• Communicator of the Year: Dr. Joann Massey, president and CEO of Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) for Memphis 
• Legacy Achievement Award: Jeremy C. Park, CEO of CEO of cityCURRENT
• Student Communicator of the Year: Erika Konig, University of Memphis student 

“This year’s Communicator of the Year honorees reflect the depth, diversity and talent within our communications community,” said Jasmine Phillips Jones, President of PRSA Memphis. “From seasoned professionals to emerging student leaders, each honoree demonstrates the power of strategic communication to inform, inspire and drive meaningful change. We look forward to celebrating these incredible communicators.”

The Communicator of the Year award honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding ability to engage the public, achieve high visibility, and make significant contributions to our community. For more than 45 years, this award has recognized excellence in communication across all sectors—not just public relations professionals. The 2026 recipient is Dr. Joann Massey, president and CEO of the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County (EDGE), and president of the International Port of Memphis.

The Legacy Achievement Award recognizes a communications or media professional who has made a lasting impact on Memphis or a local civic or philanthropic organization. The 2026 recipient is Jeremy C. Park, CEO of cityCURRENT, vice president and shareholder at Higginbotham. 

The Student Communicator of the Year award celebrates emerging talent in the communications field. The 2026 recipient is Erika Konig, University of Memphis journalism student and national award winning storyteller. 

The three honorees will be recognized at a luncheon on February 5, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the University Club of Memphis.

For more than 45 years, PRSA Memphis has presented its Communicator of the Year Award to honor individuals for their outstanding ability to engage the public, achieve high visibility, and make significant community contributions. Awardees are not limited to public relations professionals. The selection committee evaluates the challenges faced in achieving a goal and the impact on the community. Notable honorees include Mayor Paul Young, Ted Townsend, Dr. James R. Downing, Penny Hardaway, Joe Birch, Cecil Humphreys, Allie Prescott, Linn Sitler, D'Army Bailey, Mayor W.W. Herenton, John Calipari, Dr. Scott Morris, Fred Jones, Beverly Robertson, Molly Meisenheimer, and Otis Sanford.

Nominations were submitted by public relations professionals and the Memphis community in November 2025, and winners were determined by the PRSA board of directors in December 2025.

Register to attend.

To help support this event, review 2026 sponsorship opportunities and contact [email protected].