The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) presented the Patrick Jackson Award for Distinguished Service to Abbie S. Fink of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix. The award was presented at the PRSA 2016 International Conference during the Monday Networking Luncheon in Indianapolis.
The award is named in honor of the late and legendary Patrick Jackson, APR, Fellow PRSA, a widely known and respected practitioner in the public relations profession. It is intended to recognize a PRSA member who has significantly contributed to advancing PRSA from the Chapter to National levels, as well as furthered the Society by inspiring fellow practitioners professionally and personally.
Fink is a past president of the PRSA Phoenix Chapter, is a member of the PRSA Counselors Academy where she serves on the executive board as its 2016 past chair and is completing her second term as Section Council co-chair. Fink’s accolades include the PRSA Phoenix chapter’s highest honor, the Percy Award for her commitment to the industry as well as awards from the Arizona Festivals and Events Association, International Association of Business Communicators and the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Affairs for her work in media relations and special event management.
“Volunteerism has always been an important part of my life,” said Fink. “Whether that be volunteering with Phoenix PRSA on committees and its board of directors, co-chairing the Western District conference or serving on the executive committee of Counselors Academy, to countless other local and national task forces, panels and speaking engagements, my professional volunteer time has been dedicated to PRSA.”
For nearly 30 years, Fink has utilized her varied marketing communications background to serve organizations in both the private and public sector; including the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Quarles & Brady, Pioneer Title Agency and Washington Federal.
Fink is often called upon to present to a wide variety of business and civic organizations on such topics as media relations, social media and digital communications strategies, issues/crisis communications and special events management.
“We are proud to honor Abbie’s decades of contribution to the Society,” said Mark McClennan, APR, 2016 PRSA National Chair. “Pat Jackson called on us to be architects, not just carpenters. Abbie fits that mold. Her strategic insights, passion and dedication have helped grow and guide her local chapter and all our professional interest sections.”
One of the largest and foremost events for public relations and communications professionals, the PRSA International Conference offers professional development sessions led by experts in a variety of public relations disciplines. Conference attendees receive practical, actionable takeaways they can put to use immediately; the latest thinking on communication trends, strategies and best practices; a chance to meet and learn from the brightest minds in public relations; and the opportunity to network and build meaningful professional relationships.
