Presidents Award Winners

Presidents Award 2025

Each year, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America recognizes an outstanding individual who uses public relations essentials to build positive awareness and reputation for the City of Cincinnati. We are thrilled to announce that Richard Graeter, President and CEO of Graeter’s Ice Cream, is the recipient of the 2025 Cincinnati PRSA Presidents Award.

For four generations, the Graeter Family has remained dedicated to the tradition of handcrafting artisanal ice cream that has become an iconic staple of the Cincinnati food landscape.

Since becoming CEO in 2007, Richard has worked with his cousins and a fantastic team to expand Graeter’s to cities throughout the Midwest, as well as expanding distribution to grocery stories across the US.

Cincinnati PRSA is not the first organization to notice Richard’s work. He was inducted into the Specialty Food Association hall of fame in 2020, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association hall of fame in 2021 and was named Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014. In 2015, the University of Cincinnati’s Goering Center for Family and Private Business also inducted the Graeter Family into its Family Business Hall of Fame.

Through his daily work, Richard uses PR essentials, including strategy, storytelling and brand building to elevate Graeter’s, making it a household name and brand synonymous with the city of Cincinnati. We probably don’t need to remind you that Graeter’s also has the distinct honor of being named to the coveted Oprah’s Favorite Things list!

Richard lives downtown with his wife, Nancy. Their children, Will and Kate, look forward to joining their cousins to be the fifth generation of the Graeter family continuing the legacy that began in 1870. 

Presidents Award 2024

Each year, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America recognizes an outstanding individual who uses public relations essentials to build positive awareness and reputation for the City of Cincinnati. We are thrilled to announce that Kristen Schlotman, President and CEO of Film Cincinnati, is the recipient of the 2024 Cincinnati PRSA Presidents Award.

Through Kristen’s leadership of this non-profit organization, Film Cincinnati has established the Cincinnati region as a premier destination for film production. Kristen is credited with nurturing a thriving film ecosystem which has created a billion-dollar industry in Ohio and a flourishing workforce. Her expertise in global incentives has been pivotal in leading initiatives to expand motion picture tax credits in both Ohio and Kentucky. Kristen has also fostered Film Cincinnati Live, a collaborative initiative that unites various regional film groups under one umbrella, promoting collaboration and providing year-round programming to support workforce development and entertainment.

Cincinnati PRSA is not the first organization to notice Kristen’s work. She is the 2024 Cincinnati Enquirer’s Woman of the Year, the 2024 YWCA Career Woman of Achievement, and among the Business Courier’s “Women Who Mean Business.” As a long-time accredited member of the Association of Film Commissions International, she is dedicated to advancing the evolution and sustainability of film commissions globally.

In addition to her professional FC achievements, Kristen produces passion projects, including a musical titled Label:less, which combines contemporary music, powerful choreography, and personal stories to spread a message of Heart, Humanity, and Hope. 

Through her daily work and her other projects, Kristen uses PR essentials, including strategy, storytelling and brand building to elevate Film Cincinnati and our community. In fact, we probably don’t need to tell you that Cincinnati is one of three finalists for hosting the Sundance Film Festival. In partnership with the City, Kristen and her team have done a tremendous job utilizing traditional media relations and social media to share this major accomplishment. 

Kristen and her husband, Mike Schlotman, are proud parents to Laila and Liv. 

Presidents Award 2023

PRSA Cincinnati Chapter is thrilled to announce that Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG Airport, is the recipient of the 2023 Presidents Award. The award honors a Cincinnatian who doesn't work in the public relations profession, but who uses PR essentials - strategy, storytelling, and brand building - to bring positive awareness and build a positive reputation for the City of Cincinnati.

Candace is a highly experienced aviation professional, boasting over three decades of operational and legal expertise. Under her leadership, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has flourished, earning recognition as the "Best Regional Airport in North America" by Skytrax for eight consecutive years since 2011. Candace's team has successfully positioned the airport for future success by navigating the challenges of a once-in-a-generation pandemic, expanding and renovating the terminal, diversifying revenues through various means, and enhancing international passenger air service. CVG has become a central hub for e-commerce in the United States, hosting Amazon Air's largest cargo operation globally and DHL's second-largest Global Super Hub for the Americas.

