Two Salem Public Relations Professionals Honored By Oregon's Public Relations Society Of America: Brad Hilliard And Ryan VanNatta Gail Recognized For Professional Excellence (Photo) - 10/23/26
SALEM, Ore. (Oct. 23, 2026) — PRSA Oregon, a local chapter of the leading professional organization for public relations professionals in Oregon and southwest Washington, announced that two Salem-area public relations professionals are among the 2026 Spotlight Awards of Distinction recipients. Brad Hilliard, APR, will receive the Olga M. Haley Mentorship Award, and Ryan VanNatta Gail, CAE, will receive the New Professional Award of Excellence. The awards recognize individuals who have provided exemplary service to the chapter, profession and community. The honors will be presented Nov. 18, 2026, at the Spotlight Awards at Nordic Northwest’s Nordia House.
“These recognitions are a small token of our collective appreciation for these public relations leaders,” said Kelliann Amico, APR, Fellow PRSA, president of PRSA Oregon.
Olga M. Haley Mentorship Award
Brad Hilliard, APR, CLU
Hilliard has demonstrated a sustained commitment to developing communications professionals, students, interns, colleagues and nonprofit leaders. As chief communications officer for the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corp., he leads strategic communications, marketing, media relations and digital engagement across multiple ministries. A longtime PRSA volunteer and former president of the Oregon Chapter, Hilliard is recognized for making mentorship a consistent part of his professional and community service.
New Professional Award of Excellence
Gail has quickly distinguished himself as a thoughtful communicator and upcoming leader. His work at VanNatta Public Relations and community involvement, including the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders Program and the Fentanyl Free Oregon campaign, reflect a commitment to service, collaboration and continued professional growth. He supports communications, membership administration, events and association operations while bringing a confident, community-minded approach to each project.
Also recognized were Portland-area public relations professionals Carol Fenstermacher, APR, recipient of the William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award, and Darcie Meihoff, APR, recipient of the Ron Schmidt Community Involvement Award.
To read more about each honoree’s accomplishments, click the link in their name or visit the blog. To learn more about the Spotlight Awards and purchase tickets, visit the PRSA Oregon website.
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About PRSA
PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Signature events include the Anvil Awards and ICON, the premier annual gathering for communications professionals and students. For more information, visit www.prsa.org.
About PRSA Oregon
The Public Relations Society of America Oregon Chapter (PRSA Oregon Chapter) is the premier communications, public relations and marketing chapter serving Oregon and Clark and Skamania counties in southwest Washington. To learn more about PRSA Oregon or to become a member, visit the website. Stay connected through LinkedIn and Instagram.
