The 2026 Call for Nominations for the Michael L. Herman Excellence in Mentoring Award is now open.

Michael L. Herman Excellence in Mentoring Award

The North Carolina Chapter of PRSA proudly invites nominations for the 2026 Michael L. Herman Excellence in Mentoring Award, honoring one of the most meaningful and lasting contributions to our profession: mentorship. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, August 28, 2026.

A long-time PRSA member and Gold Anvil winner, Michael L. Herman was a tireless advocate for excellence in public relations education and a dedicated mentor who shaped countless careers. His legacy lives on through the professionals he guided, supported, and inspired.

Each year, NCPRSA recognizes an individual who embodies that same spirit—someone who invests in others, elevates the profession, and makes a lasting difference through mentorship. This award celebrates not just achievement, but impact—the kind that continues long after a conversation, a class, or a piece of advice.

Please plan to join us in celebrating this year’s recipient at the 2026 NCPRSA Strategic Communications Conference in November 2026.

Eligibility

The Excellence in Mentoring Award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the highest standards of mentorship through a sustained record of hands-on guidance and meaningful support to those pursuing a career in public relations.

Nominees must either practice, teach, or have practiced or taught in North Carolina, or have mentored someone who works or has worked in public relations or communications education within North Carolina.

Criteria for Consideration

The following are examples of qualities that contribute to excellence in mentoring. Nominees are not required to demonstrate all of these characteristics:

• Helps others develop the skills and resources needed to succeed as professional communicators
• Provides consistent support, advice, and encouragement in professional matters
• Demonstrates a genuine commitment to the personal and professional growth of mentees
• Serves as a trusted and respected role model
• Shows a sustained, long-term commitment to mentoring

Submitting a Nomination

There is no nomination fee. Submissions must be provided as an attached Microsoft Word document.

To ensure fairness in the review process, nominations should be complete, clearly written, and provide specific examples of the nominee’s mentoring impact. Strong submissions will demonstrate not only what the nominee has done, but how their mentorship has made a meaningful difference.

Nominations must be submitted by email to Awards Chair Matt Lail at MLail@GoTriangle.org by Friday, August 28, 2026.

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In Memoriam:

MICHAEL L. HERMAN, APR, FELLOW, PRSA

March 25, 1947 – January 3, 2015

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Past recipients

Roger Friedensen, APR

“Hours were spent under his tutelage thinking through all possibilities and potential roadblocks for our clients, while he simultaneously pushed me to lead and cheered me on along the way. His compassion, his talents, and his thoughtfulness knows no bounds. Still to this day, a comment from him brings a smile and reminds me I can be proud of who I am and what I do.”

2022 

Van Denton, NC Education Lottery

“Without a doubt, he has helped mold hundreds of North Carolina communications professionals with his steadfast commitment to AP style – albeit, not always much loved by his mentees— love of coaching new communications professionals, and innate desire to help others reach their full potential as writers and communicators.”

2021

Kiersten Wolf Williams, Genesis Strategies, LLC

“[Kiersten’s] ability to collaborate and teach at the same time is incredibly valuable. And all the while, working to help others learn and improve their skills – from writing, promotion and business outreach to networking and developing clear messages, she helps others to improve their outcomes for the goal. Kiersten is invested in the process of helping others succeed.”

2020

McGavock Edwards, APR, Eckel & Vaughan

“If we take Winston Churchill at his word —‘We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give’— then McGavock has made a truly remarkable life in her profession by so selflessly sharing her expertise and experiences with those around her. Those professionals’ careers have clearly been made richer by her mentoring.”

2019

Kelly Williamson, President, North American Region, APCO Worldwide

“Great mentorship looks different for everyone. I was lucky to have a mentor who advocated for me; helped me see my potential; and also taught me to be patient when I wasn’t ready for the next step. I’m honored to be able to serve as a mentor to others, whether they’re returning to work after having their first baby, as they start their career in communications, or as they reach for new heights of leadership. I’m thankful to NCPRSA for recognizing me with this award and helping myself and others in the chapter continue to live Michael Herman’s legacy.”

2018

Valerie Fields

“Receiving NCPRSA’s Michael L. Herman Award was an honor and an humbling recognition. I am grateful to my PR colleagues for their vote of confidence, and I appreciate the support from those who deemed my service and my work worthy of recognition.”

2017

Chuck Norman, APR, Owner & Principal, S&A Communications

“Throughout his career, Chuck has promoted education, professional development and sharing of best practices. At S&A Communications, employees are encouraged to joint professional organizations, attend professional development events, and contribute their subject matter expertise to blog articles and guest articles in trade media. Student interns perform hands-on client work rather than just administrative tasks.”

“[Chuck’s] continued passion for sharing his knowledge and experience are evidenced by his participation in every NC State PR Day event to which he’s invited, his agency’s environment of welcoming interns and student shadows, and his participation in Leadership Raleigh and Leadership Cary.”

2016

Tracy Phelan Lathan, APR, Account Strategist, Clairemont Communications

“Tracy mentors junior team members on day-to-day account management best practices and leads regular client service lunch-and-learn sessions for the agency.”

She “served in a mentor role as one of the first two professionals [IMRE] hired in Raleigh. Tracy was largely responsible for training and mentoring the additional employees the agency hired.”

“For the past five years, Tracy has served in the role of Accreditation chair on the Public Relations of Society Board of Directors to help other PR professionals in the Triangle work through the process to achieve this important designation…[She] meets with APR hopefuls to explain the process, provide study guides and recommend resources for areas of lacking knowledge. She is available for additional coaching throughout the several-month process.”

2015

Raymond J. Hornak, APR, Owner & Principal, Forge Communications

“[Ray] is the best kind of teacher: one who aids his mentees in dealing with the real world. He has helped many practitioners at all levels learn how to interact with clients, bosses and vendors. He has coached many agency teams to successful client pitches. He has helped numerous writers find the clarity and vision to connect with an audience. And he has helped provide perspective for many individuals struggling to take those next, best steps in life…whether professionally or personally, even when it has meant seeing a dear friend or trusted colleague move on to the next adventure.”

“Ray is a true coach who knows how to encourage people to bring out their best, even when they don’t know it’s there. And there’s no one better or more willing to listen and offer smart advice, whether it’s about work or life.”