Milestones in Mentoring Gala
Linda Rutherford — Betsy Plank Award
Linda Rutherford serves as an advisor at Southwest Airlines, where she previously held the role of chief administration officer. Known for building high-performing teams, Linda led key functions including Culture & Communications, DEI&B, Internal Audit, People, Talent Development, Total Rewards, AI & Technology and Southwest Airlines University. She joined the airline in 1992 after starting her career in journalism with Newsweek and the Dallas Times Herald.
A passionate advocate for education and strategic communications, Linda has contributed to several industry publications and served as an adjunct instructor nationwide. She actively supports her community through board service with organizations such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Arthur W. Page Society and Texas Tech University.
In 2022, she joined the Board of Directors for Frost Bank, serving on multiple committees. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including induction into Ragan’s Hall of Fame (2024), PRWeek Women of Distinction (2023) and the IPR Lifetime Achievement Award (2022).
Lisa Sepulveda — Legacy Award
Lisa Sepulveda is the global chief people and culture officer at Edelman and a member of the firm’s Executive Leadership Team. With over 30 years at Edelman, Lisa has built a reputation for developing talent, leading high-performing teams and delivering award-winning work. In her current role, she oversees global talent development, recruitment, and retention, championing a culture of innovation, creativity and inclusion.
Previously, Lisa served as global chief client officer, where she led Edelman’s global client portfolio and helped shape the firm’s approach to client engagement. She played a key role in iconic campaigns like Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty and its self-esteem initiatives.
Certified in Positive Psychology Coaching, Lisa is passionate about mentorship and well-being. She serves on the boards of She’s the First and Englewood Health.
Damon Jones — John “Jack” Koten Corporate Award
Damon Jones serves as chief communications officer for Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he leads global efforts to build, protect and enhance the reputation of one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. Under his leadership, P&G’s communications span more than 170 countries and include brand and corporate storytelling, digital and social media strategy, influencer engagement, issues advocacy and crisis management.
With nearly 30 years at P&G, Damon has held leadership roles across multiple regions—including North America, Europe and Asia—driving business success through strategic reputation management and stakeholder engagement. He is a trusted advisor to the C-suite and a champion of purpose-driven campaigns that resonate deeply with consumers and communities.
Damon’s work has earned widespread recognition, including Silver Anvils, Cannes Lions and Primetime Commercial Emmy awards and nominations. His commitment to civic engagement led him to serve as communications director for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, and he continues to advise and support numerous cultural and advocacy organizations.
Dr. Karen Miller Russell — Bruce K. Berger Award
Dr. Karen Miller Russell is professor emerita at the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, where she built a distinguished career as a scholar, educator and thought leader in public relations and media history. Before her retirement, she held the Jim Kennedy Professorship of New Media and was honored as a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor.
Karen’s research has shaped the understanding of public relations as a historical and cultural force. She authored influential books, including The Voice of Business and Promoting Monopoly, and served as editor of the Journal of Public Relations Research. Her work earned her the Pathfinder Award from the Institute for Public Relations, recognizing her lasting impact on the profession.
Known for her engaging teaching and mentorship, Karen inspired generations of students and scholars. Even in retirement, her legacy continues through the work of those she taught and mentored.
Christie Sithiphone — Emerging Leader Award
Christie Sithiphone leads inclusion, learning & development, employee engagement and wellness initiatives at Marina Maher Communications (MMC), part of Omnicom Public Relations Group. Previously, she served as global director of DE&I at Omnicom’s Communications Consultancy Network, supporting 24 agencies with equity-focused programming and talent strategies.
Her career spans roles at CNN Digital and Leadership Atlanta, where she championed culture-building, onboarding and leadership development. Christie also founded The Collective for Community Empowerment, a coalition of six young professional organizations driving cross-cultural impact.
A proud daughter of Lao refugees, Christie has been honored by Outstanding Atlanta and Georgia Asian Times for her community service.