Candace's influence extends beyond CVG; she's a prominent figure in the airport industry, serving as the incoming Chair of the World Board of Airports Council International and holding positions on two U.S. Department of Transportation boards. Additionally, she's actively engaged in various local and state boards, including the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System, among others. Her educational background includes a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and bachelor's and master's degrees from Duquesne University.

Presidents Award 2022

PRSA Cincinnati Chapter is thrilled to announce that John Lomax, Former Anchor for Local 12 News, is the recipient of the 2022 Presidents Award. The award honors a Cincinnatian who doesn't work in the public relations profession, but who uses PR essentials - strategy, storytelling and brand building - to bring positive awareness and build a positive reputation of the City of Cincinnati.

John first moved to the Cincinnati area from Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1983 when he was hired by WKRC-TV as its Northern Kentucky reporter, and has lived in Greater Cincinnati ever since. He transitioned into the role of morning news anchor in 1990 and was a keystone of Good Morning Cincinnati for more than 30 years until his retirement this April, ending a long and distinguished career.

President's Award 2021

PRSA Cincinnati Chapter is thrilled to announce that Marty Brennaman, Former Broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds, is the recipient of the 2021 Presidents Award, the highest honor the Chapter can bestow upon a non-public relations professional. The award honors a Cincinnatian who doesn't work in the public relations profession, but who uses PR essentials - strategy, storytelling and brand building - to bring positive awareness and build the positive reputation of the City of Cincinnati.

Marty Brennaman spent 55 years in broadcasting including 46 seasons in the Cincinnati Reds radio booth. He retired following the 2019 season and on August 27, 2021, became the first broadcaster inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame.

Brennaman joined the Reds radio team in 1974 and for 31 seasons (1974-2004) shared the 700 WLW Radio booth with Reds Hall of Fame pitcher Joe Nuxhall. Brennaman is only the eighth Major League Baseball broadcaster to work for the same team for at least 46 seasons.

Brennaman received the Ford C. Frick Award on July 23, 2000, in ceremonies at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The award is presented each year by the Hall of Fame to a broadcaster “for major contributions to the game of baseball.”

Brennaman was named Ohio Sportscaster of the Year 17 times, most recently in 2018. He won the Virginia Sportscaster of the Year Award four times. In 2013, he was inducted into the Hampton Roads (VA) Sports Hall of Fame. In 2005, he was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame and the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago. In 1999, he was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.

Marty married his wife Amanda in 2012. He has one son, Thom, two daughters, Dawn and Ashley, and seven grandchildren.

Presidents Award 2019

PRSA Cincinnati Chapter is thrilled to announce that Iris Simpson Bush, Executive Director of the Flying Pig Marathon, is the recipient of the 2019 Presidents Award, the highest honor the Chapter can bestow upon a non-public relations professional. The award honours a Cincinnatian who doesn't work in the public relations profession, but who uses PR essentials - strategy, storytelling and brand building - to bring positive awareness and build the positive reputation of the City of Cincinnati.

As a Cincinnati native, Iris has always had a special place in her heart for her hometown and has made giving back to her community a priority.

She has been with the Flying Pig Marathon since its inception in a number of capacities, from board member to executive director. Along the way she has helped lead the "Pig" from a novelty themed marathon to a weekend sports festival that now is the 15th largest in the country and is a major economic driver for the community, adding an estimated $12 million to the local economy each Flying Pig weekend.

Along the way Iris has made sure the Marathon gives back to the community, helping charities and non-profits raise more than a million dollars each of the last five years. And she has worked to give women and girls the chance to participate in a race of their own, founding the Queen Bee Half Marathon and 4-Mile event in the fall with an emphasis on female runners and female-centric non-profits. Over the last six years of the Queen Bee, the event has raised a half million dollars for charity.

She also represents Cincinnati on the national stage as the Immediate Past President of the Board of Running USA. In 2018, she was named to the Running USA Hall of Champions, a prestigious group of industry leading honorees who have served the sport with distinction. Whether locally or nationally, Iris Simpson Bush is an unapologetic cheerleader for her hometown of Cincinnati.

Presidents Award 2018

We're thrilled to announce that Molly Wellmann, craft cocktail mixologist, business owner, and author, is the recipient of Cincinnati PRSA's 2018 Presidents Award, the highest honor the Chapter can bestow upon a non-public relations professional. The award honors a Cincinnatian who doesn't work in the public relations profession, but who uses PR essentials - strategy, storytelling and brand building - to bring positive awareness and build the positive reputation of the City of Cincinnati.

