President’s Leadership Award

In honor of PRSA Hawaii’s 60th Anniversary celebration, the President’s Leadership Award was established to recognize an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the success of the chapter and the profession.

This award is bestowed annually at the discretion of the PRSA Hawaii president in counsel with the chapter’s Board of Directors.

Read more about the Annual Koa Avil Awards event.

President’s Leadership Award 2025: Makana McClellan

 

 

PAST RECIPIENTS

2024 – Erica Yamauchi, Director of Communications & Engagement, State Office of Wellness & Resilience

2023 – Jaclyn Hawse, USS Missouri Memorial

2022 – Piia Aarma

2021 – Carolyn Tanaka

2020 – Keith DeMello, Ulupono Initiative

2019 – Elisa Yadao, HMSA

2018 – Sonja Swenson Rogers, Polynesian Voyaging Society

2017 – Darlene Morikawa, Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau

2016 – Amy Hennessey, APR, Ulupono Initiative

2015 – Huy Vo, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

2014 – Joan Bennet, Bennet Group Strategic Communications

2013 – Nathan Kam, McNeil Wilson Communications

2012 – BJ Whitman, APR, PRSA Fellow, BJW Public Relations

2011 – Ruth Limtiaco, The Limtiaco Company

2010 – Melissa Chang, APR, Adstreamz

2009 – Ruth Ann Becker, Becker Communications

2008 – Brandi Boatner, 2008-2009 Public Relations Student Society of America President

2007 – David McNeil and David Wilson, McNeil Wilson Communications

 

2025 President’s Leadership Award

Makana McClellan 

Director of Communications

Office of the Governor

State of Hawai‘i