WestGlen Communications.

Bronze Sponsors: CARMA International; Gibraltar Associates; Hager Sharp; Keenan PR; NAPS; National Restaurant Association; Widmeyer Communications.

Event Supporters: Sprinkles Cupcakes; Rappahannock Cellars; Liza Boukard of DBI Events; Scott LaLonde, Event Designer, and New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer.

About Washington Women in Public Relations
Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is the first and only D.C. based professional organization advancing women in the communications industry. WWPR is committed to delivering outstanding professional development, networking, marketplace positioning, and leadership opportunities to area communicators. Visit us at wwpr.org, find us on Facebook.com/WashingtonWomeninPR and follow us on Twitter @WWPR.

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http://wwpr.org/newsroom/

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SOURCE Washington Women in Public Relations