Molly exemplifies these qualities and more. A native Cincinnatian and graduate of Colerain High School, Molly is credited with bringing craft-cocktail culture to the Queen City.  

From early on in her career, she immersed herself in the knowledge of classic cocktails and fine spirits; studying the history and proper preparation of classic cocktails invented in the 1700's to the 1950's. She uses these cocktails as a base for creating new and innovative drinks containing simple syrups, bitters, liquors and fresh juices. 

Molly's passion for classic cocktails has turned into a career - she is now the sole proprietor and owner of Japp's Since 1879 in Over-the-Rhine and Myrtle's Punch House in East Walnut Hills, and author of "Handcrafted Cocktails: The Mixologist's Guide to Classic Drinks for Morning, Noon & Night."

In addition to her business interests, Molly is well-known for her charitable engagement throughout Cincinnati, donating her time and expertise to non-profit organizations throughout the city.

Molly has been featured in Cincinnati Magazine, Cincinnati Enquirer, imbibe Magazine, People Magazine, CityBeat, and Cincy Chic, as well as many well-read blogs across the country. 

In addition to her Presidents Award honour, she is also regularly voted as the best mixologist/bartender in Cincinnati by readers of CityBeat magazine.

Presidents Award 2017

We're proud to announce that Buddy LaRosa is the recipient of Cincinnati PRSA's 2017 Presidents Award. The Presidents Award is the highest honor PRSA Cincinnati Chapter can bestow on a non-public relations professional. The award honors a Cincinnatian who doesn't work in the public relations profession, but who uses PR essentials - strategy, storytelling and brand building - to bring positive awareness and build the positive reputation of the City of Cincinnati.

Buddy embodies all these qualities and more. Not only has his iconic pizzeria, LaRosa's, greatly impacted the Cincinnati region, but he continues to give back to the community in many ways.

Buddy's favorite quote:

"Good Better Best, Never Let It Rest, Until Your Good Is Better and Your Better Is Best"

It's easy to see how Buddy has taken this quote to heart in all his endeavors.

In 1954 Buddy opened his first pizzeria on Boudinot Avenue in Western Hills after his discharge from the Navy. LaRosa's now has 65 family pizzerias which serve communities throughout Greater Cincinnati; Northern Kentucky; Southeast Indiana; Dayton; Columbus; and Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as locations at Kings Island, Coney Island, The Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Great American Ball Park.     

He is also the founder of the Cincinnati Golden Gloves for Youth; a non-profit organization serving our community youth in the OTR Boxing Center focused on programs building character, self-esteem, discipline, sportsmanship and values to live productive and drug free lives. He is a member of the Golden Gloves Hall of Fame, the Roger Bacon High School Hall of Fame and the Hamilton County Sports Hall of Fame.

Presidents Award 2016

At our last event of 2016, Thane Maynard, Director of the Cincinnati Zoo, was presented the 2016 Presidents Award.

Friends and colleagues honor Thane Maynard, recipient of the 2016 President's Award

Past presidents gather around Thane Maynard. Back row, from left: Carrie Phillippi, APR; Rob Pasquinucci, APR, Mike Boehmer, APR; Thane Maynard, Lee Oberlag, APR; Shara Clark, APR; Lauren Doyle, APR; Jonathan Kissell, APR. Front row, Rick Pender, APR, Fellow PRSA; and Tom Schick, APR, Fellow PRSA.

Thane Maynard is indeed a worthy recipient. He is one of the most respected zoo leaders in the country, but the past year truly let his ambassadorial light shine. As the chief spokesman of the zoo during a protracted crisis, he was called upon again and again to represent the zoo in the sometimes unforgiving glare of the public spotlight. He did that with clarity and empathy for all those involved, from the family to the zoo team to the public itself.

Congratulations, Thane, on this well-deserved award and thank you for all your work on behalf of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Zoo.

Presidents Award 2015

On June 3, 2015, Sister Rose Ann Fleming, SND de N, athlete academic adviser at Xavier University, was presented with the Presidents Award. During the luncheon ceremony, four of her long-time colleagues – Gary Massa, Sister Rita Sturwold, Jamal Walker and Tom Schick, APR – shared their recollections of working with the tenacious nun during her 30-year career at the university. In addition, Sister Rose Ann shared her own advice for success in life.

