The following influential leaders demonstrated a superior commitment to mentoring others and were honored at the Plank Center’s Milestones in Mentoring Gala at the Union League Club of Chicago.
Legacy Honorees
Recognizing individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to mentoring others and who, through their mentoring, have touched the lives of countless public relations professionals over the course of their distinguished and exceptional careers
- Ann Barkelew
- Harold Burson
- Dan Edelman
- Bob Feldman
- Pat Ford
- Al Golin
- Ginger Hardage
- Steve Harris
- Tom Hoog
- Rich Jernstedt
- Don Kirchoffner*
- Bill Nielsen
Agency Honorees
Recognizing agency leaders who have been outstanding mentors in an agency setting or consulting role
- Dale Bornstein
- John Deveney, Agency
- Matthew Harrington
- Aedhmar Hynes
- Margery Kraus
- Grace Leong
- Howard Paster*
- Andy Polansky
- Barri Rafferty
Emerging Leader Honorees
Honoring young professionals who are up-and-coming leaders and already paying it forward, while also providing reverse mentorship to more senior professionals
- Nick Lucido
- Ryan McShane
- Megan Newhouse
- Jose Rivera
- Danny Rubin
- Kevin Saghy
- Jesse Salazar
- Cheryl Sanclemente
- Joseph Tateoka
- Eric Winkfield
Educator Honorees
Honoring Dr. Bruce K. Berger, Professor Emeritus, Advertising and Public Relations Department, The University of Alabama, this award recognizes individuals who are, or have been, full-time educators who through mentoring have touched the lives and careers of countless students, whether in the classroom, in student-run firms and pre-professional societies (e.g., PRSSA) and/or in scholarly endeavors.
- Dr. Glen T. Cameron
- Dr. Culpepper Clark
- Dr. David Dozier
- Dr. Rochelle Ford
- Dr. Linda Hon
- Dr. Cathy Rogers
- Dr. Lynne Sallot
- Dr. Elizabeth Toth
- Dr. Judy VanSlyke Turk
Corporate Honorees
The Jack Koten Corporate Mentoring Award honors this influential public relations leader, and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to mentoring others. Honorees’ professional public relations roles have been internal to the organizations they support, and could include positions in corporate, military or non-profit entities.
- Nick Ashooh
- Joe Evangelisti
- Mike Fernandez
- Bob Jimenez
- Marilyn Laurie*
- Kelly McGinnis
- Jon Onoda
- Dave Samson
- Wendi Strong
- Jeff Winton
Executive Honorees
Recognizing non-public relations executives who make mentoring part of their leadership strategy, who encourage active mentoring at all levels of their organizations, and who recognize the critical role public relations professionals play in the organizations’ success.
- Cheryl Bachelder
- Dr. Stuart R. Bell
- Heide Gardner
- Peter Hirshberg
- Jon Iwata
- Shelly Lazarus
- Aylwin Lewis
- Gregg Sherrill
- Billy Shore
Betsy Plank Mentorship Honorees
The Betsy Plank Mentoring Award honors exemplary professionals who are in a class by themselves. This award is given only to those who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to mentoring and have had a profound impact on others, who in turn, have gone on to generate influence and foster relationships with their organization, community and profession.
- Tom Burrell
- Ralph Campagna
- Kim Hunter
*Honored posthumously