Myrtle Beach woman recognized as one of the country’s top public relations professionals
November 5, 2018
Denise Blackburn-Gay, APR, President of Marketing Strategies, Inc. was honored during the Public Relations Society of American’s Annual Conference in Austin, TX. Denise, along with ten other public relations professionals from throughout the US, was inducted into the Society’s prestigious College of Fellows.
Founded in 1989, the College of Fellows is comprised of 350 professionals who were chosen for the positive impact they’ve had on the public relations profession throughout their careers. Only about one percent of PRSA members are Fellows.
Denise was recognized for her leadership and demonstrated success in PR in industries that include building and construction, medical and non-profit marketing, sports tourism, hospitality and her role as one of South Carolina’s only certified crisis communicators.
“I am honored,” said Denise Blackburn-Gay. “It is humbling to be inducted into such a prestigious organization and to be recognized among the best public relations practitioners in the country. I am proud to be part of this elite group of professionals.”
Earlier this year, Denise became South Carolina’s first woman to be inducted into membership in the Organization of American Women in Public Relations.
About Denise Blackburn-Gay, APR, Fellow PRSA
Denise Blackburn-Gay has been employed in the field of public relations for the last 30 years serving as a college professor and corporate executive before opening her firm, Marketing Strategies, Inc. She is one of only of 46 accredited (APR) professionals, and one of only two experts certified in Crisis Communication and Reputation Management in the State of South Carolina. In 2009, she earned distinction as the first female to be elected President of one of the country’s oldest and most credible advertising trade associations, MCAN. Denise has served on the Business Advisory Boards of Horry-Georgetown Technical College and the University of Florida and serves on the Board of Directors of many local civic organizations. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach and is a Paul Harris Fellow.
About the College of Fellows
The Public Relations Society of America’s College of Fellows, founded in 1989, is a community of more than 300 senior PRSA members who have advanced the public relations profession and distinguished themselves through their experience and leadership in the public relations industry. Admission is open to public relations practitioners or educators with 20 years’ experience or more who hold the Accredited in Public Relations(APR) credential and have demonstrated exceptional capability and accomplishment in the practice or teaching of public relations. College of Fellows members exhibit personal and professional qualities that make them role models for other practitioners or educators.