She spoke of principles that applied not just to basketball players, but public relations professionals. These principles include: defining one's successes not by the amount of wins and loses, but about performing at your personal your personal best; ensuring there is continuous improvement; and one all PR professionals can relate to, putting the team first. For a more detailed look at Sister Rose Ann's comments, see the PR Visions blog post, Sister Rose Ann's principles of success through a PR lens.

Sister Rose Ann was a fine honouree for this year’s Presidents Award.

Presidents Award 2014

The recipient of the 2014 Presidents Award is Anthony Muñoz of the Anthony Muñoz Foundation. for his efforts to impact the lives of Tri-State youth mentally, physically and spiritually. It is estimated that the foundation has touched the lives of more than 30,000 youth - and counting. While his roots are in California, his jersey hangs in the Hall of Fame, but his heart and his passion are in Cincinnati. For that, and for his never-ending inspiration and encouragement, we salute him.

Presidents Award 2013

In 2013, Cincinnati PRSA presented its annual Presidents Award to Dr. Catherine Roma of MUSE, Cincinnati's Women's Choir, May 15 at St. John's Unitarian Universalist Church. The award-winning MUSE kicked-off the event with an inspirational performance. The chapter extends a special thank you to its past presidents who served as special "patrons" of the event. The Presidents Award honors individuals who are not PR professionals but who use PR to improve the Greater Cincinnati community.

PRSA Presidents Award Recipients

  • Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG Airport (2023)

  • John Lomax, Former Anchor for Local 12 News (2022)

  • Marty Brennaman, Former Broadcaster, Cincinnati Reds (2021)

  • Iris Simpson Bush, Executive Director, Flying Pig Marathon (2019)

  • Molly Wellmann, Craft Cocktail Mixologist, business owner, and author (2018)

  • Buddy LaRosa, Founder, LaRosa's Pizzeria (2017)

  • Thane Maynard, Director of the Cincinnati Zoo (2016)

  • Sister Rose Ann Fleming, SND de N, athlete academic adviser at Xavier University (2015)

  • Anthony Muñoz, Cincinnati Bengals Hall-of-Famer and President, the Anthony Muñoz Foundation (2014)

  • Dr. Catherine Roma, MUSE, Cincinnati Women's Choir (2013)

  • James C. Votruba, President, NKU, 2007 - 2012 (2012)

  • Tom Cody, Tireless Community Volunteer and Civic Leader (2011)

  • Kathy Wade, International Entertainer/Producer and Community Bridge-Builder(2010)

  • Eric Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Maestro and international conductor (2009)

  • Dan Hurley, WKRC-TV reporter and Cincinnati historian (2008)

  • Cathryn Hilker, Founder & Director, Cincinnati Zoo Cat Ambassador Program (2007)

  • Ross Love, Entrepreneur and Community Volunteer (2006)

  • Ed Rigaud, Founding Exec. Director, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (2005)

  • Nick and Nina Clooney, Greater Cincinnati celebrity couple (2003)

  • Ed Stern, Producing Artistic Director, Playhouse in the Park (2002)

  • Sheila Adams, President & CEO, Urban League (2001)

  • Dr. Leon Boothe, President Emeritus, Northern Kentucky University (2000)

  • Sister Jean Patrice Harrington, S.C., former President, College of Mount St. Joseph (1999)

  • Charles Mechem, retired Chairman, Cincinnati Bell (1998)

  • David Phillips, CEO, Downtown Cincinnati, Inc. (1997)

  • Bobbie Sterne, former Mayor of Cincinnati (1996)

  • Dr. Lawrence Hawkins, Chairman of Omni-Man and retired educator (1995)

  • Clement Buenger, retired Chairman, Fifth Third Bancorp (1994)

  • Charlene Ventura, Executive Director, Cincinnati YWCA (1993)

  • George Rieveschl, Ph.D., retired chemist and long-time philanthropist (1991)

  • Paul Flory, Director, Thriftway ATP Tournament (1990)

  • Stephen Gibbs, Director, Cincinnati Free Store (1989)

The Public Relations Society of America, based in New York City, is the world's largest organization for public relations professionals helping to advance the profession and the professional. Its nearly 20,000 members, organized into 116 chapters nationwide represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. For info about the national PRSA, please visit prsa.org.

                     

Join Our Mailing List