The New Jersey Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America celebrated some of the Garden State’s most innovative public relations programs and dedicated industry professionals at its 36th annual Pyramid Awards at the Madison Hotel.
Bill Murray, who served as an executive vice president at MikeWorldWide and died in June after more than three decades at the firm, was posthumously awarded the chapter’s inaugural Legacy Award. Murray’s wife, Sarah, accepted the award on his behalf, noting that the evening marked what would have been their 33rd wedding anniversary — making the milestone both poignant and special.
The Chapter introduced a new update to this year’s competition, enabling nonprofits and government entities to enter the Awards for free and be judged separately from for-profit entities. Each category could have up to two award winners — one for-profit and one nonprofit or government entity.
This year’s “Best in Show” winners were the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission for an educational campaign on safe and legal cannabis use and Caryl Communications’ “Antarctica or Bust” campaign for its client, Oxford Crossings, a senior care community that enabled a 94-year-old resident and lifelong traveler a chance to realize her dream of visiting Antarctica through a virtual reality experience. These entries received the highest average score from judges.
Lupe Dragon, a public relations specialist at SCG Advertising & Public Relations, received the Chapter’s Rising Star Award, and Michael Cherenson, APR, Fellow PRSA, an executive vice president at SCG Advertising & Public Relations and former president of the New Jersey Chapter, received the PR Professional of the Year Award.
“In a time of rapid change and constant industry challenges, New Jersey’s public relations and communications professionals continue to show up with purpose, creativity, and unwavering dedication to their organizations and clients,” Brendan Middleton, president of the PRSA NJ board, said. “On behalf of the board, I applaud our deserving honorees and thank them for their support of our chapter and its membership.” More information about PRSA NJ can be found on the Chapter’s website, at www.prsanj.org. A full list of the winners and honorable mentions is below.
Best in Show
- New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission
- Caryl Communications
PR Professional of the Year
- Michael Cherenson, APR, Fellow PRSA
Rising Star Award
- Lupe Dragon
Special Chapter Recognition
- RWJBarnabas Health
PRSA NJ Legacy Award
- In memory of William Murray
Integrated Marketing
- New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission
- Coyne PR
- Honorable Mention: State of New Jersey, Office of Innovation
Community Relations
- Violet PR
Content
- Caryl Communications
Public Affairs
- Violet PR
Influencer Campaigns
- Coyne PR
Websites
- Honorable Mention: Mental Health Association in New Jersey (in partnership with Propeller Communications)
Events
- Violet PR
Reputation Management
- Coyne PR
- Honorable Mention: SCG Advertising & Public Relations
Visual Communications/Infographics
- The JPR Group, LLC
Media Relations
- RWJ Barnabas Health
